PhD Scholarship 2025 in 2D Materials Research – If you’re passionate about nanomaterials, energy conversion, and sustainable technologies, here’s your golden opportunity! Applications are opening soon for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2025 at Keele University, United Kingdom, under the guidance of Dr. Nilanthy Balakrishnan, for groundbreaking research in 2D materials.
This highly competitive and fully funded PhD program supports researchers from Least Developed Countries and Vulnerable States, giving them access to world-class facilities and supervision to advance next-generation technologies in low-cost synthesis, energy storage, and strain engineering.
π Program Overview: What Is the PhD Scholarship 2025 in 2D Materials Research?
The PhD position is part of an international effort to develop low-cost, low-temperature methods to synthesize and manipulate 2D materials for high-efficiency energy applications.
π Host Country: United Kingdom
ποΈ Institution: Keele University, UK
π Duration: Typically 3β4 years
π©βπ« Supervisor: Dr. Nilanthy Balakrishnan
β° Application Window:
- Opens: 2 September 2025
- Closes: October 2025
π Official Scholarship Link
π― Research Focus Areas
As a Commonwealth PhD scholar, you will be embedded in a cutting-edge research group exploring transformative materials that power tomorrow’s clean energy landscape.
The project themes include:
- π§ͺ Low-cost, low-temperature synthesis of novel 2D materials
- β‘ Energy storage and conversion using ultra-thin nanostructures
- π§© Strain engineering for performance enhancement in 2D systems
This is a unique chance to contribute to climate-resilient and sustainable technologies aligned with global development goals.
π What Does the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship Cover?
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship for Least Developed Countries and Vulnerable States is one of the most generous scholarships offered by the UK government.
Here are the fully funded benefits:
- β Full tuition fees at Keele University
- β Monthly stipend for living expenses
- β Airfare to and from the UK
- β Thesis grant and study travel allowance
- β Full visa and NHS coverage
- β Access to exclusive Commonwealth Alumni Network
π¨βπ Who Can Apply?
This program is designed for early-career researchers from Commonwealth Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Vulnerable States. Check your countryβs eligibility via the Commonwealth Official Website.
β Eligibility Requirements:
- π§βπ Be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible country
- π§Ύ Hold a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree (2:1)
- π Have a relevant Masterβs degree OR be in final year of MSc
- π¬ Meet Keele Universityβs English language requirements (IELTS or equivalent)
- π§ͺ Demonstrate strong academic interest in 2D materials, nanoscience, or physical chemistry
- π¬ Preferably have prior research experience in materials science or energy systems
π§βπ« About the Supervisor β Dr. Nilanthy Balakrishnan
Dr. Nilanthy Balakrishnan is a respected academic in materials chemistry and nanostructures, with a specific focus on energy conversion and 2D materials engineering.
As your PhD supervisor at Keele University, she will offer:
- π Rigorous academic guidance
- π§ͺ Access to high-end nanomaterials labs
- π International collaborations and conference exposure
- π Support for publishing in top-tier journals
Her research group is known for inclusive mentoring, innovation, and a commitment to environmentally impactful science.
ποΈ Why Choose Keele University?
Located in the UK countryside, Keele University combines a serene research setting with top academic rankings in materials science and energy engineering.
β Features:
- π¬ State-of-the-art materials synthesis and characterization labs
- π± Sustainability-focused campus and research agenda
- π Welcoming, multicultural research community
- π§βπ¬ Active partnerships with UK and international research networks
- π‘ High employability and academic publishing support
π₯ How to Apply
Applying for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2025 at Keele involves two key steps:
Step 1 β Apply to Keele University:
- Submit your application for a PhD under the supervision of Dr. Nilanthy Balakrishnan
- Include: CV, personal statement, research proposal, and academic transcripts
Step 2 β Apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarship:
- Submit via the CSC online application system
- Choose Keele University and your supervisorβs details
- Upload relevant documents and submit before the October 2025 deadline
π» For full details:
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-phd-scholarships-for-least-developed-countries-and-vulnerable-states
If you require any help regarding your application, you can also contact us at scholarshipwithaakash@gmail.com
π€ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
β Is the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship fully funded?
β Yes, it covers tuition, living expenses, travel, health, and thesis grant.
β Can I apply from any country?
No. You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth Least Developed Country or Vulnerable State.
β What is the research topic about?
You will focus on 2D materials for low-cost synthesis, energy storage, and strain engineering.
β Who will supervise the project?
π©βπ¬ Youβll work under Dr. Nilanthy Balakrishnan at Keele University, UK.
β When does the application open and close?
ποΈ Opens: September 2, 2025
ποΈ Closes: October 2025
π Final Thoughts: Why You Should Apply
The PhD Scholarship 2025 in 2D Materials Research at Keele University is a transformative opportunity for researchers from the Global South. Fully funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, this program not only equips you with technical expertise but empowers you to address global energy and sustainability challenges using next-generation materials.
If youβre ready to make an impact, innovate in 2D nanostructures, and be mentored by a leader in materials science, then start preparing your application now. Seats are limited, and competition is global.
π Apply via: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-phd-scholarships-for-least-developed-countries-and-vulnerable-states
π§βπ Author Bio

Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen is a scholarship strategist and science communicator who helps global talent discover fully funded research opportunities. With a background in advanced materials and energy systems, he curates academic scholarships that empower students to lead global change.
Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash β Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.
π’ Support Us on Social Media
If you find this helpful, support our work:
Website: scholarshipswithaakash.site
π΄ YouTube
π Facebook
πΈ Instagram
π΅ TikTok
π§΅ Threads
π² WhatsApp Channel

