Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2026 in the UK | Fully Funded Mid‑Career Development Placement
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026 offers fully funded placements in the UK, enabling participants to gain hands‑on experience at host organisations across diverse development sectors. From governance to tech, health to education, this fellowship helps you amplify impact in your home country.
Deadline: 22 August 2025
About the Fellowship
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these fellowships support professionals from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. You spend between 6 weeks and 3 months working in a UK organisation with carefully crafted professional development activities tailored to your sector and goals.
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What the Fellowship Covers
- Approved return economy airfare from home country to the UK
- Monthly living allowance: £2,104 outside London or £2,612 in London (2025 rates)
- Visa application fee reimbursement
- Arrival allowance up to £1,183.20, including warm clothing
- Up to £2,000 allowance for conferences or study visits as part of the programme
- Additional disability support if applicable
Who Should Apply?
- Citizens or refugees permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country
- At least 5 years’ relevant work experience in development-related sectors
- Currently employed and committed to returning to your home organisation post-fellowship
- No participation in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the previous 5 years
- Academics are eligible only for management training programmes, not research courses
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Thematic Focus Areas
Fellowships align with six development themes:
- Science & Technology for Development
- Health Systems Capacity
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Peace, Security & Governance
- Resilience & Crisis Response
- Access, Inclusion, Opportunity
You’ll select a host organisation that offers professional development aligned with one of these themes, such as public agencies, NGOs, or research collaborations.
Also read:
- Monash University International Merit Scholarship 2026
- Princeton University Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded
- Edith Cowan University Travel Bursary 2026
- Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded Public Interest & Global Justice Fellowships
How to Apply
Complete and submit the online application via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s portal, including your CV, personal statement, references (one from your current employer), and impact plan:
👉 https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship is a catalytic opportunity for mid-career leaders to gain UK-based skills, experience, and networks in support of sustainable development—fully funded and geared to yield long-term impact in your home country.
Tip
Tailor your application to the development theme you choose—present clear professional impact goals, leadership history, and a return‑to‑home project proposal that boosts your organisation and community.
Elevate your leadership in your sector with this transformative UK fellowship.
