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The Association of Commonwealth Universities | ACU
King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme Undergraduate Pathway Application Guidance

Before starting your application, please ensure that you: 

  • Meet all KCFP eligibility requirements. 
  • Have reviewed the eligible universities and programmes available to applicants from your country. 
  • Understand that you must submit a separate application for admission to your chosen KCFP Host University. 
  • Have reviewed the programme entry requirements for your chosen programme. 
  • Have identified referees who can provide the required recommendation letters.
  • Have copies of any required supporting documents ready for upload. 

In the application form, applicants are required complete the following sections:  

  1. Introduction 

  1. Eligibility 

  1. Personal Details 

  1. Academic and Employment History 

  1. Programme Details 

  1. Personal Statement 

  1. References (and Recommendation Letters) 

  1. Marketing 

  1. Confirmation 

Academic integrity and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Applicants must submit their own original work and ensure that all information provided in their application is accurate. 

Plagiarism, including copying text, ideas, or content from another source without appropriate acknowledgement, is not permitted and may result in an application being rejected. 

Applicants should comply with the ACU's policy and guidance on the acceptable use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) ACU AI Policy . 

Where AI tools are used to support the preparation of an application, applicants remain fully responsible for the accuracy, authenticity, and originality of the information submitted. Applications must reflect the applicant's own experiences, achievements, motivations, and aspirations. 

Any application found to contain false, misleading, plagiarised, or inauthentic content may be disqualified from consideration. 

Eligibility 

Applicant must meet all the following criteria to be eligible for the KCFP Fellowship:  

Hold citizenship of or have recognised refugee status in, one of the 24 eligible Commonwealth SIDS. The list of SIDS is available in the KCFP website and the FAQs. 

Due to commence undergraduate study between January and December 2027.

Not hold a higher education qualification, including a bachelor’s degree or any postgraduate qualification.  

Have selected an undergraduate programme from the approved degrees advertised for their chosen Host University on the KCFP website. Applications to programmes not included in the published list will not be considered. 

Applicants will be asked to indicate the Commonwealth SIDS in which they hold citizenship or recognised refugee status. This information determines the host universities available to them under the KCFP Fellowship. Applicants are expected to study in their home country where possible, or within their immediate region where suitable opportunities are not available locally. 

Eligible Host Universities and approved degree pathways 

The Fellowship is designed to strengthen skills and capacity within Commonwealth SIDS. For the purposes of this Fellowship, a Host University is the university at which the applicant will undertake their undergraduate studies if awarded a KCFP UG Fellowship.  

The table below shows the host universities available to applicants from each eligible SIDS. Applicants must apply for admission to the same university identified in their KCFP Fellowship application. Applications submitted for a university that is not listed as eligible for the applicant's country, or where the university admission application differs from the KCFP application, may be deemed ineligible.

KCFP Host Universities

Applicants from 

Can apply for eligible programmes in the following host universities 

Antigua and Barbuda 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

Bahamas 

University of Belize 

Barbados 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

Belize 

University of Belize 

Dominica 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

Fiji 

Fiji National University 

Grenada 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

Guyana 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

Jamaica 

University of Belize, University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

Kiribati 

Fiji National University, National University of Samoa 

Maldives 

Villa College 

Mauritius 

University of Mauritius, University of Technology, Mauritius 

Nauru 

Fiji National University, National University of Samoa  

Papua New Guinea 

Papua New Guinea University of Technology 

Samoa 

National University of Samoa 

Seychelles 

University of Mauritius, University of Technology, Mauritius 

Solomon Islands 

Fiji national University, Papua New Guinea University of Technology 

St Kitts and Nevis 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

St Lucia 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

St Vincent and Grenadines 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

Tonga 

Fiji National University, National University of Samoa 

Trinidad and Tobago 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

Tuvalu 

Fiji National University, National University of Samoa 

Vanuatu 

Fiji National University, National University of Samoa 

Approved degree programme details 

Applicants will be asked to select the undergraduate degree programme they wish to study at their chosen Host University.  

