Learn about the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2025/26, eligibility criteria, development themes, benefits, application process, and financial support for mid-career professionals from low and middle income Commonwealth countries.
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2025/26 are now open, offering a fully funded opportunity for mid-career professionals from low and middle income Commonwealth countries to enhance their skills, gain international exposure, and strengthen leadership capacity within their sectors. Hosted by UK organisations across a wide range of fields, these fellowships provide hands-on professional development designed to deliver long-term impact in Fellows’ home institutions.
This programme is ideal for professionals seeking career growth, global insight, sectoral innovation, and an opportunity to contribute more effectively to national development upon returning home.
What Are the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships?
These fellowships allow selected candidates to spend time in the United Kingdom working with a UK host organisation that specialises in their professional field. Instead of classroom learning, Fellows participate in practical, job-related placements, mentorship, and capacity-building activities.
The aim is to help mid-career professionals:
- Strengthen technical and leadership skills
- Gain best-practice knowledge from UK institutions
- Drive innovation and positive change within their home organisations
- Strengthen networks within the Commonwealth
The programme is managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and fully funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Who Is the Fellowship For?
The intended beneficiaries are:
- Professionals with at least five years of relevant work experience
- Individuals working in organisations in low or middle income Commonwealth countries
- People positioned to influence change, policy, capacity building, or institutional development
- Mid-career leaders with strong performance records and growth potential
The programme supports professionals who can use the fellowship experience to deliver long-term development outcomes in their home country.
Development Themes for 2025/26
Applicants must align their fellowship goals with one of the six CSC development themes:
1. Science and Technology for Development
Focus areas include digital innovation, AI, agricultural technology, environmental sciences, and scientific research.
2. Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
For professionals in public health, healthcare management, disease control, medical technology, and community health systems.
3. Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Suitable for professionals involved in business development, enterprise support, social entrepreneurship, and economic transformation.
4. Strengthening Global Peace, Security and Governance
Includes governance reform, public administration, peacebuilding, democracy strengthening, or policy development.
5. Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
Targets humanitarian workers, disaster risk specialists, climate resilience professionals, and emergency preparedness experts.
6. Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity
For those working in education, disability inclusion, gender equality, youth empowerment, and social protection systems.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, candidates must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be currently working in an organisation in their home country
- Have a minimum of five years’ full-time professional experience
- Be mid-career (not junior, not senior/executive-level)
- Have not previously undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years
- Demonstrate clear potential for broader impact and leadership
- Provide evidence of support from their employer
- Be able to commit fully to the fellowship programme in the UK
Applicants must return to their home country after the fellowship to apply their newly acquired skills.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of low and middle income Commonwealth countries such as:
Bangladesh, Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, India, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and others.
(Full list available from the CSC, but above are the major participating nations.)
Financial Assistance
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship is fully funded and covers:
- Round-trip airfare to and from the UK
- Monthly living allowance
- Arrival allowance
- Accommodation support (depending on host organisation structure)
- Travel within the UK for activities and placements
- Training and development costs
- Support for disability needs (where applicable)
Fellows incur no personal costs for participating in the programme.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the CSC application portal. The process includes:
- Completing the official online application form
- Uploading academic and professional documents
- Providing a detailed career development plan
- Selecting the development theme that matches your sector
- Submitting supporting statements from your employer
- Identifying how the fellowship will benefit your organisation and home country
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
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General Conditions of the Fellowship
- Fellows must complete the entire programme in the UK.
- Fellows must return to their home country after the fellowship.
- The CSC may withdraw funding for misconduct or failure to adhere to fellowship rules.
- Fellows must follow UK immigration regulations under the specific visa provided.
- Participation does not guarantee employment in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The CSC covers all essential costs, including travel, living expenses, and training.
2. Do I need a degree to apply?
A degree is not always required, but applicants must demonstrate professional expertise and at least five years of work experience in their sector.
3. Can government employees apply?
Yes, as long as they obtain employer approval.
4. Can I stay in the UK after the fellowship?
No. Fellows are required to return to their home country to implement their skills.
5. What type of organisations host Fellows?
Universities, NGOs, research institutions, government agencies, and professional bodies in the UK.
6. How long does the fellowship last?
The duration varies by host organisation, typically ranging from several weeks to several months.
7. Can I apply if I have less than five years’ experience?
No. The minimum requirement is strictly five years.
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