Pursuing a PhD and looking for funding to strengthen your research? The ACU Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships 2026/2027 are now open for applications.
The program offers funding of up to £5,500 to support doctoral researchers undertaking projects focused on Commonwealth-related issues in the humanities and social sciences.
The studentships are jointly supported by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and The Round Table, providing an opportunity for researchers to expand the Commonwealth dimension of their doctoral work while building international academic collaborations.
About the ACU Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships
The Commonwealth Studentships support PhD research that explores issues affecting Commonwealth countries, institutions, or comparative studies across the Commonwealth. Applicants are not required to already have a Commonwealth-focused PhD project, provided the studentship will help introduce a meaningful Commonwealth perspective into their research.
Successful applicants will also have the opportunity to share their findings with a wider audience through academic publication and public engagement activities.
Studentship Value
Two studentships are available, each worth up to £5,500:
- One award for PhD students enrolled at universities in the United Kingdom.
- One award for PhD students enrolled at ACU member universities in Commonwealth countries outside the UK.
The funding is intended to support research activities that contribute to the applicant’s doctoral project.
Eligible Research Themes
Research proposals must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
- Examine the Commonwealth as a whole or any Commonwealth-wide institution or organization.
- Include a comparative analysis involving Commonwealth countries.
- Address issues relevant to more than one Commonwealth nation.
Eligible Fields of Study
Applications are invited from researchers across the humanities and social sciences.
Preference may be given to disciplines such as:
- Politics
- International Relations
- Economics
- International History
- Geography
- Law
- Development Studies
- Area Studies
- Other related humanities and social science disciplines
Applicants from STEM fields may also apply, but only where the proposed research clearly addresses a public policy or policy-related theme relevant to the Commonwealth.
Publication and Knowledge Sharing
Recipients of the studentship will be expected to:
- Submit an original article of 4,000–6,000 words based on their research for consideration in The Round Table journal.
- Produce a podcast discussing their research for publication on the journal’s website.
Mentorship Requirement
Each successful applicant must identify a mentor based at a university in another Commonwealth country.
The mentor should:
- Be located in a Commonwealth country different from the applicant’s institution.
- Have expertise related to the applicant’s research area.
- Provide academic guidance and support throughout the studentship period.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, applicants should:
- Be currently enrolled in a PhD or DPhil program.
- Be registered at either:
- A UK university, or
- An ACU member university located in a Commonwealth country outside the UK.
- Conduct research within the humanities or social sciences, or a policy-related STEM field.
- Propose research that demonstrates a clear Commonwealth relevance.
- Identify an eligible mentor from another Commonwealth country.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
Applications should be emailed to:
secretary@commonwealthroundtable.co.uk
How to Apply
To submit your application:
- Review the official application guidance.
- Download the application form.
- Complete the application carefully.
- Email the completed application form together with your current CV before the deadline.
For complete eligibility requirements, application guidance, and downloadable forms, visit the official program page:
ACU Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships Official Page
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Why You Should Apply
Beyond financial support, this studentship provides valuable opportunities to:
- Strengthen your doctoral research through international collaboration.
- Build relationships with leading Commonwealth scholars.
- Publish your research in a respected academic journal.
- Increase the visibility of your work through podcast dissemination.
- Expand your professional network across Commonwealth institutions.
