Inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, the KCFP PhD Fellowships offer a unique opportunity for fellows from Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to undertake a PhD in their home country whilst working. The PhD Fellowships are open to academic staff and professionals from Commonwealth SIDS with master’s level or equivalent experience, who wish to undertake a PhD in any of the following subject areas: climate change/environment, education, engineering, health. 

The Fellowship will support each successful recipient with the following: 

• GBP 30,000 over 6 years (GBP 5,000 per year) to support research and research visits to the appointed partner university (in Australia, Canada, New Zealand or United Kingdom) and a waiver of international tuition fees if they would be charged.
• Where available and applicable, access to resources such as the library of the partner university or databases on a case-by-case basis.
• GBP 12,000 research support grant (GBP 2,000 per year).
• 20% salary contribution to the employer of the PhD candidate over the 6 years.
• Dedicated joint PhD supervisors from the partner university and SIDS home university for the whole duration of the 6-year long Fellowship.
• Access as a member of the ‘King’s Fellows’ cohort to training to support continued professional development and learn relevant skills, such as communication, engaging with policy makers, entrepreneurship, public speaking and applying for research funding. 
  
  

Who can apply?  

• All of the below items must apply to be eligible:
• • Applicants with a Master's degree or equivalent experience.   
  • Due to commence or already enrolled in a PhD research degree programme at a ACU SIDS member university in the 2025/26 academic year with an aim to complete the PhD degree (please see list of universities below).
  • PhD subject area falls within one of the 4 KCFP research areas (Climate change/environment, Education, Engineering and Health). 
  • Applicants with citizenship or refugee status in a Commonwealth SIDS. The following countries are eligible: