The King’s Commonwealth PhD Fellowship Program support professionals and academic staff from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to pursue a PhD in their home country while working. Fellows receive joint supervision from a partner university in the Commonwealth (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the UK) and attend study or research training periods.
The King’s Commonwealth PhD Fellowship Program 2025, inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, aims to strengthen local expertise in engineering, education, health, and climate resilience. It is open to those with a Master’s degree or equivalent experience, committed to driving positive change in their communities. Applications are open until April 25, 2025, at 13:00 UTC.
Institutions Details
- Host Universities: Various universities across the Commonwealth (including Cardiff University, UK)
- Place: Universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom
- Ranking: Varies by institution
- Programs: PhD programs in Climate Change, Education, Engineering, and Health
- Duration: Up to 6 years (part-time research in home country with short study visits to partner universities)
Study Areas:
- Climate change/environment
- Education
- Engineering and
- Health
King’s Commonwealth PhD Fellowship Program Benefits:
- Funding: GBP 30,000 over 6 years (GBP 5,000 per year) for research and visits to a partner university.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: No international tuition fees for visiting periods.
- Research Support: GBP 12,000 (GBP 2,000 per year) for research activities.
- Salary Contribution: 20% of the fellow’s salary paid to their employer for 6 years.
- Supervision: Joint PhD supervision from the home and partner universities.
- University Resources: Access to partner university libraries and databases (if available).
- Professional Development: Training in communication, policy engagement, entrepreneurship, and research funding applications.
Benefits Not Included:
- Living expenses during study periods at partner universities.
- Costs associated with dependents accompanying the fellow.
- Personal expenses unrelated to research activities.
Eligibility Criteria for King’s Commonwealth PhD Fellowship Program:
- Must have a Master’s degree or equivalent experience.
- Must be enrolled or about to enroll in a PhD program at an ACU SIDS member university for the 2025/26 academic year.
- PhD research must be in one of the following areas:
- Climate change/environment
- Education
- Engineering
- Health
- Must have citizenship or refugee status in a Commonwealth SIDS (eligible countries listed below).
- Indigenous community members are especially encouraged to apply, though it’s not a requirement.
Eligible Countries:
- Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles
- Asia: The Maldives
- Caribbean and Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago
- Pacific: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
List of ACU member universities in Commonwealth SIDS
- Fiji National University
- The University of Fiji
- The University of the South Pacific
- Divine Word University
- Papua New Guinea University of Technology
- University of Papua New Guinea
- National University of Samoa
- American University of Barbados School of Medicine
- Galen University
- University of Belize
- University College of the Cayman Islands
- Texila American University
- University of Guyana
- Caribbean Maritime University
- The University of the West Indies
- Saint James School of Medicine
- University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS)
- Avid College
- Maldives National University
- Villa College
- Open University of Mauritius
- University of Mauritius
- University of Technology Mauritius
- University of Seychelles
List of KCFP partner universities
- University of Edinburgh (UK)
- University of Glasgow (UK)
- University of Southampton (UK)
- University of the West of Scotland (UK)
- Heriot Watt University (UK)
- University of Bristol (UK)
- University of Oxford (Kellogg College, UK)
- SOAS University of London (UK)
- University of Birmingham (UK)
- Cardiff University (UK)
- King’s College, London (UK)
- Lancaster University (UK)
- Newcastle University (UK)
- Swansea University (UK)
- University of Liverpool (UK)
- University of Bath (UK)
- Macquarie University (AUS)
- Griffith University (AUS)
- University of New South Wales (AUS)
- University of Sydney (AUS)
- Murdoch University (AUS)
- Western University (CAN)
- Lincoln University (NZ)
- University of Canterbury (NZ)
Required Documents:
- A scanned copy of your passport/national ID
- 3 academic degrees (Masters, Undergraduate, etc.)
- 3 last employment experiences
- Degree certificates
- Transcripts
- CV/resume
- SIDS Home University details
- Summary of PhD research proposal (300-600 words)
- Your motivation to apply for this program (300-500 words)
- A document describing the anticipated outputs of the fellowship and its benefit to your home island (300-500 words)
Application Process for King’s Commonwealth PhD Fellowship Program:
- Complete the online application form available on the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) website.
- Provide all necessary personal, academic, and employment information.
- Upload the required documents as specified.
- Submit the application by the deadline: April 25, 2025, at 13:00 UTC.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before applying.
- Clearly articulate your research proposal and its relevance to SIDS challenges.
- Highlight how the fellowship will benefit your professional development and your community
- Proofread your application to eliminate errors and ensure clarity.
- Submit the application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students:
- Typically ranges between GBP 1,000 to GBP 1,500 per month.
- Expenses cover accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs.
- Costs vary depending on the city and country of the partner university.
- Research the specific cost of living in the location of your partner university.
Why Choose This Opportunity?
This fellowship offers a unique chance to pursue doctoral studies while contributing to the development of your home country. It provides substantial financial support, access to international academic networks, and professional development opportunities. By participating, you can address critical issues affecting SIDS and become a catalyst for positive change in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
- Citizens or refugees from eligible Commonwealth SIDS, with a Master’s degree or equivalent experience.
- Can I apply if I’ve already started my PhD?
- Yes, you can apply if you’re enrolled in a PhD at an ACU SIDS member university for the 2025/26 academic year.
- What does the fellowship cover?
- The fellowship covers research support grants, tuition fee waivers during visits, and financial support for research activities.
- What documents do I need to apply?
- Passport, degree certificates, CV, research proposal, and statement of motivation, among others.
- What is the deadline for application?
- The application deadline is April 25, 2025, at 13:00 UTC.
Official Link for More Details and Application:
For comprehensive information and to apply, visit the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) official page:
