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.

We are in the process of extending our partnership agreement with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and are accepting applications from eligible candidates.  An offer to study can be given to applicants independently of any offer of funding. The offer of a Cardiff University CSC 'tuition fee only' scholarship is dependent on a successful application via the CSC Partnership Route. We will provide more information on the application via the CSC Partnership Route by early December at the latest.

Applications for 2025 entry are now open.

How to apply

This cycle of applications relates to start dates in the academic year 2025-2026. Applications should be made in accordance with CSC guidance.

There are four steps to applying.

1. Apply to Cardiff University by 28 November 2024 to study for your chosen PhD, ideally for an October 2025 start.

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

Please complete the standard online Cardiff University PhD application process, 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
• enter the ‘Cardiff University China Scholarship Council’ when asked to give the name of funding you are applying for’

2. Your school will shortlist applicants to nominate to the university panel. Schools can only nominate candidates who hold an offer to study which is unconditional or conditional on academic award qualifications only. You must have met the English Language requirements to be nominated.

Schools will need to make their nominations by 15 January 2025.

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.