Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027 at Loughborough University
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027 support eligible candidates who want to pursue postgraduate research at Loughborough University. The scholarship covers tuition fees, provides a stipend for three years, and includes airfare to and from the UK. Eligible research programmes may begin in October 2027, February 2028, or July 2028. The application deadline is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST.
Quick Overview
Programme: Commonwealth Scholarships
Opportunity Type: PhD Scholarship
Host Institution: Loughborough University
Study Level: Postgraduate Research
Campuses: Loughborough and London
Eligible Start Dates: October 2027, February 2028, and July 2028
Financial Support: Tuition fees, three-year stipend, and airfare to and from the UK
Deadline: 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST (15:00 GMT)
About the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Loughborough University participates in the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme, which is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
The scholarships support PhD research with a developmental focus. They are intended to strengthen teaching and research capacity in Commonwealth countries while helping build institutional expertise across academic and professional sectors.
The programme is designed for applicants who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study in the UK.
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Scholarship Benefits and Financial Coverage
Successful scholars receive financial support for their postgraduate research studies at Loughborough University.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Tuition fees
✓ Stipend for three years
✓ Airfare to the UK
✓ Airfare from the UK after completing the programme
✓ Possible family allowance for eligible scholars
Eligibility for a family allowance depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Eligible Research Programmes
The scholarship applies to eligible postgraduate research programmes starting in:
• October 2027
• February 2028
• July 2028
Research programmes may be based at either the Loughborough campus or the London campus.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the Commonwealth Scholarship requirements listed by Loughborough University.
Candidates must:
• Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, have refugee status granted by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to begin academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2027.
• By September 2027, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or hold a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
• Not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2027.
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
Applicants must also apply through an approved nominating body. Each nominating body manages its own selection process and may apply additional eligibility requirements.
Eligible Countries
The current Loughborough University page lists applicants from the following countries as eligible:
• Bangladesh
• The Gambia
• Kiribati
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Rwanda
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Zambia
Applicants should also review any additional requirements established by the nominating body in their home country.
Related opportunity on GlobalLinkX: La Trobe Project-Based PhD Scholarships
Application Process
Applicants must complete both the Commonwealth Scholarship process and the relevant university admission requirements.
The application process includes:
• Apply to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
• Submit the scholarship application through the CSC online application system, CSCCentral.
• Apply through the appropriate nominating body in the applicant’s home country.
• Follow any additional procedures required by the nominating body.
• Secure an offer of study from Loughborough University.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission does not accept applications that are not submitted through its online application system.
Applicants should also check the deadline set by their nominating body, as it may differ from the main scholarship deadline.
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Application Deadline
The deadline listed by Loughborough University for the Commonwealth Scholarship is:
20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST (15:00 GMT)
Applicants should also confirm the deadline of their nominating body because separate closing dates may apply.
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
