Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded Professional Development Opportunity in the UK
Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026, a fully funded fellowship designed for mid-career professionals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. This prestigious programme allows participants to spend time at a UK host organisation, gaining practical experience, professional skills, and international exposure while contributing to impactful projects in their fields.
Summary of the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Programme Type: Fellowship (Professional Development)
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth countries (low and middle-income)
- Funding Amount: Up to £18,855 (including stipend, travel, and allowances)
- Programme Duration: 6 weeks to 3 months (starting February 2026)
- Language Requirement: No IELTS required
- Application Deadline: August 22, 2025
About the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships, funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), provide mid-career professionals the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity. Fellows work with UK host organizations, gaining hands-on experience in their sectors and developing strategies to create lasting positive change in their home countries.
The programme is offered under six development themes, reflecting key global challenges:
- 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
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered 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 relevant full-time work experience in a field related to the proposed fellowship. Voluntary work does not count toward the experience requirement.
- Be employed at the time of application, with confirmation that they will return to their job after completing the fellowship.
- Provide at least two references, one of which must be from the current employer.
- Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years.
- Be available to undertake the fellowship from the specified start date.
Benefits of the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026
The fellowship provides comprehensive funding and support, including:
- Fully funded return airfare from the Fellow’s home country to the UK.
- Visa application fee reimbursement.
- Monthly stipend:
-
- £2,104 per month (outside London)
- £2,612 per month (for host organizations in the London metropolitan area).
- Arrival allowance up to £1,183.20, including clothing expenses.
- Additional support for Fellows with disabilities, based on assessed needs.
- Up to £2,000 for short courses, conferences, and travel within the UK if relevant to the programme.
Duration of the Fellowship
The fellowship runs for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 3 months, with all programmes scheduled to start from February 2026.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents when applying:
- A scanned copy of a passport or national ID card.
- A personal statement (up to 500 words) describing how their background has motivated them to create change in their home country.
- A leadership and community engagement statement (up to 500 words) highlighting voluntary activities and leadership experience.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Interested and eligible professionals can apply by following these steps:
Step 1: Access the Application Portal
Visit the official CSC application page and navigate to the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship section.
Step 2: Complete the Online Form
- Fill in all personal and academic details.
- Provide information on employment history, clearly explaining how each role relates to the fellowship programme.
- List all relevant university qualifications (undergraduate and postgraduate).
- If applicable, include up to 10 publications or awards.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
Attach required documents such as identification, personal statement, and references.
Step 4: Provide References
- You must provide details of up to three referees, including one from your current employer.
- References must be submitted before the reference closing date; otherwise, the application will be considered ineligible.
Step 5: Final Submission
Please submit the completed application by August 22, 2025.
Click Here to Apply for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026
Why Apply for This Fellowship?
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship is a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to enhance their expertise, expand international networks, and gain exposure to innovative practices in their fields.
Successful Fellows return home equipped with new skills and perspectives that enable them to drive change, influence policies and contribute to national development.
Summary of Key Information
- Programme Name: Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Funding: Fully funded (airfare, stipend, allowances, and additional support).
- Duration: 6 weeks to 3 months (starting February 2026)
- Eligible Applicants: Mid-career professionals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries
- Deadline: August 22, 2025
Explore More Scholarship Opportunities
If you are actively seeking fully funded scholarships, you may also want to explore Saudi Arabia Government Scholarships 2025. Check the Saudi Arabia Government Scholarships 2025