PhD research scholarships

If you want to study on a doctoral programme, funding is available from the university and external organisations.

China Scholarship Council

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) predominantly funds Chinese university students to study overseas for PhD degrees in the fields of science and technology, but will also consider disciplines in the humanities. CSC awards typically cover airfares and living costs for up to four years.

Cardiff University is offering tuition fee scholarships to successful China Scholarship Council students not currently enrolled in a PhD programme.

Applications for 2024 entry are now closed.

How to apply

This cycle of applications relates to start dates in the academic year 2024-2025. Applications should be made in accordance with CSC guidance.

There are four steps to applying.

1. Apply to Cardiff University by 30 November 2023 to study for your chosen PhD, ideally for an October 2024 start.

Please note: clinical programmes are not eligible for this scheme.

Please complete the standard online Cardiff University PhD application form, noting the additional requirements listed below. We advise you to apply in advance of the deadline.

In addition to the standard application form, applicants should also:

• Attach an academic CV. Further guidance on academic CVs can be found on the Vitae website.
• Ensure the personal statement (part of the university application form) provides a clear explanation of the research interest, preparation undertaken, and an understanding of the significance of the research. Further guidance can be found on the Vitae website.
• Select ‘No, I am not self-funding my research’ when prompted on the university application form.
• When asked ‘Please give the name of funding you are applying for’, enter the ‘Cardiff University China Scholarship Council’.

2. Your school will shortlist applicants to nominate to the university panel. Schools will need to make their nominations by  10 January 2024. To be nominated, you must have an offer of study and meet the school selection criteria. By this date, you must have met any English Language conditions set out in your offer to study.

3. If you are awarded a tuition fee only scholarship by the university panel, you will be issued a tuition fee only scholarship letter. If you accept the offer, you then need to apply to the China Scholarship Council (CSC) via the Cardiff University partnership portal. This will open around March.

4. Cardiff University will send a list of those who have accepted the tuition-only scholarships to the CSC, who will match this with applications received via the partnership portal. The CSC panel will then award scholarships. The tuition fee only scholarship is only valid if you also receive the CSC scholarship.

If you have any queries about the China Scholarship Council fund, please get in touch with the Doctoral Academy using the contact details below.

Commonwealth Scholarship Programme

Commonwealth Scholarships are a joint initiative between the UK government-funded Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and UK universities, in which Cardiff University is proud to be a partner.

Commonwealth Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development and are offered to citizens from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.

For details on current funding available and how to apply, please visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.