The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are designed for mid-career professionals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to spend a short period in the UK for a program of professional development at a host organization in their field. The Fellowship offers funding worth £18,855 to support living expenses, travel, conference participation, and clothing.
Fellowship Overview
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship aims to empower professionals with practical knowledge and skills to catalyze impact in their sectors and home countries.
Fellowships are aligned with six development themes:
* Science and technology for development
* Strengthening health systems and capacity
* Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
* Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
* Strengthening resilience and response to crises
* Access, inclusion, and opportunity
The program is managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), which identifies individuals with the potential to make a difference.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
* Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
* Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
* Have at least five years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) relevant work experience by the start of the fellowship (Note: Voluntary experience is not counted)
* Be employed at the time of application, and return to the same organization after the fellowship
* Provide two references, including one from your current employer (references must be submitted by the deadline)
* Not have received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years
* Not be applying for academic research or study (academics are eligible only for academic management-related programs)
* Be available to commence the fellowship from the prescribed start date
Fellowship Benefits
The 2026 Fellowships will last between 6 weeks and 3 months, starting February 2026. Fellows will receive:
* Return airfare from home country to the UK
* Visa fee reimbursement
* Monthly stipend:
- £2,104/month (outside London)
- £2,612/month (London metro area)
* Arrival allowance of up to £1,183.20 (includes clothing allowance)
* Disability support (based on needs assessment by CSC)
* Up to £2,000 for short courses, conferences, and professional visits in the UK
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
* A scanned copy of passport or national ID
* A personal statement (max 500 words) on how your background motivates your desire to impact your country
* A summary (max 500 words) of voluntary and leadership experiences
How to Apply
To apply for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026:
1. Visit the official application page
2. Complete the online application form via https://fs29.formsite.com/m3nCYq/h08upm6r35/login
3. In the form, provide:
* Academic qualifications (undergraduate and postgraduate, where applicable)
* Up to 10 publications/prizes (if applicable)
* Employment history and relevance to the program
* A 300-word statement on how your work experience aligns with the fellowship goals
* Referee details (up to three, including your current employer)
Application Deadline: August 22, 2025
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