The programmes available in the application form will be based on the Host University selected during the eligibility stage and will only display programmes for which the applicant is eligible to apply. Applicants are therefore encouraged to review the information below before starting their application and before submitting their separate university admission application. 

Applicants must apply for admission to the same programme and university selected in their KCFP Fellowship application. Applications where the university or programme selected in the KCFP application does not match the university admission application will be deemed ineligible. 

The table below lists the eligible programmes offered by each Host University, together with the entry requirements provided by the university. This information is provided for guidance only and is intended to help applicants identify suitable programmes before submitting their applications. Applicants should review the entry requirements carefully when applying for admission to their chosen university and programme. Please note that these entry requirements relate to admission to the university and do not form part of the KCFP Fellowship selection criteria. Any questions regarding programme content, entry requirements, qualification equivalencies, English language requirements, or admissions procedures should be directed to the relevant KCFP Host University, as admissions decisions are made solely by the university. 

KCFP Host University 

Programmes eligible for KCFP 

Programme Entry Requirements 

Fiji National University 

Bachelor of Environmental Health 

Minimum Entry Requirements (MER): 
1. A pass in Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination (FY13CE) or equivalent with a minimum aggregate mark of 250 out of 400 including a pass in English and 3 other STEM subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, Food Technology and Agricultural Science OR; 
2. A pass in the Full Foundation Science programme with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 out of 4.5 or 2.53 out of 5.0, including a pass in English and 3 other STEM subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, Food Technology, and Agricultural Science OR; 
3. A pass in the Bridging or Unclassified Foundation Science programme with a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.5 or 2.53 out of 5.0 including a pass in English and 3 other STEM subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, Food Technology, and Agricultural Science OR; 
4. Certificate in Health Professions Foundation programme with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.53 out of 5. 
5. Applicants may also be admitted to the Bachelor of Environmental Health programme who may not meet the requirement in the years of continuous education progression, but who are able to demonstrate their ability to succeed in programmes at these levels on the basis of their maturity, work experience or prior learning. The Dean may require such an applicant to sit for any specific or general examination as a prerequisite for any such enrolment or may restrict enrolment only to certain prescribed programmes that must be passed to progress further (UASR p.28 6.8.2). 
6. Regional and international applicants will need qualifications assessed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)’s Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP). 

Fiji National University 

Bachelor of Public Health 

1. A pass in Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination (FY13CE) or equivalent with a minimum 
aggregate mark of 250 out of 400 including a pass in English and 3 other STEM subjects: 
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, Home Economics and 
Agricultural Science OR; 
2. Certificate in Health Professions Foundation programme with minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.53 out of 5 OR 
3. A pass in the Full Foundation Science programme with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) 
of 2.5 out of 4.5 or 2.53 out of 5.0 including a pass in English and 3 other STEM subjects: 
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, Food Technology, and 
Agricultural Science OR; 
4. A pass in the Bridging or Unclassified Foundation Science programme with a minimum GPA 
of 2.5 out of 4.5 or 2.53 out of 5.0 including a pass in English and 3 other STEM subjects: 
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, Food Technology, and 
Agricultural Science OR; 
5. Applicants who have completed an undergraduate Degree in the relevant disciplines qualify 
to apply with cross-credit (maximum of 80%) if applicable and advanced standing as approved 
by the HOS of SPHPC and/or Programme Coordinator OR; 
6. Applicants may also be admitted to the Bachelor of Public Health programmes who may not 
meet the requirement on the years of continuous education progression, but who are able 
to demonstrate their ability to succeed in programmes at these levels based on their 
maturity, work experience or prior learning. The Dean may require such an applicant to sit for 
any specific or general examination as a prerequisite for any such enrolment or may 
restrict enrolment only to certain prescribed programmes that must be passed to progress 
further (UASR p.28 6.8.2). 
7. Regional and international applicants will need qualifications assessed by the Pacific Community (SPC)’s Educational Quality and Assessment Program. 
Link to programme: https://www.fnu.ac.fj/study/program/?program=330 

Fiji National University 

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Mathematics & Physics) – Mathematics specialisation 

Fiji Year 13 Examination: 220 or more marks in four subjects, including passes in English, Mathematics and Physics, or equivalent under FNU regulations. Mature-age admission may also be considered for applicants aged 21+ who demonstrate capacity to succeed through maturity, work experience or prior learning. 

