UK announces 20 fully funded scholarships for Jamaicans

Jamaicans aiming to pursue advanced tertiary studies overseas will soon have access to 20 fully funded scholarships, courtesy of the United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The announcement was made by Kirsty Scott, Alumni Relations Manager for the Association of Commonwealth Universities, during a reception hosted at the British High Commission in Kingston on Tuesday, May 13.

Advanced tertiary studies refer to higher education pursued beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Scott revealed that the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships stream for Small Island Developing States (SIDs) will be available to candidates from the Caribbean and other small island nations across the Commonwealth. The scholarships are set to launch in 2026 and 2027, with applications for the 2026 cohort opening on September 2.

“These scholarships will support the aims established at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, by investing in talented individuals whose studies will have transformative impacts in building resilient democratic institutions, creating resilient environmental approaches to combat climate change, developing resilient economies that support recovery and prosperity and in strengthening resilient and empowered societies,” Scott said.

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She emphasized that the initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to sustainable development and tackling global challenges. Beyond their academic pursuits, scholars will also benefit from specialized activities that deepen their understanding of issues faced by small island developing states, while building professional networks across regions.

British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Judith Slater, highlighted the historical impact of the programme, noting that over 420 Jamaicans have received Commonwealth scholarships or fellowships since the initiative began in 1960.

“This is living proof of the transformative power of education and opportunity. The UK remains committed to investing in people. Through Commonwealth scholarships and other educational programmes like Chevening and the Rhodes scholarship, we aim to build lasting partnerships and empower future leaders to contribute to global and local development goals,” Slater said.

The reception brought together past scholarship recipients and alumni from various sectors, including politics, academia, and public service. Among those present were Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton; Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte; Opposition Leader, Mark Golding; and Opposition Spokesman on Science, Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, Dr. André Haughton.

Reflecting on his own Commonwealth scholarship experience, Dr. Tufton shared, “It gave me an opportunity, not just to find myself to be clearer on my role and my contribution but also to recognise that life was not just about a personal pursuit. This is where the development aspect comes in [because] it was also about how you give back to humanity.”

Minister Malahoo Forte also reflected on her scholarship journey and the importance of access to quality education. “I believe that what has been announced (Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for SIDs) will go some way in repairing the knowledge gap and closing the divide,” she said. She credited her Commonwealth scholarship for enabling her to pursue an education that now supports her work in reforming Jamaica’s legal system.

Dr. Haughton acknowledged the wider impact of the Commonwealth on Jamaica’s development, stating, “The Commonwealth has played a significant role in contributing towards the progress that our countries have made; and it is not just a financial contribution, but a commitment to returning home and to contribute to the development, the advancement and the moral fabric of this country.”

Applications for the scholarships will be processed through the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, and interested candidates can find application requirements and details on the Ministry’s website.