Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships (for low and middle income Commonwealth countries)

Funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.<br /> <br /> Purpose: To widen access to UK equipment and expertise for high quality doctoral candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, and to contribute to UK and Commonwealth higher education and research through collaboration and partnerships.<br /> <br /> Intended beneficiaries: High-quality graduates whose proposed research has a developmental and leadership focus and who have the potential to become influential teachers or researchers in their home countries.

<p><strong>Applicants should apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) using the CSC's online application system. The deadline for applications is 16:00 GMT on 16 December 2024.</strong></p> <p><strong>Postgraduate Split-Site Scholarships are for PhD candidates from low and middle income Commonwealth countries to spend up to 12 months at a UK University as part of their doctoral studies in their home country (which can be divided into two periods of 6 months each).</strong></p> <p>For information on:</p> <ul> <li>Eligible nations</li> <li>Rate of maintenance grant and other allowances</li> <li>Selection criteria</li> </ul> <p>Please visit the <a href="https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-split-site-scholarships-for-low-and-middle-income-countries/" target="_blank">Commonwealth Scholarships Commission website</a> for full details.</p>

<p><strong>Stage 1</strong> - first of all apply for <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">a research place of study</a> by completing a study application form.</p> <p><strong>Stage 2</strong> - once you are in receipt of your 9 digit Student Application ID, complete the application process as directed by the <a href="https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-split-site-scholarships-for-low-and-middleincome- countries/" target="_blank">Commonwealth Scholarships Commission’s website</a>.</p> <p>Applications to the Commonwelath Scholarships Commission must include all required supporting documentation as detailed on the CSC website.</p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>For general information about applying for Commonwealth Scholarships or Fellowships, please refer to the <a href="https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/commonwealth-scholarships-frequently-asked-questions/" target="_blank">CSC FAQs page</a> </p> <p>For queries not covered on the website, please use the contact <a href="https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/about-us/contact-us/" target="_blank">CSC form</a> </p>