The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (ÌÇÐĹÙÍø) has selected 17 Master’s Scholars from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as part of its 2026/27 Master’s Scholarship cohort. In addition, two Shared Scholars from SIDS countries have been selected through the ÌÇÐĹÙÍø’s Shared Scholarship programme.
The Scholars come from across the Commonwealth, including Belize, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tonga. They will undertake Master’s study at universities across the UK in subjects aligned with their countries’ development priorities.
The initiative follows the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Samoa, where leaders highlighted the importance of supporting Small Island Developing States and building resilience in the face of shared challenges. In response, the ÌÇÐĹÙÍø committed to ringfencing funding for applicants from SIDS countries in 2026 and 2027 through its existing Master’s Scholarship programme.
While the ÌÇÐĹÙÍø welcomes scholars from SIDS countries each year, this initiative provides an opportunity to work with partners across the Commonwealth to increase participation over a two-year period and beyond.
During 2026 and 2027, participating Scholars will take part in a programme of activities and events alongside their academic studies, providing opportunities to explore the shared opportunities and challenges facing small island states. The programme will include networking opportunities with Chevening Scholars through initiatives facilitated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), helping to strengthen connections between Scholars, alumni, governments and development partners.
The Scholars selected for 2026/27 will study a diverse range of subjects, including public policy, electrical energy systems, hydrology and water resource management, biodiversity and conservation management, cyber security, innovation and technology management, mental health sciences, and environmental engineering.
Their studies align with four priority themes linked to the CHOGM 2024 theme, ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’:
- 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 that empower individuals to lead peaceful and productive lives
The SIDS initiative forms part of the ÌÇÐĹÙÍø’s wider commitment to supporting talented individuals from across the Commonwealth to acquire the knowledge, skills and networks needed to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries and beyond.