Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2026 – Fully Funded UK Program for Mid-Career Professionals

Here are a few things you should know before you buy US stock in Nigeria

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2026: Overview

The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are designed for mid-career professionals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to undertake a period of professional development in the UK. Fellows work with a UK host organisation in their sector to build skills and knowledge that create a lasting impact upon return.

Deadline: 4 pm BST, Friday 22 August 2025

Financial Assistance

✅ Return airfare from home country to the UK
✅ Standard visa application fee reimbursement
✅ Monthly stipend:

• £2,104/month (outside London)

• £2,612/month (London area)
  ✅ Arrival allowance up to £1,183.20 (includes warm clothing)
  ✅ Up to £2,000 for short courses, conferences, or UK travel related to the programme
  ✅ Disability support based on assessment

Scholarship Categories

Fellowship programmes are offered under 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

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country, or a British Protected Person

• Be permanently resident in a Commonwealth country

• Have at least 5 years of relevant full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience

• Be currently employed and return to the same organization after the fellowship

• Not have participated in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last 5 years

• Not pursuing academic research or courses

• Be available to start the fellowship at the prescribed time

• Submit two references (one must be from the current employer)

• Meet any additional eligibility criteria set by host organisations

Documents Required

• Completed online application form

• Two references (including one from the current employer)

• Evidence of work experience

• Any documents required by the host organisation

Important Notes

• Voluntary experience is not counted toward the required five years

• Applicants cannot undertake academic research

• CSC encourages applications from persons with disabilities and offers additional support

• Personal data will be used for due diligence checks

Selection Process

Selection is based on:

• Professional experience and alignment with chosen theme

• Potential impact of the fellowship on the applicant’s organization and sector

• Alignment with the host organisation’s programme goals

• References and application quality