Are you a high-quality graduate from a low or middle-income country in the Commonwealth looking to advance your research skills and career prospects? The Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships might just be the perfect opportunity for you! These scholarships offer the chance to conduct research at a university in the UK for 12 months, opening doors to world-class facilities and academic expertise.
What Are Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships?
The Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships are designed for candidates from Commonwealth countries who want to undertake research in the UK for a duration of 12 months. The scholarships aim to support talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the resources and environment to become leaders, innovators, and change-makers in their home countries upon their return.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), these scholarships reflect the UK’s commitment to international development and strengthening global partnerships.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The primary purpose of these scholarships is to:
- Widen access to the UK’s advanced research facilities and expertise for doctoral candidates from Commonwealth countries.
- Foster collaboration and partnerships between the UK and Commonwealth nations in higher education and research.
- Encourage the development of future leaders who can drive progress and innovation in their home countries.
Who Can Apply?
These scholarships are intended for graduates from Least Developed and middle-income Commonwealth countries who cannot afford to study in the UK but have the potential to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries. The applicant’s research should focus on developmental and leadership goals that can create a meaningful impact in their local communities.
Scholarship Details
- Duration: 12 months, which can either be taken as a single period or split into two six-month periods.
- Application Process: Applications are accepted directly from candidates using the CSC’s online application system.
- Outcome Notification: Applicants will be informed about their application status by July 2024.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships
Applications for the 2024/25 academic year are now closed, but here is the process to prepare for future openings:
- Apply to a UK University: Candidates must apply to a UK university with a part-funding agreement with the CSC. For a list of eligible universities, check the CSC website.
- Submit Your Application Online: Use the CSC’s online application system. Ensure that all documents are submitted as early as possible, as the system can be very busy close to the deadline.
- Prepare Your Supporting Documents: Include references, supporting statements from supervisors, and proof of citizenship or refugee status. All documents should be in PDF format and uploaded via the CSC’s online system.
Required Supporting Documents
To be eligible, your application must include the following:
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country (a copy of a valid passport or national ID card).
- Full academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications (with certified translations if not in English).
- References from at least two individuals on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details.
- Supporting statements from both your current supervisor at your home university and the proposed supervisor in the UK.
All documents must be submitted by the deadline via the CSC’s online application system. Applications without the required documents will be considered ineligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be registered for a PhD at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Ensure an institutional or departmental link exists between the home university and the proposed UK university.
- Be available to start academic study in the UK in September 2024.
- Hold at least a first degree of upper second-class (2:1) honors standard or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification by September 2024.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Academic Merit: Your previous academic achievements and qualifications.
- Quality of Research Proposal: How well your research proposal aligns with development goals.
- Potential Impact: Your potential to contribute to the development of your home country through your research.
Important Notes
- No Application Fees: The CSC does not charge any fees to apply for its scholarships or fellowships.
- Ensure Supporting Documentation is Complete: All supporting statements must highlight institutional links between the home and UK universities, or the application will be deemed ineligible.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for talented researchers to advance their academic careers, gain international experience, and contribute to their home countries’ development. If you meet the eligibility criteria, start preparing your documents and research proposal early to ensure a strong application when the next round opens. Good luck!
For more detailed information, visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website.
