UK Government Chevening SIDS Master Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Description

In a transformative move for students from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the UK Government has announced the launch of up to 40 fully funded master’s scholarships under the Chevening SIDS Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) SIDS Programme for the 2026 academic year.

Degree Level

UK Government Chevening SIDS Master Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Masters level programs at UK Universities.

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

Benefits

These scholarships aim to empower young leaders from SIDS with access to world-class education and professional development opportunities in the United Kingdom. This initiative supports the UK’s commitment made during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

What Are the Chevening SIDS Scholarships?

The Chevening SIDS Scholarship 2026 is part of the globally respected Chevening Scholarships programme. It provides a fully funded one-year master’s degree at any UK university.

Key Benefits Include:

1. Full tuition fees
2. Monthly living stipend
3. Travel costs to and from the UK
4. Access to exclusive networking events
5. Welcome reception at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
6. Opportunities for professional development and future collaborations

Chevening SIDS Scholars also join the global Chevening alumni networkgaining lifelong access to international networking and funding opportunities.

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) SIDS Scholarships 2026

The Commonwealth CSC SIDS Scholarships will also offer 20 guaranteed fully funded master’s scholarships with enhanced UK programming.

Key features include:

1. Tuition, travel, and living expenses
2. Enrichment opportunities in the UK
3. Nomination through national agenciese.g., Solomon Islands’ Mehr.

CSC SIDS Scholarships prioritize fields aligned with national development goals such as:

1. Climate change and sustainability
2. Economic recovery and growth
3. Human rights and rule of law
4. Social and political development

Eligible Nationalities

Eligible Countries for Chevening SIDS Scholarships

Eligible SIDS countries include:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Mauritius, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Singapore, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Eligibility Criteria

Only SIDS Students are eligible to apply.

Application Procedure

Scholarship Application Timeline

Chevening SIDS Scholarships 2026:

1. Opens: August 2025
2. Closes: October 2025

CSC SIDS Scholarships 2026:

1. Opens: September 2025
2. Closes: October 2025

How to Apply

1. Chevening SIDS applicants should apply via the Chevening Online Application System (OAS), ticking the “SIDS” interest box during application.
2. Commonwealth CSC SIDS applicants must apply through the CSC portal and be nominated by their country’s national scholarship agency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between the Chevening SIDS Scholarship and the Commonwealth CSC SIDS Scholarship?

Chevening is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and provides leadership-focused master’s scholarships. CSC is funded by the UK’s Department for Education and focuses on development impact. Both are fully funded but have different selection processes.

2. Can I apply for both Chevening and CSC SIDS Scholarships?

Yes, eligible applicants may apply for both scholarships, but each has a separate application process and timeline.

3. Do I need to have a university offer before applying?

For Chevening: No, but you must receive an unconditional offer from a UK university by the deadline in July 2026.

For CSC: You typically apply directly to the programme with a nominated institution list. Check specific guidance per country.

4. What are the benefits of the SIDS-specific scholarships?

1. In addition to the regular Chevening or CSC benefits, SIDS scholars receive exclusive networking, enhanced UK programme experiences, and access to events with global leaders and fellow SIDS scholars.

Why Study in the UK with a Fully Funded Scholarship?

Studying in the UK provides:

1. Access to world-class universities
2. Exposure to global leaders and policymakers
3. Enhanced career prospects in your home country and globally

Don’t Miss Out

If you’re from a SIDS nation and have a vision to contribute to your country’s development, this is your chance to pursue a fully funded UK master’s degree and become part of a global network of changemakers.

Visit the official Chevening website or the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission site to get started.