Fully-funded King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programmes (KCFP) 2025-2026 for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP)
Strengthening Education, Health, and Climate Resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges, including vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks, youth out-migration, skills shortages in public services, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change.
The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) has been created in response to these urgent development challenges, aiming to address the economic, social, and environmental issues impacting SIDS. The program is inspired by His Majesty King Charles III and his commitment to education, climate action, and tackling inequality across the Commonwealth.
His Majesty King Charles III’s Vision
“I am delighted to support this important new initiative. Throughout my life, I have believed in the power of education to improve lives and unite communities across the Commonwealth and beyond. There is so much we can learn from one another as we work together within the Commonwealth to tackle the major challenges of our age and, as these Fellowships do in Small Island Developing States, to address them where they are felt most acutely. It is my fervent hope that these new Fellowships will play a significant role in furthering the free exchange of knowledge and advancing the spirit of mutual support that lies at the heart of our Commonwealth – today, tomorrow, and towards a brighter future for all.”
— His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth and ACU Patron
Programme Overview
The KCFP is an ambitious interdisciplinary initiative that combines three core components: fellowships for mid-career public service professionals, undergraduate scholarships, and PhDs. These elements work together to provide sustained short, medium, and long-term impact for SIDS and their communities.
The programme will take place in-country, with a focus on enhancing local capacity, building climate resilience, and strengthening public services, particularly in education, health, and engineering sectors. It aims to build long-term skills, retain talent, and ensure that SIDS regions can address their local needs and priorities.
Key Programme Components
KCFP In-country PhD Fellowships
PhD fellowships are designed to upskill academic staff at SIDS universities, fostering the development of future generations of researchers and key workers in essential sectors. Scholars will study primarily in their home countries, receiving joint supervision and opportunities for study at partner institutions across the Commonwealth. They will also receive training in skills such as communication, public speaking, and applying for research funding. This initiative aims to build sustainable academic capacity and meet the local development needs of SIDS.
- Application Deadline: 13:00 UTC, May 7, 2025.
KCFP Climate Resilience Fellowships
These fellowships are aimed at mid-career public service professionals working on climate change in SIDS. Participants will develop expertise in climate resilience and environmental issues, gaining practical tools to address climate crises. The fellowship includes a one-year online course, with both self-directed learning and in-person modules, supported by cohort events and a virtual Community of Practice for networking, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing.
- Applications Open: Late 2025.
KCFP Undergraduate Scholarships
This strand targets critical skills shortages in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and engineering within SIDS. The scholarships provide full tuition fees and living costs, encouraging recipients to stay and serve their island communities. An alumni scheme will offer continuous support, networking opportunities, and long-term career development.
- Applications Open: Mid-2026.
Programme Impact
The KCFP will have a lasting impact on Small Island Developing States by strengthening local expertise, fostering climate resilience, and addressing critical skill shortages in vital sectors. It will support the retention of talent within the region, ensuring that communities can tackle contemporary challenges and build sustainable futures.
Working with Us
We are seeking Regional Engagement Leads from ACU member universities in Caribbean and Pacific countries classified as SIDS. These leads will help design and deliver all three strands of the KCFP, with a focus on the climate resilience fellowships. The position is initially for 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding.
- Application Deadline for Regional Engagement Leads: 15:00 UTC, June 4, 2025.
Founding Member – The Khalili Foundation
The KCFP is generously supported by its founding member, The Khalili Foundation. Over the past three decades, the Foundation has become a global leader in promoting peacebuilding through art, culture, and education. It works to foster interfaith and intercultural understanding and has been instrumental in many internationally recognized projects that use these tools to build harmonious societies.
Apply Now
Interested candidates for the PhD fellowships, climate resilience fellowships, or undergraduate scholarships are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity to make a difference in the future of Small Island Developing States.
For more information on the fellowship opportunities and how to apply, visit the official website
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
