New UK scholarship stream launched for Small Island Developing States

New scholarship opportunities are now available to study in the UK following the launch of the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship stream for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), a major initiative that will expand educational opportunities for citizens of small island nations across the Commonwealth.

Starting in the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the SIDS stream will offer 20 fully-funded Master's scholarships per year for two consecutive years to applicants who can demonstrate a passion for social impact and a pathway towards sustainable development following their studies.

The initiative marks the UK Government's commitment to strengthening bonds with the Commonwealth as announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. The SIDS stream is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and will contribute to the aims of CHOGM, which set out to deliver:

• resilient democratic institutions upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law
• a resilient environment to combat climate change
• resilient economies that support recovery and prosperity
• resilient societies to empower individuals for a peaceful and productive life

The SIDS stream is open to applicants from: 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.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's (CSC) Chief Executive Officer, Annabel Boud said:

This new scholarship stream will equip aspiring change-makers with the knowledge, skills, and networks to take on the unique challenges faced by small island nations. We look forward to supporting these Scholars in their efforts to strengthen resilience and deliver a sustainable future for countries across the Commonwealth.

Application process

Individuals can apply for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship stream for SIDS through their national nominating agency. In addition, they must submit an application to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Applicants must meet all entry requirements and eligibility criteria set out by their nominating agency and may be asked to attend an interview. Successful candidates will be informed by July 2026. The scholarships will begin in September/October 2026.

Applications open on Tuesday 2 September 2025. The deadline for applications is 16:00 UTC+1 on 14 October 2025.

Further informationAbout the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) manages the UK government's Commonwealth Scholarship scheme, offering opportunities for postgraduate study to individuals with outstanding academic and leadership potential. Funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the CSC supports international development and aims to attract exceptional individuals from across the Commonwealth.

For more information, visit the Commonwealth Scholarships website.