KINGSTON, Jamaica- Jamaicans looking to pursue advanced tertiary studies overseas will soon have access to 20 fully- funded scholarships being provided by the United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

This was announced by Alumni Relations Manager for the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Kirsty Scott, during a reception at the British High Commission in Kingston on Tuesday.

Scott explained that the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships stream for Small Island Developing States (SIDs) will target candidates from the Caribbean and other small island nations across the Commonwealth.

“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,” she emphasised.

The alumni relations manager said the scholarships represent the UK Foreign Office’s commitment to sustainable development and addressing global challenges.

“Beyond their academic studies, scholars will access specialised activities designed to deepen their understanding of the unique challenges facing small island developing states and foster lasting professional networks across both this region and others that are involved in the programme,” she said.

Scott indicated that the scholarships will be offered in 2026 and 2027. Applications for the 2026 batch are set to open on September 2.

In her remarks, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Judith Slater, said more than 420 Jamaicans have benefited from Commonwealth scholarships or fellowships since the programme’s inception in1960.

“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,” she further stated.

The reception brought together past scholars and alumni from diverse fields, including politics, public service, academia and business.

Former Commonwealth scholarship recipients, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, and Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte (centre), converse with Alumni Relations Manager for the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Kirsty Scott, during a reception on Tuesday (May 14) to announce 20 new Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships. The event was held at the British High Commission in Kingston.

Among the attendees were Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton; Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte; Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, and Opposition Spokesman on Science, Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, Dr André Haughton.

Reflecting on his academic journey, made possible through a Commonwealth scholarship, Dr Tufton said, “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,” he added.

Dr Tufton further noted that the Commonwealth scholarship was pivotal in enabling him to make a meaningful contribution to the development of others.

In her remarks, Malahoo Forte acknowledged that Jamaicans need assistance to afford 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.

Referencing her role as minister of legal and constitutional affairs, Malahoo Forte noted that the Commonwealth scholarship made it possible for her to receive the quality education that has allowed her to make a meaningful contribution to reforming Jamaica’s legal system.

Meanwhile, Haughton noted the Commonwealth’s contribution to Jamaica’s human capital development.

“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,” he said.

Applications for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for SIDs will be accepted through the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.

Interested applicants can access details regarding the requirements and the application form on the ministry’s website.

-JIS