Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2026 for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) | Fully Funded UK Study Opportunity 

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2026: Overview

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) has launched a new Master’s scholarship stream for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, this programme will provide 20 fully-funded Master’s scholarships per year for two consecutive years.

The initiative, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), aims to strengthen resilience, boost prosperity, and empower future leaders of small island nations across the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2026: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a SIDS Commonwealth country:
  Belize, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Mauritius, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

• Hold an offer (or meet entry requirements) for a taught Master’s programme in the UK starting in September/October 2026.

• Apply through their national nominating agency and the CSC online portal.

• Demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to sustainable development in their home country.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2026: Benefits

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Airfare to and from the UK

• Monthly stipend for living expenses

• Study travel grants

• Additional support where applicable (e.g., disability support)

Fellowship/Program Components

This scholarship aligns with the 2024 CHOGM Samoa agenda and supports resilience in four key areas:

1. Democratic institutions – strengthening governance and rule of law.

2. Environment – combating climate change and protecting natural resources.

3. Economies – fostering recovery, innovation, and prosperity.

4. Societies – empowering communities for peace and productivity.

Application Requirements

Applicants will need to:

• Complete the CSC online application.

• Apply via their national nominating agency.

• Provide academic transcripts, degree certificates, references, and a personal statement.

• Articulate how their chosen Master’s programme will contribute to sustainable development in their home country.

Selection Criteria

The CSC will assess applicants based on:

• Academic merit

• Leadership potential

• Impact-driven proposal – a clear plan showing how the applicant will use their studies to address challenges in their home country.

Application Process

• Applications Open: 2 September 2025

• Deadline: 14 October 2025 (16:00 UTC+1)

• Apply through:

  1. National nominating agency (interviews may be required).

  2. CSC online application system.

• Results announced: July 2026

• Programme begins: September/October 2026

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2026 for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) | Fully Funded UK Study Opportunity