Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) research scholar Nitesh Dogne has been selected for the Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship for the academic year 2025-26. Dogne is pursuing his PhD on “Indigenous Knowledge System of Tribal Circularity” under the Department of Planning and the Department of Architecture at JMI.
According to an official statement, Dogne will spend one year at the University of Bath as part of the award. His proposal was also accepted by University College London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, and Newcastle University for consideration under the scholarship scheme.
The research examines the Bhil tribe’s traditional use of water, energy, biomass, and waste in circular, community-driven systems. Faculty supervisors stated that these practices offer insights for targets related to clean water, clean energy and climate action. The study also focuses on documenting practices that are declining due to urban expansion, and aims to contribute to broader work on the Indian Knowledge System.
About the Commonwealth Split-site scholarship
The Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), United Kingdom. According to an official statement, the programme supports PhD scholars registered at universities in Commonwealth countries so they can conduct part of their doctoral research at a UK institution.
The scholarship is fully funded and is offered to a limited number of scholars each year. CSC data shows that in 2024, only 57 scholars from 40 countries were selected across all disciplines. The award covers airfare, tuition fees, living expenses and research support for the period spent in the UK.
Eligibility and selection
As per CSC guidelines, the Split-site Scholarship is meant for PhD students who have already initiated their research in their home universities. Applicants must demonstrate the relevance of their work to development priorities and show how joint supervision between UK and home institutions will advance their research.
The selection is based on academic merit, research quality and the potential impact of the proposed work on development outcomes in the scholar’s home country.
Scholarship benefits
The scholarship provides full financial support, including:
–Approved tuition fees at the UK host institution
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–A monthly stipend for living expenses during the UK research period
–Airfare to and from the UK
–Additional research or travel grants as approved by the CSC
–Support for study-related costs and access requirements, where applicable
According to CSC guidelines, these benefits are structured to ensure that scholars are able to carry out their research without financial constraints during their stay in the UK.
The award aims to promote long-term research partnerships between institutions. It supports work in areas linked to sustainable development, public policy, science, heritage, and community-focused studies. Scholars are expected to contribute to capacity-building in their home institutions after completing the research component.
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