University of Sussex
2 weeks ago
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships in Development Themes at University of Sussex University of Sussex in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Full overseas PhD tuition fees, a stipend, return travel to the UK, a Research Training Support Grant, and fieldwork costs. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
Deadline
Oct 20, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Sussex

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About this position
University of Sussex is accepting applications for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (2027) for candidates from eligible low-income Commonwealth countries and fragile states. This is a doctoral research opportunity for full-time study at a UK university, with research aligned to one of six development themes: 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; and access, inclusion and opportunity.
The scholarship is aimed at talented applicants who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. Funding includes full overseas PhD tuition fees, a stipend, return travel to the UK, a Research Training Support Grant, and fieldwork costs.
Eligibility is restricted to applicants from the listed countries (including Bangladesh, The Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, and Zambia). Applicants must be citizens or refugees of an eligible country, permanently resident there, available to start in the UK by September/October 2027, and hold by October 2027 at least a 2:1 honours degree or a second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification. Applicants must not already be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university before September/October 2027.
To apply, first contact a Sussex supervisor and submit a formal PhD application to Sussex with CV, transcripts/certificates, statement of interest naming the project title and supervisor, two academic referees, and a valid IELTS certificate. Then submit a separate application to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission online system by 20 October 2026 at 16:00 GMT, including a Development Impact Statement. You must also apply through the relevant nominating agency in your home country, which may have its own deadline.
Funding details
Full overseas PhD tuition fees, a stipend, return travel to the UK, a Research Training Support Grant, and fieldwork costs. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
What's required
Applicants must be citizens or refugees of an eligible low-income Commonwealth country and permanent residents there; India is not eligible for this PhD scheme. They must be available to start in the UK by September/October 2027, hold by October 2027 at least a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or a second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification, not already be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university before September/October 2027, and be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship. A valid IELTS certificate is required for the Sussex application, along with transcripts, CV, statement of interest naming the project title and supervisor, and two academic referees.
How to apply
First contact a Sussex supervisor and submit a formal PhD application to the University of Sussex online system. Then apply separately to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission online system by 20 October 2026 at 16:00 GMT, and also apply through the relevant nominating agency in your home country. Ensure the supervisor statement and full transcripts are included.
More information can be found here
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