Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships 2024/2025 (Fully Funded to the UK). These scholarships, generously funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aim to facilitate access to UK expertise and resources for exceptional doctoral candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The initiative is designed to contribute to sustainable development by empowering individuals who may face financial barriers to pursuing studies in the UK.
Overview: Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships. Purpose: To broaden access to UK facilities and knowledge for high-caliber doctoral candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations, fostering collaboration and partnerships in higher education and research within the UK and the Commonwealth.
Intended beneficiaries: Highly qualified graduates proposing research with a developmental focus, who exhibit the potential to become influential educators or researchers in their home countries.
Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships Eligibility To be eligible for the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships, potential scholars must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, hold refugee status, or be a British Protected Person.
- Maintain permanent residency in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be enrolled in a PhD program at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country by the commencement of the scholarship in September 2023.
- Establish an institutional or departmental link between their home university and the proposed UK university, exceeding a mere collaboration between individuals.
- Commence academic studies in the UK by September 2023.
- Possess a first-degree classification of at least upper second class (2:1) honors, or a lower second class degree coupled with a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree) by September 2023.
- Demonstrate financial need, affirming an inability to afford UK study without the scholarship.
Benefits of Applying the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships Each Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarship includes:
- Covered airfare from the home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (dependent costs are not reimbursed).
- Full coverage of tuition fees, as agreed upon by the CSC and the UK university.
- A monthly stipend of £1,236, or £1,516 for those studying in the London metropolitan area.
- Warm clothing allowance (if applicable).
- Study travel grant for study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
- Child allowance for widowed, divorced, or single-parent scholars with children under 16.
Selection Process Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Academic merit of the candidate.
- Quality of the study plan.
- Potential impact on the candidate’s home country’s development.
What is the Commonwealth Split Site Scholarship For 2024?
The Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships for 2024 are a prestigious scholarship program funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). The program aims to support talented and motivated PhD candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue their doctoral studies while gaining valuable research experience in the UK.
Here are the key features of the Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships for 2024:
- Eligibility: Open to citizens or refugees of eligible Commonwealth countries who are permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country. Applicants must be registered for a PhD at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country by the time the scholarship starts in September 2024. They must also have an institutional or departmental link between their home university and the proposed UK university.
- Funding: The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a living stipend, return airfare, and a field study allowance.
- Duration: The scholarship is for a maximum of 12 months, spent at a UK university as part of the PhD program based in the candidate’s home country.
- Benefits: In addition to financial support, scholars gain access to world-class research facilities and expertise in the UK, build international collaborations, and enhance their career prospects.
Applications for the 2024 Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships are now closed. The deadline for applications was December 5, 2023. However, you can find more information about the program and eligibility criteria on the CSC website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-split-site-scholarships-for-low-and-middle-income-countries/
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- The program is highly competitive, so it is important to have a strong academic record and a well-defined research proposal.
- Applicants should carefully consider the institutional or departmental link between their home university and proposed UK university.
- It is important to start planning early and submit your application well in advance of the deadline.
What is Split PhD Program?
A split PhD program, also known as a joint PhD program, dual PhD program, or collaborative PhD program, involves carrying out your doctoral research across two different institutions, typically located in different countries. It allows you to benefit from the expertise and resources of both institutions while gaining a unique and international perspective on your research topic.
Here are some key features of split PhD programs:
Structure:
- Divided research: Your research project is typically divided between the two institutions, with you spending time working at each one over the course of your PhD. This could be split equally, or with more time spent at one institution depending on your research needs.
- Joint supervision: You will have supervisors at both institutions who provide guidance and mentorship throughout your PhD.
- Joint examination: Your final PhD defense will typically involve examiners from both institutions.
Benefits:
- Access to expertise: Gain exposure to different research approaches, methodologies, and resources from each institution.
- International experience: Develop intercultural skills and broaden your academic network.
- Strengthen your CV: Demonstrates your ability to work in an international research environment, making you more competitive in the job market.
- Potential funding: Some split PhD programs offer joint scholarships or funding packages.
Challenges:
- Logistics: Managing travel, visa applications, and adapting to different academic cultures can be demanding.
- Communication: Maintaining effective communication with supervisors across different time zones and potentially different languages can be challenging.
- Cohesion of research: Ensuring your research project remains cohesive and well-focused when divided between two locations can require careful planning and communication.
Who is it for?
Split PhD programs are well-suited for motivated and adaptable students who:
- Have a research topic that benefits from expertise and resources available at both institutions.
- Are interested in gaining international research experience and developing intercultural skills.
- Are comfortable working independently and managing complex logistics.
Finding a split PhD program:
- Contact your desired universities to inquire about potential joint PhD programs in your field of study.
- Research funding opportunities specific to split PhD programs.
- Network with academics and researchers who have experience with these programs.
Remember, split PhD programs can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but they also require careful planning and consideration. Before deciding if it’s right for you, thoroughly research the program options and challenges involved.
How Much Is The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Stipend?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship stipend amount varies depending on your location and specific university:
- Standard rates:
- For university locations outside of London, the monthly stipend is £1,347.
- For university locations within the London metropolitan area, the monthly stipend is £1,652.
- Additional allowances:
- Some universities may offer additional allowances for specific needs, such as warm clothing or study-related travel.
So, the exact amount you receive will depend on the university you’re attending and whether it’s located in London.
Here are some resources where you can find specific information about the stipend amount for your desired university:
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website: The CSC website lists the participating universities and provides links to their individual scholarship pages. These pages often detail the specific stipend amount offered by the university.
- University scholarship pages: Many universities have dedicated pages on their websites that outline the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and its benefits. These pages will usually specify the stipend amount offered by the university.
- Contacting the university directly: If you’re still unsure about the specific stipend amount, you can always contact the university’s scholarship office directly for clarification.
What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and jointly supported by participating UK universities. It aims to support talented and motivated individuals from least developed and lower-middle income Commonwealth countries to pursue full-time Master’s studies in the UK.
Here are some key features of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship:
Eligibility:
- Open to citizens or refugees of eligible Commonwealth countries who are permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Applicants must have graduated with a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- Must be accepted onto a full-time Master’s program offered by a participating UK university.
Funding:
- Covers the full cost of approved tuition fees.
- Provides a monthly stipend for living expenses (£1,347 outside London, £1,652 within London metropolitan area as of 2024).
- Covers the cost of approved airfare from your home country to the UK and return at the end of your award.
- May include additional allowances for warm clothing, thesis grants, study travel grants, and excess baggage allowance.
Duration:
- Usually awarded for one year, the duration of the program matches the length of your chosen Master’s degree.
Benefits:
- Gain access to world-class education and research facilities in the UK.
- Develop professionally and academically under the guidance of renowned experts.
- Build a strong network of peers and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
- Enhance your career prospects through international exposure and relevant skills.
Application Process:
- Applications are typically submitted through the online portal of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website.
- Specific deadlines and application requirements may vary depending on the participating university and chosen program.
- The selection process is highly competitive, with emphasis on academic excellence, development potential, and commitment to returning to your home country to contribute to its development.
How to Apply for Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships 2024/2025
Visit the Official Webpage of the [Commonwealth Split-site (PhD) Scholarships