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Phd / UK Universities

UK King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2026 (Fully Funded)

Scholarship
UK
On-site
Published Oct 29, 2025

Overview

The KCFP is an interdisciplinary three-part initiative, offering opportunities across different academic and professional levels to ensure short, medium, and long-term impact.

1. KCFP PhD Fellowships (In-Country Doctoral Study)

Description

The KCFP is an interdisciplinary three-part initiative, offering opportunities across different academic and professional levels to ensure short, medium, and long-term impact.

1. KCFP PhD Fellowships (In-Country Doctoral Study)

Designed to upskill university academic staff based in SIDS universities.

Scholars will study in their home country, with joint supervision and training opportunities across Commonwealth partner institutions.

Participants will receive training in research, communication, policy engagement, and professional development.

2. KCFP Climate Resilience Fellowships

Aimed at mid-career professionals in public, civil, and private sectors working on climate adaptation and sustainability.

Combines online self-directed learning with in-person modules and a Community of Practice for shared learning and networking.

Duration: 1 year (part-time while working)

Applications open in October 2025.

3. KCFP Undergraduate Scholarships

Supports undergraduate students in education, healthcare, and engineering, addressing skill shortages in SIDS.

Includes full tuition fees and living costs.

Encourages graduates to serve their island communities through pre-award and alumni engagement programs.

Applications open in mid-2026.

Eligibility

Eligibility depends on the specific stream applied for:

PhD Fellowships:

Must be academic staff or researchers at a recognized SIDS university.
Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent.

Climate Resilience Fellowships:

Open to mid-career professionals in government, NGOs, or private sectors working on environmental or climate issues.
Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to local capacity building.

Undergraduate Scholarships:

Must be a citizen or permanent resident of an eligible SIDS country.
Must have completed secondary education and be eligible for university admission in their home country.

Additional Information

Degree Level

The KCFP is an interdisciplinary three-part initiative, offering opportunities across different academic and professional levels to ensure short, medium, and long-term impact.
1. KCFP PhD Fellowships (In-Country Doctoral Study)
Designed to upskill university academic staff based in SIDS universities.
Scholars will study in their home country, with joint supervision and training opportunities across Commonwealth partner institutions.
Participants will receive training in research, communication, policy engagement, and professional development.
2. KCFP Climate Resilience Fellowships
Aimed at mid-career professionals in public, civil, and private sectors working on climate adaptation and sustainability.
Combines online self-directed learning with in-person modules and a Community of Practice for shared learning and networking.
Duration: 1 year (part-time while working)
Applications open in October 2025.
3. KCFP Undergraduate Scholarships
Supports undergraduate students in education, healthcare, and engineering, addressing skill shortages in SIDS.
Includes full tuition fees and living costs.
Encourages graduates to serve their island communities through pre-award and alumni engagement programs.
Applications open in mid-2026.

Available Subjects

All subjects

Benefits

All KCFP awards are fully funded and provide comprehensive support:

Full tuition fees and living stipends
Research and training grants
Access to global academic networks through the ACU
Professional development workshops and leadership training
International mentorship and supervision from partner institutions
Virtual Community of Practice for shared problem-solving and collaboration
Post-award alumni engagement for long-term professional growth

Eligible Nationalities

Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles
Asia: The Maldives
Caribbean and Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago
Pacific: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility depends on the specific stream applied for:

PhD Fellowships:

Must be academic staff or researchers at a recognized SIDS university.
Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent.

Climate Resilience Fellowships:

Open to mid-career professionals in government, NGOs, or private sectors working on environmental or climate issues.
Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to local capacity building.

Undergraduate Scholarships:

Must be a citizen or permanent resident of an eligible SIDS country.
Must have completed secondary education and be eligible for university admission in their home country.

Application Procedure

Application Timeline
Climate Resilience Fellowships: Opens October 2025
PhD Fellowships: Rolling applications expected through 2025-26
Undergraduate Scholarships: Opens mid-2026

Applicants are encouraged to monitor the ACU Funding Opportunities Calendar for official announcements and deadlines:

About the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Founded in 1913, the ACU is the world’s oldest international university network, representing 400+ universities in over 40 Commonwealth countries. The ACU supports collaboration in education, research, and innovation, with a focus on advancing opportunities in low and middle-income countries.
The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme is supported by the Khalili Foundation, a global leader in promoting peace, intercultural dialogue, and education through art and culture.

Conclusion

The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) stands as a landmark opportunity for scholars and professionals from Small Island Developing States to build skills, conduct research, and lead change within their local communities. Through education, innovation, and collaboration, KCFP strengthens the foundation for sustainable development across the Commonwealth.
If you’re passionate about contributing to your island nation’s future — this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Frequently Asked Questions Faqs

Is the KCFP a fully funded fellowship? Yes. All streams (PhD, Climate Resilience, and Undergraduate Scholarships) are fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, and training costs.
Who can apply for the KCFP? Citizens or residents of Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are eligible to apply, depending on their academic or professional background.
Can I study abroad under this fellowship? The PhD program is primarily in-country, but includes short study visits and training periods at Commonwealth partner universities.
What fields of study are supported? The main focus areas are education, health, climate resilience, engineering, and public sector leadership.
When will the next KCFP applications open? Applications for Climate Resilience Fellowships open in October 2025, while Undergraduate Scholarships begin in mid-2026.

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Funding

Fully Funded

Organization

UK Universities

Degree

Masters, PhD, Fellowship

Subjects

All Subjects

Nationality

International Students

Country

UK

Source

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