Link to programme on your institution's website: https://www.fnu.ac.fj/humanities-education/#! 

Fiji National University 

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Mathematics & Physics) – Physics specialisation 

Fiji Year 13 Examination: 220 or more marks in four subjects, including passes in English, Mathematics and Physics, or equivalent under FNU regulations. Mature-age admission may also be considered for applicants aged 21+ who demonstrate capacity to succeed through maturity, work experience or prior learning. 

Fiji National University 

Bachelor of Education (Primary)- Primary School teaching specialist. 

Fiji Year 13 Examination: 220 or more marks in four subjects, including passes in English, Mathematics and Physics, or equivalent under FNU regulations. Mature-age admission may also be considered for applicants aged 21+ who demonstrate capacity to succeed through maturity, work experience or prior learning. 

National University of Samoa 

Bachelor of Education (Primary) 

A Foundation Certificate in Education or equivalent; or a Diploma in Education of equivalent; or Mature Entry. 

Link to programme: https://nus.edu.ws/foe-courses/ 

National University of Samoa 

Bachelor of Nursing 

Foundation Certificate in Science or equivalent, or Foundation Certificate in Nursing or equivalent (per current published entry pathway); or NUS Diploma in Nursing (with specific conditions) or equivalent; or Mature Entry. 

Link to programme: https://nus.edu.ws/fohs-courses/ 

National University of Samoa 

Bachelor of Health Sciences 

A Foundation Certificate in Science, or Nursing, or Agriculture (with conditions) or equivalent; or under the RCC & RPL or equivalent. 

Link to programme: https://nus.edu.ws/fohs-courses/ 

National University of Samoa 

Bachelor of Science (Secondary Teaching) 

A Foundation Certificate in Science or Agriculture or equivalent; or a Certificate or Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture, or Computing, or Mathematics, or Science, or Education or equivalent; or a Bachelors degree in Education; or Mature Entry. 

Link to programme: www.nus.edu.ws 

Papua New Guinea University of Technology 

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) 

PNG Grade 12 Certificate (or equivalent) with a grade B and above in Mathematics, Physics and English at the required aggregate; alternatively, successful completion of the University's Foundation/Preliminary Year program. 

Papua New Guinea University of Technology 

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) 

PNG Grade 12 Certificate (or equivalent) with a grade B and above in Mathematics, Physics and English at the required aggregate; alternatively, successful completion of the University's Foundation/Preliminary Year program. 

Papua New Guinea University of Technology 

Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) 

PNG Grade 12 Certificate (or equivalent) with a grade B and above in Mathematics, Physics and English at the required aggregate; alternatively, successful completion of the University's Foundation/Preliminary Year program. 

University of Belize 

Bachelor in Nursing 

Applicants must have five CXC/CSEC subjects at Grades 1–2, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and one other subject. Applicants must also be at least 17 years old at the beginning of the academic year of entry. Equivalent international qualifications may be assessed by the University’s Admissions Office. 

University of Belize 

Bachelor in Mathematics Education 

An Associate Degree in Mathematics or a related field, subject to transcript and transfer-credit evaluation. 

