- Fully funded PhD in the UKFunding Type
- Covers tuition, stipend & flightsCoverage
- ~3 years of supportDuration
- Starts Oct 2027, Feb 2028, or Jul 2028Intake Dates
- Open to ~17 Commonwealth countriesEligible Nationalities
- Application deadline: 20 Oct 2026Next Deadline
At a glance
—
Funding
—
Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
Bangladesh
Country
Loughborough University
Provider
The Loughborough University Commonwealth Scholarships offer a fully funded pathway for eligible students from selected Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate research (PhD) in the United Kingdom. These scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), aim to support doctoral research with significant developmental impact while enhancing research and teaching capabilities in Commonwealth nations. The programme is available for applicants starting eligible research degrees in October 2027, February 2028, or July 2028 at Loughborough University's campuses. Since its establishment, the CSC has supported over 30,000 individuals, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to international development through education. Successful scholars receive full tuition fee coverage, a living stipend for three years, and return airfare to the UK, making doctoral study accessible for talented researchers who might otherwise face financial barriers. These scholarships specifically target high-calibre international applicants who demonstrate both academic merit and financial need, seeking to foster collaboration between UK and Commonwealth researchers. The programme covers all postgraduate research degrees at Loughborough University's Loughborough or London campus, provided the programme aligns with the Commonwealth Scholarship requirements. This initiative helps strengthen individual teaching and research capacity and contributes to institutional development in academic and other sectors within Commonwealth countries. The application process involves multiple stages, including securing nomination from an eligible body in the applicant's home country, applying through the CSC's online system, and obtaining an offer of study from Loughborough University. The final application deadline for the 2026-2027 cycle is 20 October 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Full tuition fees — Complete coverage of university tuition fees for the duration of the PhD programme.
- Stipend — A living stipend for three years to cover daily expenses, estimated at ~GBP 18,180 per year (est.).
- Airfare — Return economy airfare from the scholar's home country to the UK.
- Family allowance — Potential family allowance for some eligible students, subject to CSC regulations.
- Research support — Support for approved fieldwork and study travel where applicable to the research project.
How to apply
Applying for the Loughborough University Commonwealth Scholarships involves a multi-stage process requiring applications to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), a nominating body in your home country, and Loughborough University itself. It is crucial to manage deadlines for all three components.
- Secure University Admission Offer — Apply for and secure an offer of admission for a postgraduate research programme (PhD) at Loughborough University for an eligible intake (October 2027, February 2028, or July 2028).
- Identify Nominating Body — Research and identify an eligible nominating body in your home country. This could be the national nominating agency or another approved organisation. Note their specific application procedures and internal deadlines.
- Apply via Nominating Body — Submit an application through your chosen nominating body, adhering to their specific requirements and deadlines, which may be earlier than the CSC deadline.
- Apply via CSC's CSCCentral — Complete and submit a scholarship application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's online application system, CSCCentral, ensuring all required information and documents are provided by the official CSC deadline.
Eligibility
Nationality & ResidencyMust be a citizen of or have refugee status from, or be a British Protected Person of, an eligible Commonwealth country, and be permanently resident there.
Academic QualificationBy September 2027, hold a first degree equivalent to an upper second-class (2:1) honours standard. A lower second-class degree may be accepted with a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., Master’s).
Study StatusMust not be already registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2027.
Financial NeedMust be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
Applicants must confirm their nationality and residency status meet CSC requirements. Meeting general CSC criteria does not guarantee consideration; applicants must also secure an offer of study from Loughborough University and be nominated by an eligible body.
Eligible countries
Bangladesh, The Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zambia
Deadlines
Main Deadline 2027/20282026-10-20
Selection
Recipients are chosen based on a combination of academic merit, the quality and developmental impact of their proposed research, and their financial need. The selection process is multi-layered, involving both the applicant's home country nominating body and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Applicants must first be nominated by an eligible body and then successfully apply through the CSC's online system, alongside securing an offer of admission from Loughborough University.
Verified sources
- Loughborough University Commonwealth Scholarships 2027cscuk.fcdo.gov.ukofficial
- Get a Fully Funded UK PhD: Loughborough University Commonwealth Scholarships 2027 Cover Tuition, Stipend and UK Travelglobalsouthopportunities.comannouncement
About the provider
Loughborough University is a public research university located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK, established in 1909. It is renowned for its strong links with industry and its commitment to research excellence, attracting students from over 130 countries.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are the Loughborough University Commonwealth Scholarships?
+
These are fully funded scholarships for eligible students from selected Commonwealth countries to undertake PhD research at Loughborough University in the UK, funded by the FCDO and administered by the CSC.
What does the scholarship cover?
+
The scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage, a stipend for three years, return airfare to the UK, and potentially a family allowance for eligible students.
What is the value of the award?
+
The award covers full tuition fees, a living stipend (approximately ~GBP 18,180 per year, est.), and return flights to the UK, making it a comprehensive full funding package.
Who is eligible to apply?
+
Eligible applicants must be citizens of, or have refugee status from, or be a British Protected Person of an eligible Commonwealth country, permanently resident there, with a strong academic background and financial need.
Which countries are eligible?
+
The scholarship is open to citizens of specific Commonwealth countries including Bangladesh, The Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, and Zambia.
Which study levels are supported?
+
This scholarship specifically supports postgraduate research programmes leading to a PhD degree at Loughborough University.
What is the application deadline?
+
The main deadline for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application for the 2027/2028 intake is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST (15:00 GMT). Please note that nominating bodies may have earlier internal deadlines.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
+
Applicants must secure an offer of admission from Loughborough University, apply through an eligible nominating body in their home country, and submit an application via the CSC's online CSCCentral system.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Typically, you will need academic transcripts, a CV, a research proposal, reference letters, proof of citizenship/residency, and proof of your application/offer from Loughborough University.
How are scholars selected?
+
Selection is based on academic merit, the quality and developmental relevance of the proposed research, and the applicant's financial need, with a process involving both the nominating body and the CSC.
What is the duration of the scholarship and can it be renewed?
+
The scholarship provides funding for three years, which is the standard duration for a full-time PhD programme. Renewal beyond this period is typically not offered as it's designed to cover the full standard PhD duration.
Where can I confirm the details for the current cycle?
+
Always confirm the latest eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application procedures directly on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and Loughborough University's postgraduate admissions pages.