ACU Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships Program 2026/2027 for Ph.D. Students (GBP 5,500 Award) – Apply Now

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

About the Studentships

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 ACU Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships Program, an esteemed opportunity designed to support doctoral students conducting research on themes related to the Commonwealth within the disciplines of humanities and social sciences. This program aims to encourage and facilitate in-depth scholarly investigation into various aspects of the Commonwealth, including its history, political systems, cultural diversity, social developments, and contemporary issues. By providing financial assistance, the studentships seek to enable talented PhD researchers to pursue their projects without the burden of financial constraints, thereby fostering high-quality academic work that contributes to a deeper understanding of the Commonwealth’s complex and interconnected societies. The funding for these studentships is generously provided by The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, a respected publication dedicated to issues affecting the Commonwealth, along with its publisher Routledge, and in partnership with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). Each year, two studentships are awarded to outstanding doctoral candidates, with each studentship valued at a maximum of GBP 5,500. One of these studentships is reserved for PhD students who are currently enrolled at universities within the United Kingdom, supporting domestic research initiatives. The other studentship is designated for PhD students registered at universities that are members of the ACU, located in Commonwealth countries outside the UK. This promotes international collaboration and research exchange within the Commonwealth community. The initiative aims to strengthen academic engagement, foster cross-cultural understanding, and stimulate scholarly contributions that will enhance knowledge and debate around issues pertinent to the diverse nations and peoples of the Commonwealth.

Research Focus

Proposed research must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Relate to the Commonwealth as a whole or to any Commonwealth-wide institution or organization.
• Have a Commonwealth comparative aspect.
• Be of relevance to more than one Commonwealth country.

It is not expected that the applicant’s PhD/DPhil research already has a Commonwealth focus. Applications are particularly welcomed where the award will enable the applicant to add a Commonwealth dimension to their work. Successful applicants will be required to submit an article of between 4,000 and 6,000 words based on their research, for consideration for publication in The Round Table journal. They will also be required to make a podcast on their research, for publication on the journal’s website.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Disciplines:

• Applications are welcomed from a broad range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.
• Preference may be given to disciplines usually covered by The Round Table journal, including (but not exclusively) politics, international relations, economics, international history, geography, law, development studies, and area studies.
• Applicants from STEM will not be accepted unless the research proposal clearly addresses a policy-related theme.

Eligible Candidates:

• 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 countries other than the UK, and to Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship alumni who are PhD students at any Commonwealth university outside the UK.

Why This Studentship Matters

This programme is designed to encourage innovative research with a strong Commonwealth dimension while fostering international academic collaboration. It offers PhD researchers the chance to enrich their doctoral work with a comparative Commonwealth perspective and gain international recognition through publication

Studentship Benefits

• Financial Award: Up to GBP 5,500 per studentship. The payment is often split, with £4,000 paid on announcement and the remaining £1,500 on completion of post-studentship requirements.
• Mentorship: Applicants are required to identify and work with a mentor at a university in a Commonwealth country other than that in which they are based. This expert will provide support and advice during the studentship.
• Publication Opportunity: Submission of a research article to The Round Table journal.
• Public Engagement: Creation of a podcast on the research findings.

Mentorship Requirement

As part of the studentship, applicants are required to identify and work with a mentor at a university in a Commonwealth country other than that in which they are based. 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.

The mentor will be expected to hold a minimum of two virtual meetings with the student and contribute to either the podcast or the article that the student produces. The mentor will be paid an honorarium of £500 GBP.

How to Apply

1. Review the application guidance page.
2. Download the application form from the studentships page.
3. Complete the application form. The form will ask for a summary of your proposed research topic, intended outcomes, the likely impact of your research, and how the award would benefit your research.
4. Identify a proposed mentor and contact them informally before applying.
5. Provide the names of two referees (one should be your current PhD/DPhil supervisor). References will only be taken up after shortlisting.
6. Send the completed form and a current CV to secretary@commonwealthroundtable.co.uk.

Click here to apply