University of Mauritius 

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering 

2 GCE Advanced level or Higher Educational Certificate 2A levels. 

University of Mauritius 

BSc (Hons) Geomatics 

2 GCE Advanced level or Higher Educational Certificate 2A levels. 

University of Mauritius 

BSc (Hons) Town and Country Planning 

2 GCE Advanced level or Higher Educational Certificate 2A levels. 

University of Technology Mauritius 

BSc.(Hons) Occupational Safety and Health Management 

As per UTM's Admission to Programmes of Study at Degree Level, either: (i) three A-level passes (including Mathematics or a Science subject) plus one subsidiary-level pass at the Higher School Certificate; or (ii) two A-level passes (including Mathematics or a Science subject) plus two subsidiary-level passes at HSC; or (iii) three A-level passes (including Mathematics or a Science subject) at the London General Certificate Examination; or (iv) alternative qualifications as per UTM Admissions Regulations. 
English language: applicants not meeting the standard English requirement need IELTS 7.0, or TOEFL 550 (paper-based) / 79 (internet-based). The programme is taught entirely in English. 

University of Technology Mauritius 

BSc (Hons) Travel and Tourism Management 

As per UTM's Admission to Programmes of Study at Degree Level, either: (i) three A-level passes (including Mathematics or a Science subject) plus one subsidiary-level pass at the Higher School Certificate; or (ii) two A-level passes (including Mathematics or a Science subject) plus two subsidiary-level passes at HSC; or (iii) three A-level passes (including Mathematics or a Science subject) at the London General Certificate Examination; or (iv) alternative qualifications as per UTM Admissions Regulations. 
English language: applicants not meeting the standard English requirement need IELTS 7.0, or TOEFL 550 (paper-based) / 79 (internet-based). The programme is taught entirely in English. 

University of West Indies (Cave Hill) 

Bachelor of Health Sciences 

Successful completion of science-related programmes at the secondary level (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) or General Certificate of Education (GCE) O Level, and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) or GCE A Level), or natural and applied sciences at the tertiary level. 

Villa College 

Bachelor of Nursing 

Applicants must meet one of the following entry requirements: 
• A minimum C grade at GCE O Level in Mathematics, Biology/Human Biology and Physics/Chemistry, AND a minimum E grade at GCE A Level in any two of the following subjects (Mathematics, Biology/Human Biology, Physics/Chemistry) 
• Passes in Sahadha Saanavi Mathematics, Biology/Human Biology and Physics /Chemistry. 
• Successful completion of Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF) level 4 programme in Nursing 
• Successful completion of Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF) level 4 and above in a health-related program (Public Health/Primary Health Care/Pharmacy/Medical Laboratory technology) 
• Certified proficiency in English (GCE O’ level/ IGCSE English pass/ University English Language Competency Test) or equivalent (Approved by the Maldives Nursing and Midwifery Council - MNMC) 

Villa College 

Bachelor of Teaching in Primary and Special Educational Needs 

Applicants must normally meet one of the following: 
• 2 passes in A Level/HSC (At GCE A/L, a pass is considered E and above. HSC pass is considered C and above) OR 
• Attainment of a Level 4 qualification in a related field OR 
• Attainment of Level 4 Foundation Study Programme is approved for the specific Diploma programme. 

Villa College 

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) 

 

Applicants must normally meet one of the following: 
• Minimum of two principal passes at A-Level, including a pass in Mathematics and one physical science subject; or 
• Completion of an approved Level 4 Foundation Study Programme relevant to the programme; or 
• Completion of a Level 4 qualification in a related field. 

Villa College 

Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Honours) 

Applicants must normally meet one of the following: 
• Minimum of two principal passes at A-Level, including a pass in Mathematics and one physical science subject; or 
• Completion of an approved Level 4 Foundation Study Programme relevant to the programme; or 
• Completion of a Level 4 qualification in a related field. 

Villa College 

Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) 

Applicants must normally meet one of the following: 

  • Minimum of two principal passes at A-Level, including a pass in Mathematics and one physical science subject; or 

  • Completion of an approved Level 4 Foundation Study Programme relevant to the programme; or 

  • Completion of a Level 4 qualification in a related field. 

Fellowship conditions and post-award commitments

  • Applicants must enrol in an eligible programme at an approved Host University located in their home country or immediate region. 

  • Successful applicants must remain in their home country or region for a minimum of three years immediately following completion of their degree and Fellowship award period. 

  • The three-year post-award residency requirement is a mandatory condition of the Fellowship and cannot be waived or satisfied through repayment of Fellowship funds. 

