Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and vulnerable states)

Commonwealth PhD scholarships are for high-quality graduates from specific least developed countries and vulnerable states, who have the potential to undertake world-class research of a developmental nature and to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries.<br /> <br /> Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth PhD scholarships contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a developmental impact. They also enhance individual teaching and research capacity leading to increase institutional capacity in academic and other sectors in Commonwealth countries, and will contribute to UK higher education and research by attracting high-calibre international applicants and encouraging links and collaboration, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.<br /> <br /> Students must apply well in advance through the Commonwealth Scholarship Nominator in their home country. Each Nominator will have their own internal deadlines prior to the final Commonwealth Scholarship Commission deadline.<br /> <br /> This award provides full academic fees, maintenance, return airfare and other allowances.

<p><strong>Closing Date for Application forms 16:00 BST Tuesday 20 October 2026.</strong></p> <p>The award is offered to scholars pursuing study under six CSC Development themes:</p> <ol> <li>Science and technology for development</li> <li>Improving population health, health systems and capacity</li> <li>Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship</li> <li>Strengthening peace, security and governance</li> <li>Strengthening resilience and response to crises</li> <li>Access, inclusion and opportunity</li> </ol> <p>Please visit the <a href="https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-phd-scholarships-for-least-developed-countries-and-vulnerable-states/" target="_blank">Commonwealth Scholarships Commission website</a> for information on:</p> <ul> <li>Eligible nations</li> <li>Rate of maintenance grant</li> <li>Additional provisions of the scholarship</li> <li>Deadlines</li> <li>Selection criteria</li> </ul>

<p><strong>Stage 1 – </strong>first of all apply for <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees" target="_blank">a research place of study</a> by completing a study application form.</p> <p><strong>Stage 2 – o</strong>nce 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-phd-scholarships-for-least-developed-countries-and-vulnerable-states/" target="_blank">Commonwealth Scholarships Commission’s website.</a></p>

To be eligible for this scholarship applicants must hold by September 2027 a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). Applicants must also meet the University of Leeds academic entry requirements for their chosen programme of study. The CSC recognises that disabled people have often faced and overcome challenges or barriers in their education journey which have prevented them achieving the academic requirement for a Commonwealth Scholarship. Disabled applicants who can demonstrate their potential to contribute to international development but who do not hold a 2:1 Undergraduate degree may be considered for a contextualised nomination through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) nominator https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/ngos-and-charitable-body-nominators/

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 further information please contact Postgraduate Scholarships <a href="mailto:pg_scholarships@leeds.ac.uk">pg_scholarships@leeds.ac.uk</a> <br />  </p>