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

COMMONWEALTH PhD SCHOLARSHIPS
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for candidates from Least Developed Countries and
Fragile States in the Commonwealth, for full-time doctoral study at a UK university. Funded
by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), Commonwealth PhD
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.
Purpose: To contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by
supporting research that will have a developmental impact. These awards will also enhance
individual teaching and research capacity leading to increased institutional capacity in
academic and other sectors in Commonwealth countries, and will contribute to UK higher
education and research by attracting high-calibre international candidates and encouraging
links and collaboration.
Intended beneficiaries: High-quality graduates who have the potential to undertake worldclass research of a developmental nature and to become influential leaders, teachers, or
researchers in their home countries.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are offered under six themes:
1. Science and technology for development
The scholarship, which may be in any area of science or technology (including, for example,
agriculture, veterinary science, or forestry), will develop knowledge and/or skills that are
directly related to the specific needs of a low or middle income country. Where possible,
applications should cite expressed national or local priorities.
2. Strengthening health systems and capacity
The scholarship will develop knowledge and/or skills that will improve health provision or
outcomes for disadvantaged groups in low and middle income countries. A range of
approaches could be adopted, such as training staff to fill critical shortage areas;
establishing better systems, processes, or management; health promotion and improving
understanding of non-take up; or developing new treatments.
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3. Promoting global prosperity
The scholarship will support economic prosperity in low and middle income countries. The
knowledge and/or skills gained could lead to, for example, enhanced trade capacity;
improved economic understanding or decision-making by business or government; new
products and services; or long-term capacity building, through the development of
entrepreneurial skills, for instance.
4. Strengthening global peace, security and governance
The scholarship will develop knowledge and/or skills that will strengthen peace and security
at national, regional, or international levels. Multiple approaches could be used, such as
strengthening open and transparent governance; improving mutual understanding within and
between societies; or building systems that reduce the potential for conflict or encourage its
resolution.
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
The scholarship will develop knowledge and/or skills which will help low and middle
countries adapt to changing contexts, withstand sudden shocks, or increase capacity to
preserve the continuity of operations following such events. This could apply to a broad
range of threats, including natural and physical disasters; long-term threats such as climate
change; interruptions to the supply of key resources; or sudden economic or technological
disruption.
6. Access, inclusion and opportunity
The scholarship will develop knowledge and/or skills that will promote opportunity amongst
historically disadvantaged groups in low and middle income countries. This could be
through, for example, expanding educational opportunities; conducting community outreach;
enhancing access to decision-making; or increasing understanding of the barriers faced. A
range of disadvantage can be addressed – including social, economic, gender, ethnic,
regional, or political – provided that the need is clearly stated.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply for these scholarships, you must:
be a British Protected Person
in September/October 2020
2020, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours
standard, or a second class (2:2) degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (a
Master’s degree)
September/October 2020
NOT have commenced and be currently registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a
PhD, in your home country or elsewhere
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a potential supervisor from at least one UK university listed in your
application form
supporting documentation in the required format
Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We
are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination, and encourage
applications from a diverse range of candidates. For further information on the support
available to candidates with a disability, see the CSC disability support statement at
http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/csc-disability-support-statement
ELIGIBLE COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Tanzania
The Gambia
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia
HOW TO APPLY
You should apply to study at a UK university which has a part funding agreement with the
CSC. Part funding agreements are at the discretion of individual universities. For a list of
universities that have agreed to part fund Commonwealth Scholarships, visit
http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/uk-universities/part-funding/
The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.
You must apply to one of the following nominating bodies in the first instance:
– this is the main route of application. For a full list including
contact details, visit http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/national-nominating-agencies
a full list, visit http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/phd-scholarships-least-developed
countries-and-fragile states/nominating-universities
-governmental organisations and charitable bodies. For a full list, visit
http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/nominating-ngos
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All applications must be made through one of the listed nominating bodies. Each nominating
body is responsible for its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria.
You must check with your nominating body for their specific advice and rules for
applying, and for their own closing date for applications.