Loughborough University Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2027 supports postgraduate research applicants to Loughborough University, providing tuition fees, a three-year stipend and approved travel to the UK for scholars who meet Commonwealth Scholarship Commission criteria.
The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) with nominations via home country nominating bodies; applicants must also secure an offer of study from Loughborough University.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee discount, a stipend for 3 years and travel to the UK
- Commonwealth scholarships provide tuition fees and stipend for three years and airfare to and from the UK
- Some students may also be eligible for a family allowance
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start 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 a lower second-class degree and 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 this scholarship.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must come from an eligible Commonwealth country. Loughborough University currently lists the following countries:
- Bangladesh
- The Gambia
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Rwanda
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Zambia
Research Areas
The scholarship covers all postgraduate research programmes at Loughborough University for the listed intakes:
- Plant Sciences
- Botany
- Biotechnology
- Biological Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Health and Medical Research
- Sports Science
- Business and Management
- Social Sciences
- Education
How to Apply for Loughborough University Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
- Make an application to CSC using the CSC’s online application system (CSCCentral).
- Be supported by your home country’s nominating body and check their specific closing date and selection process.
- Secure an offer of study from Loughborough University for an eligible postgraduate research programme.
- Submit any additional application required by your nominating body in addition to the CSCCentral submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Lboro Commonwealth Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, eligible countries, and how to apply.
What does the Loughborough University Commonwealth PhD Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage, a stipend for three years and approved travel (airfare) to and from the UK. The HTML notes that some students may also be eligible for a family allowance.
Who funds and administers this scholarship?
The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), as stated on the Loughborough University page.
Which study programmes are eligible?
All postgraduate research programmes starting October 2027, February 2028 and July 2028 on Loughborough or London campus are eligible, according to the key information table on the official page.
What are the main eligibility requirements?
Applicants must be citizens of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country (or be a British Protected Person), be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country, meet the academic standard (at least a 2:1 or equivalent), be available to start by September 2027, not already be registered for a PhD/MPhil leading to a PhD, and be unable to afford study in the UK without the scholarship.
Which countries are eligible to apply?
The official list of eligible countries on the page includes Bangladesh, The Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda and Zambia.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline stated on the Loughborough University page is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 hours BST (15:00 GMT). Applicants should observe this date and time when submitting applications.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
You must apply via the CSC’s online application system (CSCCentral) and be supported by your home country’s nominating body. In addition, you need to secure an offer of study from Loughborough University and submit any nomination body-specific application by their closing date.
Do I need an offer from Loughborough University before applying?
Yes. The application procedure in the HTML specifies that you will also need to secure an offer of study from Loughborough University in order to be considered for the Commonwealth Scholarship.
Are there campus restrictions for study locations?
The degree-info section states location as ‘Both campuses’, and the key info specifies eligible programmes on Loughborough or London campus for the listed intakes, so applicants may study on either campus.
What application system does CSC use?
The HTML states that the CSC requires applications to be made using the CSC’s online application system (CSCCentral) and that the CSC will not accept applications submitted outside this system.
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