PhD candidates across the Commonwealth and beyond should start preparing their research proposals now as the prestigious Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth PhD Studentships are officially scheduled to open in May 2026. This competitive funding opportunity will support doctoral researchers working on Commonwealth-related themes in the humanities and social sciences.
The studentships are designed to help emerging researchers expand their academic impact by exploring policy, governance, history, development, and international cooperation across Commonwealth countries. Selected scholars will not only receive funding but also gain publication exposure and mentorship support to strengthen their academic and research profile globally.
With only two highly selective awards available each year, applicants aiming to position their research within a Commonwealth context are strongly encouraged to prepare early and secure mentors in advance.
What Scholars Will Receive Under This Commonwealth Studentship?
This funded PhD studentship is structured to support research growth, academic publication, and international collaboration within the Commonwealth network.
Selected candidates will receive:
- Maximum funding of up to GBP 5,500 for each studentship
- Two awards available:
- One for PhD students registered at UK universities
- One for PhD students registered at ACU member universities in Commonwealth countries outside the UK
- Opportunity to publish a 4,000–6,000 word research-based article in The Round Table journal
- Opportunity to produce a research podcast for publication on the journal’s website
- Dedicated mentorship from an expert at a Commonwealth university outside the applicant’s home country
- International research exposure and academic networking across Commonwealth institutions
Mentors will provide academic guidance, publishing advice, and research direction support, making this studentship a valuable career-building opportunity for doctoral candidates.
Eligibility Benchmarks for Applicants
This studentship welcomes applicants from diverse humanities and social science disciplines who can demonstrate strong research relevance to Commonwealth themes.
Applicants should meet the following benchmarks:
- Must be currently enrolled in a PhD/DPhil program
- Open to students at UK universities and ACU member universities across Commonwealth countries
- Research proposal must relate to at least one of the following:
- Commonwealth-wide institutions or themes
- Comparative research across Commonwealth countries
- Research relevant to more than one Commonwealth country
- Preferred fields include politics, international relations, economics, international history, geography, law, development studies, and area studies
- STEM applicants only eligible if research has a clear policy-related Commonwealth focus
- Must identify and secure a mentor from a Commonwealth university outside their home country
- Must be willing to produce a publishable article and podcast based on research outcomes
Applicants whose current PhD research does not yet have a Commonwealth focus may still apply if the studentship will enable them to incorporate a Commonwealth dimension into their work.
Application Deadline and Opening Timeline
The Round Table Commonwealth PhD Studentships 2026 competition is scheduled to open in May 2026. Applicants will be required to submit a completed application form along with a current CV via email after the call opens.