Study in the UK! Chevening & Commonwealth SIDS Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s
If you’re from a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) dreaming of earning a Master’s degree in the UK, here’s life-changing news: The UK Government has launched a new wave of fully funded scholarships exclusively for students from SIDS!
Starting in 2026, up to 40 talented students will receive fully funded opportunities under two flagship UK scholarship schemes: Chevening SIDS Scholarships and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) SIDS Scholarships.
Why This Matters
This unique initiative, announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, aims to empower students from island nations that face unique challenges like climate change and economic vulnerability. Scholars will gain world-class education, leadership training, and a powerful global network — equipping them to return home as changemakers.
What’s Included
Both the Chevening and CSC SIDS Scholarships offer generous benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees covered
✅ Monthly living stipend
✅ Return airfare to and from the UK
✅ Exclusive workshops & leadership events
✅ Access to powerful UK & Commonwealth alumni networks
✅ Post-study project funding & professional opportunities
1️⃣ Chevening SIDS Scholarships
Administered under the world-renowned Chevening programme, this track is tailored for SIDS students with leadership potential. Applicants will apply via the standard Chevening portal and simply tick the SIDS box. The top-ranked applicant(s) from each eligible country will be selected.
Participating Countries Include:
Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Mauritius, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Exclusive Experience:
✨ Good to know: Opting for the SIDS track does not reduce your chances of winning a standard Chevening award — it simply increases your options!
📌 2️⃣ Commonwealth SIDS Scholarships
Alongside Chevening, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is offering 20 guaranteed Master’s places for SIDS students.
Applicants must follow the standard CSC application process, which requires nomination by your national agency (for example, the Ministry of Education).
Eligible CSC SIDS Countries Include:
Nauru, Fiji, Saint Lucia, Maldives, Tuvalu, Grenada, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Samoa, Belize, Papua New Guinea, Dominica, Tonga, Montserrat, Jamaica, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Guyana, Mauritius.
CSC SIDS Scholars will also benefit from tailored leadership training focused on sustainable development goals.
🌍 Recommended Fields of Study
Both scholarship tracks encourage degrees related to:
🌿 Climate Change & Sustainability
💼 Economic Recovery & Inclusive Growth
⚖️ Human Rights & Democratic Governance
🕊️ Peacebuilding & Resilient Societies
These fields reflect key priorities for island communities and equip graduates to drive real change back home.
⏰ Key Deadlines
📌 Chevening SIDS Scholarships:
📌 Commonwealth SIDS Scholarships (CSC):
✅ How to Apply
1️⃣ For Chevening: Apply online via the Chevening portal. Select your country, fill out the standard form, and tick the SIDS option.
🔗 Chevening Official
2️⃣ For CSC: Apply through your country’s national nominating agency and complete the CSC online application.
🔗 CSC Official
👉 Pro tip: Eligible students can apply for BOTH scholarships to maximize their chances!
📣 Start Preparing Now!
The Chevening & Commonwealth SIDS Scholarships could be your ticket to a world-class Master’s in the UK, plus invaluable leadership and networking experience.
📚 Research your ideal UK universities
📝 Draft your personal statements early
🤝 Contact referees for recommendation letters
When applications open, you’ll be ready to shine!
🔗 Apply & Learn More: UK Government Master’s Scholarships for SIDS
📢 Share this with friends, classmates, and family from island nations!
