The PhD studentships provide support for research projects on Commonwealth related themes.
Two studentships are available each year. The first is open to registered PhD students from UK universities, although not necessarily UK citizens. The second is open to registered PhD students from ACU member universities anywhere in the Commonwealth, and to Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship alumni who are PhD students at any Commonwealth university outside the UK.
In 2019-20, one of the two studentships available supported a PhD student to travel to the UK for their research. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020-21, this studentship will support the successful applicant to carry out research in their home country. If restrictions then permit, it may be possible to offer a travel research award again in 2021-22.
Eligibility.
- The first studentship is open to registered PhD students from UK universities, although not necessarily UK citizens.
- The second is open to registered PhD students from ACU member universities in Commonwealth counties other than the UK, and to Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship alumni who are PhD students at any Commonwealth university outside the UK.
- Proposed research must either:
- relate to the Commonwealth as a whole or to any Commonwealth-wide institution or organisation, or
- have a strong Commonwealth comparative aspect, or
- be of relevance to a Commonwealth country other than the UK.
Benefits.
- The studentship has a maximum value of GBP 5,500 each.
ACU Routeledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships Mentorship.
As part of the studentship, applicants are required to identify and work with a mentor at an ACU member university in a Commonwealth country other than their own. This should be an expert in a subject linked to the applicant’s subject of research, who will be able to provide support and advice during the studentship.
Before applying, applicants are encouraged to informally approach at least one potential mentor and, if their application is successful, will then be required to obtain a letter of support from their mentor to agree to the mentorship before their studentship is confirmed.
How to Apply
As part of the application, applicants should submit:
- A CV
- A studentship plan, outlining:
- The work you plan to carry out during the studentship, in non-technical language
- The likely impact of your studentship work, and how it will advance knowledge in your field and contribute to greater understanding of the Commonwealth
- The planned outcomes and outputs of the studentship
- Letters of support from referees, one academic (preferably your PhD/DPhil supervisor) and one personal
- An outline of the intended use of the funds
