The University College of the Cayman Islands has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), outlining collaboration on The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP). The Association of Commonwealth Universities designed and delivers this ambitious interdisciplinary three-part initiative, which will offer fellowships for mid-career public service professionals, undergraduate scholarships, and PhDs.
Delivered together, these three strands will enable sustained short, medium and long-term impact for Commonwealth SIDS and their communities. The activities included in the programme will take place in-country, with an emphasis on local impact and retaining skills and talent in SIDS regions. KCFP aims to strengthen climate resilience, build capacity in education, health and engineering, and develop resilient public services and the skills of those who support them.
• Climate Resilience Fellowships – Targeted at mid-career professionals, this initiative equips participants with the skills and tools to address climate challenges and foster sustainable solutions across their communities.
• Undergraduate Fellowships – Designed to develop local capacity in education, healthcare, and engineering, these scholarships encourage students to remain within their home countries, strengthening critical sectors.
• Part-time PhD Fellowships – These aim to upskill university academic staff and ‘train the trainers’ of future generations. By allowing scholars to study within their home countries and abroad, the programme promotes knowledge sharing and capacity-building across the Commonwealth.
KCFP will be delivered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities working in collaboration with key educational institutions. The Programme aligns with the Commonwealth’s broader goals of creating resilient societies, tackling climate change, and fostering a prosperous, shared future for all member states.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities is the world’s first and oldest international university network, established in 1913 to provide a forum to share information, knowledge and ideas. The ACU is a global network of universities with a shared commitment to building a better world through international collaboration in higher education.
The University College of the Cayman Islands President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert W. Robertson says “UCCI is delighted to participate in this important initiative as it will enhance the quality of research and teaching within the University and nation-wide. In addition, the Fellowships for undergraduate students represent a significant opportunity for Caymanian students. Finally, the climate resilience Fellowships align with university goals related to sustainability. Overall, The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme is an important and timely public policy initiative that can have a significant impact across the Commonwealth.”
Fiona Khandoker, Programme Manager with the Association of Commonwealth Universities states that “we are delighted to be working with the University College of the Cayman Islands on The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme and are proud to collaborate with our members across the Commonwealth, working towards building a better world through higher education.“
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