UK Chevening & Commonwealth SIDS Scholarships for Masters Intake 2026 – Apply Now
The UK Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth SIDS Scholarship programs for the 2026 Master’s intake offer fully funded support tailored specifically for citizens of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Designed to develop future leaders in areas like sustainable development, climate resilience, governance, and public policy, these prestigious awards support full tuition, living stipend, travel allowance, and visa and healthcare costs. Ideal candidates typically hold a strong academic record, demonstrate leadership potential, and commit to returning to contribute to their home countries. For the 2026 intake, applications are open now across eligible SIDS nations—covering regions such as the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean islands. Alumni frequently emerge as influential public servants, NGO leaders, and policy innovators driving positive change at both national and global levels.
What’s on Offer?
These scholarships will enable citizens of eligible SIDS countries to pursue a one-year, completely funded Master’s degree at any U.K. university of their choosing. Leadership training, global networking, and exclusive enrichment events that are specifically tailored for scholars from SIDS are all included in the programs, which are intended to offer much more than academic learning.
Benefits for All SIDS Scholars:
- Global Recognition and Prestige:
Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are globally recognised and highly regarded. Future leaders, policymakers, and change-makers are granted these honours. Your academic and professional credibility are globally enhanced by your status as a scholar. - Alumni Access and Networking:
Become a member of a global alumni community that includes innovators, diplomats, and professionals. Chevening is the only institution with a global alumni base exceeding 50,000. Alumni networks provide lifelong access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and events. - Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Provides access to international employment opportunities in the private sector, academia, government, or NGOs. Commonwealth Scholars frequently acquire positions in governance, policy, climate action, and development. High-ranking leadership positions in their native countries are frequently attained by Chevening Scholars. - Emphasis on Development for SIDS Nations:
Commonwealth SIDS Scholarships are designed to assist students from Small Island Developing States in pursuing academic pursuits that contribute to the development of their native countries. Programs frequently provide assistance with:Sustainability and climate change.
1# Chevening SIDS Scholarships:
These scholarships are available to exceptional individuals with leadership potential from 25 SIDS countries and are administered under the globally recognised Chevening programme. Applicants must submit their applications through the standard Chevening application portal and select the section that indicates their interest in the Chevening SIDS option. The applicants from each eligible country with the highest ranking will be taken into account.
The following countries are included in the participation: Antigua and Barbuda, Kiribati, Seychelles, Barbados, St Lucia, Fiji, Belize, Singapore, Samoa, Mauritius, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Tonga, St Kitts and Nevis, Papua New Guinea, Bahamas, Solomon Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, and Vanuatu.
Enhanced UK Programme Experience: Chevening SIDS scholars will have access to a specialised UK program of exclusive events, which includes:
- A high-profile greeting event at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO)
- Opportunities for targeted networking with global policy influencers and fellow SIDS scholars
- Invitations to seminars and events that are themed around the UK-SIDS
- Post-study project support is available through the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund.
Opting into the Chevening SIDS track does not reduce your chances of being selected for the standard Chevening Scholarship — instead, it opens doors to a programme tailored for SIDS candidates.
2# Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) SIDS Scholarships:
In addition to Chevening, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is providing 20 guaranteed Master’s scholarships to applicants from SIDS as part of the same UK initiative. The standard CSC application procedure, which entails nomination by national agencies, will be followed for applications.
For instance, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) will function as the nominating body in the Solomon Islands.
The following countries are eligible for the CSC SIDS program: Nauru, Fiji, Saint Lucia, Maldives, Tuvalu, Grenada, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Samoa, Belize, Papua New Guinea, Dominica, Tonga, Montserrat, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana, and Mauritius.
Additionally, the CSC SIDS scholarships will offer customised enrichment opportunities to improve strategic knowledge and leadership capacity in critical development sectors.
Priority Fields of Study:
To support national development goals and bridge skill gaps, applicants are strongly encouraged to pursue Master’s degrees aligned with the following themes:
- Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change
- Inclusive Growth and Economic Recovery
- Democratic Governance, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law
- Resilient Societies and Peacebuilding
These fields reflect the most urgent developmental priorities facing SIDS communities and will enable scholars to return home with the tools to effect meaningful change.
Check Also: Warwick University SAGE Scholarships in UK – Apply Online
Application Timelines:
Eligible candidates should prepare in advance to meet the following deadlines:
- Chevening SIDS Scholarships: Applications will be opened in August 2025 and will conclude in October 2025. Publicity
- Commonwealth SIDS Scholarships (CSC): Applications will be opened in September 2025 and will conclude in October 2025.
Each programme has a distinct application process. Applicants must follow the appropriate procedure depending on the scholarship they wish to apply for, or choose to apply for both to maximize their chances.
Apply: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/master-scholarships-to-be-available-under-csc-chevening-sids.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the UK Chevening and Commonwealth SIDS Scholarships?
These are prestigious, fully funded scholarships offered by the UK government to support future leaders from eligible countries to study a Master’s degree in the UK.
Chevening Scholarship: Global UK government scholarship for future leaders.
Commonwealth SIDS Scholarship: Targeted at students from Small Island Developing States within the Commonwealth.Who is eligible to apply?
Chevening Scholarship Eligibility:
Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country
Bachelor’s degree equivalent to UK 2:1
At least 2 years of work experience
Return to home country for minimum 2 years after study
Apply to 3 eligible UK Master’s programs
Commonwealth SIDS Scholarship Eligibility:
Citizen of an eligible Commonwealth Small Island Developing State
Must not be living/studying in a high-income country
Have a first degree of at least upper second class
Cannot afford to study in the UK without a scholarship
Available to start studies in September/October 2026What can I study under these scholarships?
You can pursue any one-year taught Master’s degree at a UK university, subject to:
It being a full-time, in-person program
Starting in Fall 2026 (usually Sept/Oct)
For Commonwealth SIDS: courses that align with development goals like climate change, governance, education, technology, or healthcare
