ACU Round Table Commonwealth PhD Studentship 2026 – Up to £5,500

Scholarship Description

The Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth PhD Studentships provide funding for research projects on Commonwealth-related themes in the humanities and social sciences. These prestigious studentships are funded by The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and the journal's publisher, Routledge, in association with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).

Two studentships are available annually, each with a maximum value of GBP 5,500 — one for PhD students registered at UK universities, and one for PhD students registered at ACU member universities in Commonwealth countries other than the UK. The studentship supports research that relates to the Commonwealth as a whole, has a Commonwealth comparative aspect, or is of relevance to more than one Commonwealth country.

Scholarship Location

The studentship supports research at universities in the UK and ACU member universities in Commonwealth countries (excluding the UK). Scholars may be based at their home institution or conduct research across multiple Commonwealth countries.

Scholarship Deadline

Applications close on 31 July 2026.

Host Organization

The studentships are administered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) in partnership with The Round Table journal and its publisher, Routledge. The ACU is the world's first and oldest international university network, with more than 500 member institutions across 50 Commonwealth countries.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: PhD (Doctoral).

Fields of study (humanities and social sciences): Preference may be given to disciplines usually covered by The Round Table journal, including but not exclusively:

• Politics and International Relations
• Economics
• International History
• Geography
• Law
• Development Studies
• Area Studies

STEM applicants: Applicants from STEM fields will not be accepted unless the research proposal clearly addresses a policy-related theme.

Target Group

The studentship is open to PhD students registered at:

• UK universities (one studentship)
• ACU member universities in Commonwealth countries other than the UK (one studentship)

Applications are welcomed from a broad range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. It is not expected that the applicant's PhD 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.

Scholarship Amount & Requirements

Value: Up to GBP 5,500 per studentship.

Number of Studentships: Two annually — one for UK-based PhD students, one for Commonwealth-based PhD students.

Mentorship Requirement: Applicants must identify and work with a mentor at a university in a Commonwealth country other than their own. The mentor will:

• Hold a minimum of two virtual meetings with the student during the studentship
• Provide advice on publishing, events, and trends in the field
• Challenge and empower the student to consider new ways of thinking
• Contribute to the podcast or article produced
• Receive an honorarium of £500 GBP at the end of the studentship

Deliverables: Successful applicants must:

• Submit an article of 4,000–6,000 words based on their research for consideration for publication in The Round Table journal
• Produce a podcast on their research for publication on the journal's website

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Registration: Must be a PhD student registered at a UK university OR at an ACU member university in a Commonwealth country (excluding the UK).
• 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 organisation
  • Have a Commonwealth comparative aspect
  • Be of relevance to more than one Commonwealth country
• Discipline: Humanities and social sciences. STEM applicants only accepted if the proposal clearly addresses a policy-related theme.
• Mentorship: Must identify and work with a mentor at a university in a Commonwealth country other than where they are based.

Additional notes: It is not expected that the applicant's PhD 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.

Application Procedure

1. Review the application guidance – Visit the ACU website to review the full application guidance and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
2. Identify a mentor – Find a mentor at a university in a Commonwealth country other than your own, who is an expert in a subject linked to your research. The mentor must agree to participate before you apply.
3. Download the application form – Access the application form from the ACU/Round Table studentships page.
4. Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
   • Completed application form
   • Current CV
   • Research proposal (must meet Commonwealth criteria)
   • Mentor agreement/confirmation
   • Proof of PhD registration at your university
5. Complete the application form – Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and thoroughly.
6. Submit by email – Send the completed application form and your current CV to [email protected].
7. Application review – Applications are reviewed by the selection committee.
8. Notification – Successful applicants are notified of the outcome.

Important notes: Successful applicants will be required to submit an article (4,000–6,000 words) for consideration for publication in The Round Table journal and produce a podcast on their research. The mentor must read and abide by the mentor code of conduct guidelines.

Official Website & Application Links

ACU – Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships Official Page

Application Email: [email protected]

The Round Table Journal: www.commonwealthroundtable.co.uk