UK PhD Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 at University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is now accepting applications for the highly esteemed Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for the year 2026. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and are designed specifically for exceptional students hailing from the least developed and vulnerable Commonwealth countries. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for these talented individuals to pursue their doctoral studies in the UK, starting in September 2026.
Successful applicants will benefit from not only financial support but also the chance to engage with a dynamic academic community and gain access to world-class resources. These scholarships aim to empower students by providing them with the tools and environment needed to contribute to their home countries’ development through advanced research and academic excellence. This is a remarkable opportunity for committed scholars to further their education and make a significant impact on global challenges.
Scholarship Coverage
Scholarship awardees will obtain complete overseas PhD tuition fees, a living allowance for daily costs, and round-trip airfare to the UK. Moreover, recipients will receive a Research Training Support Grant to improve academic projects and fieldwork funding as needed. This all-inclusive package allows successful candidates to concentrate fully on their research without any financial strain.
Research Topics
These scholarships are granted across six main themes that correspond with global development priorities:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates need to be citizens or possess refugee status in a qualifying Commonwealth nation and be permanent residents in that country. Countries that qualify are: Bangladesh, Cameroon, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zambia.
Additional circumstances include:
- Be ready to start studies in the UK in September/October 2026.
- By October 2026, possess at minimum an upper second-class (2:1) degree or a second-class degree accompanied by a pertinent Master’s qualification.
- Cannot be enrolled in a PhD or MPhil pathway to a PhD at a UK university prior to September 2026.
- Must show financial necessity and inability to pursue studies in the UK without the grant.
How to Apply
Applications Timeline
The Commonwealth Scholarship application portal opens on 2 September 2025, with a deadline of 15 October 2025 at 16:00 (GMT). Applications must be submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) online portal and a nominating body in the applicant’s home country. Candidates for a PhD at the University of Sussex are encouraged to apply early, ensuring supervisor support and all required documents are ready, including a CV, transcripts, statement of purpose, referee information, and an IELTS certificate. A Development Impact Statement is also required to address development issues related to the scholarship themes.
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