The Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships are designed for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth nations, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), to undertake 12 months of research at a UK university.
This initiative is part of the UK government’s international development strategy, overseen by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). Operating under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), it underscores the UK’s dedication to fostering global partnerships by empowering talented individuals to contribute to sustainable development and innovation in their home countries upon completion of their studies.
Objective
The programme aims to:
- Provide access to advanced resources and expertise in the UK for doctoral candidates from Commonwealth nations.
- Foster collaboration between UK institutions and those in Commonwealth countries to enhance global education and research.
Scholarship Details
- Application Deadline: December 16, 2024
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Study Location: United Kingdom
- Study Level: PhD
- Sponsor: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
- Eligibility: Open to both men and women
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarship receive:
- Return airfare from their home country to the UK.
- Coverage of approved tuition fees.
- A monthly living allowance:
- £1,347 for most locations.
- £1,652 for students based in London.
- A travel grant for research-related travel within or outside the UK.
- Family support:
- £576.61 per month for the first child.
- £143 per month for up to two additional children under 16 living with the recipient in the UK.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- The applicant’s academic excellence.
- The quality and feasibility of their research proposal.
- The potential developmental impact of their research on their home country.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country (passport or national ID with a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship).
- Full academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications, including ongoing courses, with certified English translations if necessary.
- Two references on official institutional letterhead, signed, and submitted as PDFs or via institutional emails.
- A statement of support from a proposed UK supervisor (signed, on official letterhead, or institutional email).
- A statement of support from the current PhD supervisor at the home university (signed, on official letterhead, or institutional email).
How to Apply
To apply for the 2025/26 Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarship:
- Submit your application through the CSC Central application system by 16:00 GMT on Monday, December 16, 2024.
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded via CSC Central, as external submissions will not be accepted.
- Familiarise yourself with the new application system, as it differs from previous versions.
- if you encounter any problem as regarding the submission, or the new application system, please contact info@cscuk.org.uk
Tips:
- Prepare your responses in advance before entering them into the application form.
- Review the official guidance and template forms provided on the CSC website for clarity.
For further details, visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.
