New UK Scholarship Stream 2026 Launched for Small Island Developing States

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has officially launched a new Master’s scholarship stream dedicated to students from Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This initiative is designed to strengthen resilience and prosperity across the Commonwealth, offering transformative opportunities to study in the UK.

Fully Funded Scholarships for 2026–2027

Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, the SIDS stream will provide 20 fully-funded Master’s scholarships each year for two consecutive years. The program targets individuals committed to driving sustainable development and social impact in their home countries.

Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the scholarships support the commitments made at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. The initiative focuses on four key areas:

• Resilient democratic institutions – upholding rights, democracy, and rule of law
• A resilient environment – addressing climate change
• Resilient economies – supporting recovery and prosperity
• Resilient societies – empowering individuals for peaceful and productive lives

Eligible Countries

Applications are invited from citizens of: 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, and Vanuatu.

How to Apply?

Applicants must submit their applications through both their national nominating agency and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) portal. Eligibility requirements vary by country, and shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend interviews. Final results will be announced in July 2026, with studies beginning in September/October 2026.

Application Deadlines

The last date to apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship stream for Small Island Developing States is 14 October 2025 at 16:00 UTC+1. Applications opened on 2 September 2025, and successful candidates will begin their studies in the UK in the autumn of 2026.