Personal and contact details

This section will ask for personal information such as name, address, email, etc. Applicant will also be asked to upload a picture or scanned copy of passport/national ID. Either document is acceptable. 

Academic and employment record 

This section requests information about the applicant's academic background and employment history. Applicants will be asked to upload high school/secondary school transcript. A Secondary school leaving qualification, (i.e. Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE), Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate (PSSC), South Pacific Form Seven Certificate (SPFSC), GCE/IGCSE, or equivalent) is also required. 

If the high school diplomas or certificate is already available, it can be uploaded, however, it is optional. 

Any queries relating to qualification requirements or transcript equivalencies should be directed to the university to which the applicant is applying, as that institution is best placed to provide guidance on these matters.  

The employment section is optional and should be completed by applicants who are currently or have been employed or self-employed. Applicants are required to upload a CV or resume.  

Equal opportunities

As part of the application form, applicants will be invited to provide information relating to diversity, equity and inclusion. This section is required to proceed with the application, however, providing this information is entirely optional and applicants may choose “Not applicable” or “Prefer not to say” if these are the most suitable options. This information is not shared with application reviewers or selection panels and will not be used to assess the academic quality of an application.

Motivation and contribution

Applicants will be asked to complete two written statements of 300 (required minimum) -500 (max) words each. These statements form an important part of the assessment process and allow applicants to demonstrate their motivation for applying, their future aspirations, and how their studies will contribute to the development of their island nation.  

Statement 1: Motivation for Applying (300-500 words) 

Describe your motivation for applying for the KCFP UG fellowship. 

Your statement should address the following: 

  • What inspired or motivated you to apply for the KCFP UG fellowship? 

  • What are your education and career aspirations? 

  • How will your chosen programme support your career development and help you achieve your goals? 

  • How does your chosen field of study align with the development needs and climate resilience priorities of your island nation? 

  • What experiences, interests, achievements, or personal qualities have prepared you to succeed in your chosen field of study? 

  • If relevant, describe any financial, social or other barriers that the KCFP scholarship would help you overcome. 

Statement 2: Contribution to Your Island Nation (300-500 words) 

Describe how you would contribute to your island nation upon completion of your degree. 

Your statement should address the following: 

  • What knowledge, skills and experience do you expect to gain from your chosen programme of study? 

  •  Why are these knowledge, skills and experiences important for the future development of your island nation? How might the knowledge and skills gained through your degree help address climate and environmental challenges facing your island nation? 

  • How do you hope to apply and share your knowledge and skills within your community, profession, or country after graduation? 

  • How do you hope to contribute to the sustainable development and climate resilience of your island nation after graduation? 

Tips for preparing your statements 

  • Answer all parts of each question. 

  • Use examples from your own experiences, achievements and aspirations. 

  • Clearly explain why you have chosen your intended programme of study. 

  • Demonstrate how your studies will contribute to the future development of your island nation. 

  • Ensure your responses are your own work and reflect your own experiences and views. 

References (recommendation letters)

This section requires applicants to upload two recommendation letters which should be signed, dated and on headed paper. Referees should comment on the applicant's academic potential, motivation for study, leadership qualities, relevant experience, personal strengths, and overall suitability for the KCFP UG pathway. Wherever possible, recommendations should include specific examples that demonstrate the applicant's abilities and potential. 

Applicants who are currently employed should provide: 

  • One recommendation letter from a teacher, lecturer, or other educational referee; and 

  • One recommendation letter from their current employer. 

Applicants who are not currently employed should provide: 

  • Two recommendation letters from teachers, lecturers, or other educational referees. 

Confirmation

Before submitting the application, applicants will be asked to review and confirm the accuracy of their application, and the conditions of the Fellowship. Applicants will be required to enter their full name to confirm that they have read and understood these statements.   

Applicants should carefully review all sections of their application before submitting. Once an application has been submitted, it will not be possible to make changes or upload additional documents. Applicants are therefore encouraged to save their application as a draft and check all information carefully before final submission.