THE GIBRALTAR COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP

To apply for this scholarship, you must:

1. Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country other than the host country (Gibraltar) or a British-protected person;
2. Be permanently resident in a Commonwealth country.
3. Be available to start your academic studies in Gibraltar by the start of the academic year and
4. Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honors standard, or a second class degree and relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). Additionally, applicants should usually:
5. Hold a Master’s degree awarded by a UK University, or an overseas Master’s degree of an equivalent standard, provided that the Master’s degree is in an appropriate cognate area and that the Master’s degree included training in research and the completion of a research project;
6. Have a good honors degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, and ideally have research and/or professional experience at the postgraduate level as evidenced in published work, written reports, or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment. If English is not your first language you must demonstrate evidence of English language ability to the following (or equivalent) minimum level of proficiency:
7. An IELTS score of 6.5; or
8. A TOEFL score of 600; and
9. Have achieved a minimum of English Language competence equivalent to at least IELTS 5.5 across all four areas of competence – writing, reading, speaking, and listening.

Stated amount: 118,010 The Gibraltar Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme provides financial support that includes all University fees, one annual return trip to and from the country of residence, and a monthly stipend towards completion of a three-year full-time doctoral postgraduate qualification at the University of Gibraltar. Each scholarship provides: ​​​​​​​

1. Approved airfare (economy class) from your home country to Gibraltar and return at the end of your award, as well as one single, annually available, return airfare to and from your home country;
2. Approved tuition and examination fees;
3. Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1, 068 (INR 1, 18, 010)/month.
4. Thesis grant towards the cost of preparing a thesis or dissertation, where applicable; and
5. Annual research support grant (towards the cost of prior approved research-related costs up to approx. £2, 000 (INR 2, 21, 013)). No. of scholarships is subject to availability, please visit official website.

No Separate Application or Fee is Required to get the scholarship, it will be automatically considered, once you enrolled for the program. How to apply: This is a joint application system whereby the application is for both the scholarship and for a place to read for a Ph.D. at the University of Gibraltar. Applications must be made directly to the University and must include:

1. A completed application form, including your research proposal; http://www.unigib.edu.gi/ apply-gcs
2. All of the required documentation (i.e. copies of University/College transcripts, award certificates, and certificate of English proficiency where necessary);
3. The names and contact details of three personal referees;
4. The names and contact details of up to three subject specialists whom you think the University might approach to review your Ph.D. proposal and/or who might be able to offer expert supervision in your field of study.
5. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant. Expressions of Interest and applications must be made through the dedicated email account: commonwealth@unigib.edu.gi For further details please click here.

This is an open, competitive application process and only one scholarship per year is available. Applications are considered according to the following selection criteria:

1. Academic merit of the candidate
2. Quality of the research proposal
3. The potential strategic impact of the work ​​​​​​​Each application is initially considered by an internal review panel. Applications, shortlisted in this first phase of the selection process, are sent for external review to an expert in the subject area concerned. The external reviewer will evaluate the Ph.D. proposal and advise the Selection Committee on the applicant’s score against the three criteria listed above. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview via Skype (or similar internet-based video-conferencing technology). Once a preferred candidate is identified the University Research and Research Degrees Committee (RRDC) will confirm the quality, viability, and originality of the proposed research study and judge the potential of the candidate to undertake PhD study. Other Info Tenure and Placement The scholarship award is specific to three years of full-time PhD study and degree completion. The scholarship will not be extended to enable candidates to complete a qualification in addition to or other than that for which the selection was made. Awards are made in respect of full-time study only and no other course of study may be undertaken at the same time. Commonwealth Scholars will be required to adhere to the Research Degree Regulations of the University of Gibraltar which include, for example:
4. The review of a formal research proposal and the quality of the candidate;
5. Where necessary the ethical review of a proposed project;
6. Attendance of the PhD seminar series;
7. Completion of five online research skills modules;
8. Regular meetings with supervisors;
9. The annual review of candidate progress;
10. And confirmation of candidature within 12 - 24 months of registration. ​​​​​​​The Research Degrees Regulations are reviewed on a regular basis and there may be changes to the expectations placed on candidates. Commonwealth Scholars will be expected to contribute to the academic life of the University and may be reasonably required, for example, to: support curriculum development in their specialist field and/or undertake teaching in their specialist field or more generally on research courses, project coordination, mentorship or study opportunities.