The Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentship Awards 2026–2027 are a research-support grant for doctoral students working on Commonwealth-related themes. Each year two studentships are offered, each to a maximum value of £5,500, and they are funded in connection with the Round Table journal, the long-running publication on Commonwealth affairs.
This is a research grant rather than a full scholarship, so it is best thought of as a top-up that helps cover the costs of a Commonwealth-focused PhD project. For African researchers enrolled at universities across Commonwealth countries, it offers both funding and a connection to a respected academic network in Commonwealth studies.
One of the two awards is reserved for PhD students registered at universities in Commonwealth countries other than the UK, a category that directly includes many African nations. So, eligible African doctoral candidates should pay close attention.
Scholarship benefits
- Up to £5,500 GBP per studentship, with two studentships available each year.
- £4,000 GBP paid when the awards are announced.
- The remaining £1,500 GBP paid on completion of the post-studentship requirements.
- Support for a PhD research project on a Commonwealth-related theme.
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are a registered PhD student (one award for students at UK universities, one for students at universities in other Commonwealth countries).
✔ For the second studentship: you are at an ACU member university in a Commonwealth country other than the UK, OR you are a Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarship alumnus/alumna doing a PhD at any Commonwealth university outside the UK.
✔ Your proposed research relates to the Commonwealth as a whole or to a Commonwealth-wide institution or organisation, OR has a Commonwealth comparative aspect, OR is relevant to more than one Commonwealth country.
✔ Your discipline is in the humanities or social sciences (preference may go to fields covered by the Round Table journal, such as politics, international relations, economics, international history, geography, law, development studies, and area studies).
✔ Note: pure sciences and medicine are not considered, though studies relating to science and health policies are welcomed.
Application tips for African students
- Frame your research proposal clearly around the Commonwealth angle. Judges want to see a genuine Commonwealth-wide, comparative, or multi-country dimension, not a project that mentions it in passing.
- If you are a Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarship alumnus, state this prominently, as it can open a route to the second studentship even if your university is not an ACU member.
- Confirm whether your university is an ACU member before applying, since this is a requirement for non-UK applicants under the second category.
- Position your topic within the disciplines the Round Table journal covers, politics, international relations, law, development studies and similar fields to align with stated preferences.
- Have your proof of PhD registration ready; the award is only for currently registered doctoral students.
- Download the application form early, read it carefully, and submit well before the 31 July 2026 deadline rather than at the last minute.
How to apply
To apply, download the application form and send the completed form by email to the address provided by the awarding body ([email protected]). The application deadline is 31 July 2026. For full details and the form, visit the official page: Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentship Awards.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for these studentships?
Registered PhD students. The first award is for those at UK universities (not necessarily UK citizens), and the second is for PhD students at ACU member universities in Commonwealth countries other than the UK, as well as Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship alumni studying for a PhD at any Commonwealth university outside the UK.
How much is the award worth?
Each studentship is worth up to £5,500 GBP. Of this, £4,000 is paid when the awards are announced, and the remaining £1,500 is paid once post-studentship requirements are completed.
What kind of research is eligible?
Research in the humanities and social sciences that relates to the Commonwealth as a whole or a Commonwealth-wide institution, has a Commonwealth comparative aspect, or is relevant to more than one Commonwealth country. Pure sciences and medicine are excluded, but science and health policy studies are welcome.
What is the deadline?
Applications close on 31 July 2026.
How do I submit my application?
Download the application form from the official website and email the completed form to the address provided ([email protected]).