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Intended beneficiaries: Commonwealth PhD scholarships are for high-quality graduates 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.

These scholarships are offered under the six CSC Development themes.

How to apply

Applications for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year are now open.

The closing date for applications is 16:00 BST on Tuesday 20 October.

Please note that this opportunity is for study in the UK beginning in September/October 2027.

Applications to the CSC are made using the application system, CSC Central.

The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via CSC Central.

Candidates wishing to save a copy of an application that has already been submitted can access the system and use the ‘view a submitted application’ function.

It is recommended to prepare answers outside of the system and then add them to the form once they have been finalised.

There is a template application form and guidance document available to assist applicants when applying.

The form uses a two-factor authentication (2FA) system and will require access to either a smartphone or a second email account when registering. The 2FA system must be passed each time a user logs in to access the form.

When logging in to view a saved or completed application, a user will be asked for a reference (in format 01234-SSP-UK-15) and a 22-character passcode. These are found in the Application Reference Number email you received upon completing the enter your details page. Please remember to keep this email and the details contained within it safe.

Candidates are asked to note:

• The save function should be used to avoid loss of data.

• Refreshing the browser window will cause candidates to exit the form and will result in any unsaved data being lost.

• Applications may not be edited after submitting.

Candidates are advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible as we anticipate that the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline and we are not able to accept late applications if you run out of time to submit.

Users should use system back buttons rather than those on the browser. Please note that clicking on the CSC logo will return users to the log in screen where they will need to pass 2FA again to enter again.

As well as applying to the CSC, applicants must apply to a nominator.

There are two types of nominator invited to participate in the PhD Scholarship programme:

• National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application.

• Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.

Participating nominators put forward an agreed number of candidates to the CSC for consideration. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.

Each nominator oversees its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria. Applicants must check with the nominator for their specific advice and rules for applying, and their own eligibility criteria.

Nominators may set their own closing dates for applications. They will nominate candidates to the CSC in December 2026.

Selections are made from the pool of nominations. Candidates are asked to note that a nomination is no guarantee of selection.

Applicants can expect to hear the outcome of their applications by July 2027. We will contact all applicants by email and they should ensure all folders of their email accounts are monitored, including junk mail and spam folders. A scholarship offer may be withdrawn if a candidate is emailed but does not respond within a specified time.

Supporting documentation

Applications must include supporting documentation to be eligible.

Please note that applicants are required to collect references and supporting statements, either on institution letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details, from referees and proposed s