Apply Now: ACU Commonwealth Routledge Studentship 2025 (£5,500 Grant for PhD Research)
Are you a PhD student working on a Commonwealth-related research theme? The ACU Commonwealth Routledge Studentship 2025 is now open for applications! This prestigious studentship offers a £5,500 research grant to support innovative PhD projects that contribute to the understanding of the Commonwealth and its institutions.
In this blog post, you’ll find key information about the studentship program, eligibility criteria, benefits, and a step-by-step application guide.
Commonwealth Routledge Studentship 2025 Summary
Host: Commonwealth
Location: Study in the UK or other Commonwealth countries
Program Type: PhD Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Fellowships
Eligible Applicants: PhD Students from Commonwealth Countries
Funding Amount: £5,500 Research Grant
Deadline: July 31, 2025
IELTS Requirement: Not Required
What Is the Commonwealth Routledge Studentship?
The Commonwealth Routledge Studentship is an annual grant offered by The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and its publisher, Routledge, in partnership with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
The aim of the studentship is to support doctoral students conducting research on themes relevant to the Commonwealth, including political, economic, social, legal, and cultural studies.
The award welcomes proposals from a broad range of disciplines, with preference given to research areas featured in The Round Table Journal such as:
International Relations
Politics and Governance
Law and Development Studies
Economics
Area Studies
Geography and International History
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Commonwealth Routledge Studentship (Who Can Apply?)
You are eligible to apply if you are:
A PhD student at a UK university (regardless of nationality), OR
A registered PhD student at an ACU member university in any Commonwealth country outside the UK, OR
A Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarship alumnus currently pursuing a PhD in a Commonwealth country outside the UK
Research Focus Requirements
Your proposed research must meet at least one of the following:
Relate to the Commonwealth as a whole
Focus on any Commonwealth-wide institution or organisation
Include a strong comparative Commonwealth aspect
Be of relevance to a Commonwealth country other than the UK
Commonwealth Routledge Studentship (Benefits)
Two studentships available annually
Each student receives a research grant of £5,500
Funding supports:
Fieldwork
Archival research
Data collection and analysis
Travel related to the project
Other approved academic expenses
Commonwealth Routledge Studentship (Required Documents)
Applicants must submit the following:
CV (updated and academic-focused)
Studentship Plan, including:
A clear explanation of your intended research (non-technical language preferred)
The significance of the project in the context of Commonwealth studies
Expected outcomes or outputs (e.g., publications, policy impact)
Two Letters of Support:
One academic referee (preferably your PhD supervisor)
One personal referee
Funding Plan:
A brief outline showing how you intend to use the £5,500 grant
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Routledge Studentship 2025
Follow these steps to submit your application:
Visit the Official Website
Click the Apply Now button to go to the official ACU scholarship page.Download the Application Form
Choose either PDF or Word format.Fill Out the Application
Be clear and concise in your studentship plan.
Avoid jargon; make your work accessible to a wide audience.
Submit Your Application
Send your completed form and CV via email to:
secretary@commonwealthroundtable.co.uk
Important Dates
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
Studentship Duration: Project-specific; flexible based on research needs
Pro Tips for a Strong Application
Tailor your research proposal to highlight Commonwealth relevance
Make your motivation and research impact clear and compelling
Secure strong recommendation letters that speak to your capabilities and contribution
Be specific about how you will use the £5,500 grant
Final Thoughts
The ACU Commonwealth Routledge Studentship is a unique opportunity to fund your PhD research while contributing to the scholarly understanding of the Commonwealth. If your work aligns with political, economic, or cultural dimensions of Commonwealth countries, this could be the perfect funding opportunity for you.
Apply before July 31, 2025 — and take a step closer to achieving your research goals!
