Ministry of Education and Training
Apply Now: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027 for Full-Time Master’s Study in the UK
Including the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship stream for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Ministry of Education and Training is pleased to invite applications for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) for the academic year 2026/2027. These prestigious, fully funded awards are supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK.
Purpose of the Scholarships
These scholarships aim to support individuals with the potential to make a transformative impact in their home countries. They are intended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK and who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to sustainable development.
CSC Development Themes
All Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are offered under six key development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Improving population health, health systems and capacity
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
These themes guide the selection of courses and ensure alignment with national development priorities. More information is available on the CSC Development Themes page.
Special Stream for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
The scholarship aims to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) achieve a resilient common future as set out at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024. in Samoa
To be eligible for this stream, applicants must select courses that support one of the four CHOGM 2024 aims:
- Resilient democratic institutions: Upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law
- Resilient environment: Combating climate change
- Resilient economies: Supporting recovery and prosperity
- Resilient societies: Empowering individuals for peaceful and productive lives
For full details, visit the CSC’s official page on Master’s Awards for SIDS.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country or have refugee/British Protected Person status
- Be permanently resident in an eligible country
- Be available to start studies in the UK by September 2026
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours or equivalent
- Demonstrate financial need and inability to study in the UK without the scholarship
How to Apply
All applications for both the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) must be submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s official application portal.
Applicants are required to:
- Review the eligibility criteria and development themes relevant to their chosen scholarship stream.
- Prepare all supporting documentation, including academic transcripts, references, and proof of citizenship.
- Submit a complete application via the CSC portal by the deadline: 14 October 2025 at 16:00 BST.
- Sumit a hard copy of their completed online application, and all required supporting documents to the Scholarships Unit, Ministry of Education and Training, Ápimataka, Tofoa by 4:30 PM on 14 October 2025. For further inquiries, please contact the Scholarship Unit at sptelefoni [at] gmail [dot] com/naififita [at] gmail [dot] com or call 7401280 during official working hours.