The University of Sussex (US) is accepting applications for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027, offering fully funded doctoral study in the United Kingdom to talented candidates from eligible low-income Commonwealth countries.
The scholarships are designed for applicants who would otherwise be unable to afford doctoral study in the UK. The programme supports research that contributes to sustainable development and is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
Successful scholars will undertake full-time PhD study at the University of Sussex beginning in the 2027/2028 academic year.
University of Sussex Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are targeted at candidates from countries classified as least developed countries and fragile states by the OECD Development Assistance Committee.
The University of Sussex is offering the scholarships across six broad 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
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
The programme aims to equip researchers with advanced knowledge and skills that can contribute to development in their home countries after completing their doctoral studies.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for successful candidates undertaking doctoral studies in the UK.
The award covers:
- Full overseas PhD tuition fees
- A living stipend
- Return travel to the United Kingdom
- Research Training Support Grant
- Fieldwork costs
This makes the opportunity particularly valuable for researchers who cannot independently finance a PhD in the UK.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens or have refugee status and be permanently resident in one of the eligible countries.
The eligible countries listed by the University of Sussex are:
- Bangladesh
- The Gambia
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Rwanda
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Zambia
Applicants from India are not eligible for this particular Commonwealth PhD Scholarship scheme.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, applicants must satisfy a number of requirements.
Candidates must:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible country.
- Be available to begin their studies in the UK at the start of the 2027/2028 academic year.
- Hold, by October 2027, a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a second-class degree combined with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
- Not already be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university before September/October 2027.
- Demonstrate that they would be unable to afford doctoral study in the UK without the scholarship.
Applicants should also identify a suitable research project and establish contact with a potential University of Sussex supervisor.
How to Apply for the Sussex Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
The application process involves two separate applications.
First, applicants must apply for a PhD place at the University of Sussex. The university recommends that candidates begin this process as early as possible because they need to secure support from a Sussex supervisor.
The Sussex PhD application should include:
- A CV
- Degree transcripts and certificates
- A statement of interest clearly identifying the proposed project and supervisor
- Names of two academic referees
- A valid IELTS certificate
Applicants must also obtain a supporting statement from their proposed Sussex supervisor. The statement must be provided in PDF format and signed, either on institutional letterhead or through an email clearly showing the supervisor’s Sussex details.
The second stage involves applying for Commonwealth Scholarship funding through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online application system.
Applicants must submit their Commonwealth Scholarship application by 4:00pm GMT on 20 October 2026.
The application must include a Development Impact Statement explaining how the proposed research connects to development challenges at global, national and local levels. Applicants must also explain how their research aligns with their selected Commonwealth development theme and how they intend to use their new knowledge and skills after completing the scholarship.
Applicants Must Also Apply Through a Nominating Agency
In addition to applying through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, candidates must apply to a relevant nominating agency.
In many cases, this will be the applicant’s home-country nominating agency. Universities and NGOs may also act as nominating agencies.
Importantly, nominating agencies establish their own application procedures and deadlines. These deadlines may be earlier than the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s deadline.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to identify their relevant nominating agency as soon as possible and check its specific requirements.
Selection Criteria
Nominated candidates will be assessed using several criteria, including:
- Academic merit
- Quality of the proposed plan of study
- Potential impact of the research on the candidate’s home country
- Availability
Applicants should therefore develop a strong research proposal and clearly demonstrate how their proposed PhD can contribute to development in their country and wider community.
Application Deadline
The main Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application deadline is:
20 October 2026 at 4:00pm GMT.
There is no separate deadline stated by the University of Sussex for applying for a PhD place. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors and submit their Sussex PhD applications well before the Commonwealth Scholarship deadline.
All required documentation, including full transcripts and the proposed Sussex supervisor’s statement, must be submitted by the scholarship deadline.
Why Applicants Should Apply Early
The University of Sussex Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is a highly competitive opportunity. Prospective applicants should begin preparing their applications well before October 2026.
Early preparation can give applicants sufficient time to:
- Identify a suitable research topic.
- Find and contact a potential Sussex supervisor.
- Prepare a strong research proposal and statement of interest.
- Gather academic transcripts and certificates.
- Secure referee information.
- Meet English-language requirements.
- Identify the appropriate nominating agency.
- Complete both required applications before their respective deadlines.
Interested candidates should consult the official University of Sussex and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission information before applying, as eligibility and application procedures may be updated.
Official Application Information
Applicants can find information about the University of Sussex PhD application process through the university’s official website and should consult the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for the scholarship requirements and application process.
Scholarship: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027
Study level: PhD / Postgraduate Research
Study location: United Kingdom
University: University of Sussex
Funding: Fully funded
Application deadline: 20 October 2026, 4:00pm GMT
Eligible countries: 17 specified Commonwealth countries
