New UK Scholarships Announced for Students from Small Island Developing States Starting in 2026

Starting in 2026, students from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will have the opportunity to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree at a university of their choice in the United Kingdom. This initiative forms part of the UK Government’s commitment to broadening access to higher education for young people from SIDS and supporting their long-term development through education and skills.

Announced in support of the UK’s pledge made during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, the programme is being delivered through two key UK scholarship providers — the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Chevening. Together, they will offer up to 40 master’s scholarships for outstanding candidates from eligible SIDS countries.

Enhanced UK Experience for SIDS Scholars

In addition to academic study, scholars selected through either programme will benefit from an enriched UK experience. This includes exclusive networking events, opportunities to meet with fellow SIDS scholars, and interactions with key global influencers. These activities are designed to support both professional growth and long-term collaboration among participants from across the SIDS network.

How to Apply: Two Pathways

There are two separate routes to apply for these scholarships, depending on the programme:

• Chevening SIDS Scholarships:
  Applicants will follow the standard Chevening application process, which opens in August 2025 and closes in October 2025. During the online application, candidates can indicate their interest in being considered for the Chevening SIDS Scholarship by ticking a designated box. The top-ranking applicants from each eligible country will be shortlisted.

• Commonwealth SIDS Scholarships:
  Twenty places will be offered specifically through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. These scholarships follow the standard application route and involve nominations by national agencies. For example, in the Solomon Islands, nominations will be managed by the National Scholarship Division of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD). Applications open in September 2025 and close in October 2025.

Focus Areas of Study

Successful candidates will study courses aligned with national development needs and capacity gaps, including:

• Climate change and sustainability

• Human rights, governance, and the rule of law

• Economic recovery and inclusive growth

• Peacebuilding and community development

Eligible Countries

Chevening SIDS Scholarship countries include:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Mauritius, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Commonwealth SIDS Scholarship countries include:
Belize, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Life Beyond the Classroom

Chevening SIDS scholars will be invited to attend a special welcome event at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), offering early networking opportunities with policymakers and fellow scholars. Following graduation, scholars will join the Chevening global alumni community, gaining access to exclusive funding opportunities and invitations to participate in alumni-led projects and events.

Applicants should note that choosing to be considered for the Chevening SIDS Scholarship does not affect their eligibility for a standard Chevening Scholarship — they will be assessed for both.

Encouraging the Next Generation of Global Leaders

This new initiative aims to empower emerging professionals from SIDS with the tools, networks, and knowledge to contribute to their home countries’ development goals. It is part of the UK’s broader effort to foster lasting international partnerships through education and innovation.

For full details on eligibility, participating universities, and how to apply, visit the official Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships websites.