Hey future leaders and change-makers! Are you from a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with big dreams of making a global impact? Then get ready, because the UK government has launched an incredible opportunity just for you: the Commonwealth Master’s SIDS Bursary!
While Bursaries Room usually focuses on South African opportunities, we couldn’t miss sharing this fantastic international chance for our broader community interested in Commonwealth scholarships. This bursary is specifically designed for citizens of Small Island Developing States to pursue fully-funded Master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.
What is the Commonwealth Master’s SIDS Bursary?
This brand-new initiative offers fully-funded Master’s scholarships in the UK, starting from the 2026/2027 academic year. It’s a major commitment from the UK Government to strengthen its bonds with the Commonwealth and support sustainable development in small island nations. If you’re passionate about making a real difference in your home country and community, this bursary could be your pathway to gaining world-class education and skills.
Each year for two consecutive years, 20 deserving students will receive support to undertake their Master’s studies, focusing on areas that contribute to: resilient democratic institutions, a resilient environment (especially combating climate change), resilient economies, and resilient societies.
Who Can Apply?
This bursary is specifically for applicants from the following Small Island Developing States:
- Belize
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Kiribati
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
To be eligible, you must be a citizen of one of these countries and demonstrate a strong passion for social impact, along with a clear vision of how your studies will contribute to sustainable development in your nation. You’ll also need to meet all entry requirements and eligibility criteria set by your national nominating agency and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
What Does It Cover?
This is a truly generous opportunity as the Commonwealth Master’s SIDS Bursary is **fully-funded**. This means it aims to cover all essential costs associated with your Master’s degree in the UK, including:
- Tuition fees
- Approved airfare to and from the UK
- Living costs (stipend)
- Other study-related allowances
This comprehensive funding allows you to focus entirely on your studies and making the most of your UK educational experience without financial worry.
How to Apply?
Ready to take the leap? Here’s what you need to do:
- **Start Early:** Applications open on **Tuesday, 2 September 2025**.
- **National Nominating Agency:** You must apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship stream for SIDS through your national nominating agency first. They will have specific requirements and may conduct interviews.
- **Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC):** In addition to your national agency application, you will also need to submit a separate application directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
- **Meet Criteria:** Ensure you meet all entry and eligibility requirements from both your nominating agency and the CSC.
- **Mark Your Calendar:** The final deadline for applications is **16:00 UTC+1 on 14 October 2025**. Don’t miss it!
Successful candidates will be notified by July 2026, with the scholarships officially commencing in September/October 2026. For more detailed information and to access the application portal, visit the official Commonwealth Scholarships website.
Official Application Link: Commonwealth Scholarships Website
If you’re a passionate individual from one of the eligible SIDS countries, this could be your chance to study in the UK and make a real difference. Don’t let this opportunity slip by – prepare your application for the Commonwealth Master’s SIDS Bursary and explore more international opportunities on Bursaries Room!
