Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) Programme 2026–2027 at LSE (Fully Funded)
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
If you are a passionate changemaker working to challenge inequality in your community or globally, applications are now open for the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) Programme 2026–2027 at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
This prestigious, fully funded fellowship invites mid-career leaders — from policymakers and researchers to artists, activists, and movement builders — to join a transformative global network dedicated to social and economic justice.
Hosted by the International Inequalities Institute at LSE, the AFSEE programme combines academic learning, reflective practice, and community-based collaboration to equip leaders with the tools and networks needed to create long-term social change.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location:
London, United Kingdom (Residential Track)
Global (Non-Residential Track)
Host Institution: London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) — International Inequalities Institute
Fellowship Types:
Residential Track: MSc in Inequalities and Social Science + bespoke fellowship modules
Non-Residential Track: Postgraduate Certificate in Social and Economic Equity + practice-based project
Target Group Mid-career social change leaders, activists, researchers, policymakers, artists, and practitioners with at least seven years of experience working on inequality-related issues.
Fields of Focus:
Economic and social rights
Sustainability and environmental justice
Tax justice and economic alternatives
Women’s, minority, and disability rights
Rights to education and public policy
Housing and urban inequalities
Labour rights, community organising
Arts, culture, peacebuilding, and transitional justice
Value & Coverage:
Full tuition and academic fees
Travel and visa costs
Living stipend (£23,000 for Residential Fellows)
Accommodation and travel for Non-Residential Fellows during modules
Project grant (up to £10,000 for Non-Residential Fellows)
Duration: One academic year (Active Fellowship Year), followed by a lifelong Senior Fellowship
Application Deadline: 16 January 2026 (5 p.m. UK time)
Start Date: Mid-2026 (Fellowship year begins in London or via hybrid modules)
Eligible To: Global applicants; strongly encourages individuals from the Global South and underrepresented or marginalized communities.
🧭 Fellowship Overview
Launched in 2016, the AFSEE Programme is part of the Atlantic Fellows network, supported by The Atlantic Philanthropies, with a goal to create a 400-strong global community of Fellows over two decades.
Now recruiting for its tenth cohort, AFSEE offers an intensive, dialogue-based learning experience that combines academic study, leadership development, and collaborative practice. Fellows engage with four thematic modules:
Foundations of social and economic inequalities
Policy for equity
Challenging and transforming inequality
Debates and dialogues on inequality
The programme encourages reflection, co-creation, and solidarity — empowering Fellows to rethink inequality and explore transformative solutions for justice and inclusion.
After the active fellowship year, participants become Senior Fellows, gaining continued access to mentorship, collaborative initiatives, and funding opportunities, as well as integration into the global Atlantic Fellows community spanning seven programmes worldwide.
📚 Tracks
AFSEE offers two distinct fellowship tracks designed to accommodate the different realities of changemakers around the world.
Residential Track
Fellows relocate to London for one academic year.
They complete the MSc in Inequalities and Social Science at LSE.
Alongside the degree, Fellows attend four bespoke AFSEE modules led by academics and social justice practitioners.
Benefits include full funding (tuition, visa, travel, and living stipend of £23,000).
Ideal for applicants able to engage full-time in London.
Not normally open to applicants who already hold a PhD or completed an MSc within the past three years.
Non-Residential Track
Fellows remain in their home country while engaging part-time in the programme.
They design and implement a practice-based project addressing an aspect of inequality.
Participate in online and in-person AFSEE modules with Residential Fellows.
Receive a Postgraduate Certificate in Social and Economic Equity upon completion.
Funding covers project grants (up to £10,000), travel, accommodation during modules, and visa costs.
Open to applicants without a traditional undergraduate degree (with sufficient professional experience).
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Both tracks of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme provide generous support designed to remove financial barriers and maximize learning and impact.
Financial Coverage
Full tuition and academic fees covered by LSE.
Travel expenses to and from London for required events and modules.
Visa and immigration costs fully covered.
Residential Fellows receive a living stipend of £23,000.
Non-Residential Fellows receive full module participation funding and a project development grant up to £10,000.
Academic & Professional Development
Access to world-class faculty, research, and the LSE academic community.
Tailored learning modules and workshops designed around social and economic equity.
Mentorship and networking with global leaders in social change, public policy, and activism.
Access to funding opportunities, collaborative research, and post-fellowship initiatives.
Lifelong Engagement
Upon completion, Fellows become part of a lifelong Atlantic Fellows network, gaining continued support, learning opportunities, and global visibility.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the AFSEE 2026–27 cohort, applicants must:
Have at least seven years of professional experience working on social, economic, or policy-related inequality issues.
Demonstrate leadership, courage, and a clear commitment to equity and justice.
Meet LSE’s English language proficiency requirements.
Residential applicants must meet MSc in Inequalities and Social Science admission criteria (2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent).
Non-Residential applicants may apply with or without a formal degree if they demonstrate relevant experience and impact.
Applicants currently enrolled in a degree programme must complete their studies before September 2026.
AFSEE especially welcomes applications from individuals in the Global South, as well as members of marginalized and underrepresented communities (e.g. Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Arab, refugee, LGBTQIA+, disability communities, and women leaders).
📝 Application Procedure
Applications for the 2026–2027 Cohort are now open and must be submitted by 16 January 2026 (5 p.m. UK time).
Step-by-step process:
1. Prepare your materials
Updated CV
Statement of academic purpose (outlining your experience, impact, and learning goals)
Official transcripts (or equivalent statement if no undergraduate degree)
Proof of English proficiency (if required)
2. Submit your online application
Apply via the official LSE Atlantic Fellows portal: afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/apply
3. Provide references
Nominate two referees; both must submit their references by 23 January 2026.
4. Selection process
Mid-March 2026: Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview.
Mid-April 2026: Final decisions communicated.
Mid-June 2026: Cohort announcement.
5. Begin the Fellowship Year
The programme starts in September 2026 with orientation and the first learning modules.
ℹ️ Additional Information
Information Webinars:
20 October 2025 – Programme Overview Session
Mid-November 2025 – Application Tips Webinar
Official Website & Contact:
Learn more and apply at: afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk
Hosted by the International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economic
