Chevening CRISP Fellowship 2026: An Elite Leadership Opportunity at Oxford
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
If you’re an experienced professional from India or Sri Lanka with a passion for science, innovation, and leadership, the Chevening Research, Science, and Innovation Leadership Fellowship (CRISP) 2026 could be your transformational next step. Hosted by St Cross College at the University of Oxford and funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this fellowship is crafted to elevate mid-career changemakers.
🎓 CRISP Fellowship Summary
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Host Institution: St Cross College, University of Oxford
Level: Mid-career professional fellowship
Target Group: Citizens and residents of India or Sri Lanka with a postgraduate qualification and at least seven years of professional experience
Fields of Focus: Science, innovation, leadership, management, global challenges, politics, and international relations
Value & Coverage:
Full programme fees
Living expenses for 12 weeks
Return economy airfare from India or Sri Lanka to the UK
Duration: 12 weeks (typically April–June)
Application Deadline: 7 October 2025, 12:00 UTC
✨ Fellowship Overview
The CRISP Fellowship offers a high-impact, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to build leadership and innovation skills:
Deepen understanding of the UK’s science and innovation landscape
Explore innovation management and its role in economic development
Develop and present a business plan tailored to your sector
Engaging field visits to UK research institutes, businesses, and universities
Participate in a rich cultural programme offering diverse perspectives beyond academia
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Fully Funded: Programme fees, stipend, and economy-class return airfare covered
Networking & Mentorship: Access to UK thought leaders, innovators, and peer fellows through structured visits and modules
Cultural Enrichment: Immersive experiences offering personal and professional growth
Strategic Insights: Learn how science and innovation intersect with global policy and economic development
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CRISP 2026, applicants must:
Be citizens of India or Sri Lanka and currently reside in your country
Commit to returning home after the programme
Hold a postgraduate degree or equivalent training/experience
Have a minimum of seven years of professional experience
Demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and leadership potential
Possess a solid academic or technical background in science, engineering, or technology
Have a proficient working knowledge of English
Not hold British or dual British citizenship
Not be employed by—or a relative of someone employed by—His Majesty’s Government or affiliated institutions within two years of application
Perfectly poised for professionals such as manufacturing executives, entrepreneurs, research scientists, academics, or senior public-sector leaders, CRISP invites applicants who are ready to scale their impact globally.
📝 Application Procedure
Online Application: Submit through the official Chevening portal before the 7 October 2025 deadline.
Required Materials:
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Proof of seven years of work experience (CV, professional records, publications)
English proficiency, if applicable
Any other materials as outlined in the Chevening application guidance
Selection Process: Includes eligibility screening, shortlisting, interviews at British embassies/high commissions, and final offers typically announced mid-2026
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
