Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence 2026–2027
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
If you are an Indian mid‑career professional with demonstrated leadership aspirations, the Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence 2026–2027 could be your chance to translate ambition into action. This flagship UK‑Government fellowship, hosted at the University of Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations, invites applications now through 7 October 2025 (12:00 UTC). It offers a fully funded, intensive 12‑week leadership programme designed to empower the next generation of Indian changemakers.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: United Kingdom (University of Oxford, DPIR)
Host institution: University of Oxford, Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR)
Level: Professional development fellowship (post‑graduate / mid‑career)
Target group: Indian citizens residing in India, with strong leadership potential from government, civil society, media, private sector, etc.
Fields of focus: Leadership, global governance, economics, science & tech, policy, migration, conflict, inequality, personal leadership development
Value & coverage:
Full programme fees
Living expenses during the fellowship
Return economy airfare from India to the UK
Duration: 12‑week intensive residential programme running mid‑September to November 2026 (programme period in 2025 was September–November, and contract extends through 2027)
Application deadline: 7 October 2025 at 12:00 UTC (UK time)
Fellowship start date: Scheduled for mid‑September 2026 (follows traditional timetable)
Eligible to: Indian citizens residing in India, holders of postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience, with at least 10 years’ work experience, mid‑career professionals, English proficiency, not British or dual citizens, no close ties to British Government/embassy staff within two years
✨ Programme Overview
Over 12 weeks at Oxford’s DPIR, Chevening Gurukul Fellows engage in:
Academic understanding: intensive modules on global economic integration, science & tech, governance (UN, WTO, EU, Brexit), social dimensions of globalisation (migration, inequality), politics of internationalism and conflict
Policy relevance: crafting and developing a public policy plan or academic project tailored to Indian leadership priorities
Personal leadership development: workshops focused on leadership skills, self‑awareness, public speaking, networking
Site visits & cultural immersion: guided visits across the UK (including Scotland), Oxford college and departmental events, networking activities with peers and experts
Fellows will research and present a public policy plan during the programme and emerge with a stronger global perspective and peer network.
🎁 Benefits
Coverage of full programme fees
Living stipend for the full 12‑week stay in the UK
Return economy airfare India ↔ UK
Rich exposure to UK governance, policy frameworks, academic discourse, and cultural life
Professional and peer network of high‑impact Indian leaders
Structured personal leadership coaching and public‑policy toolkit
✅ Eligibility Criteria
You must:
Be an Indian citizen living in India
Commit to return to India after programme completion
Hold a postgraduate-level qualification or equivalent professional training/experience by application time
Have a minimum of 10 years’ work experience in relevant fields (government, civil society, private sector, media, etc.)
Be a mid‑career professional with clear leadership potential
Have a strong working knowledge of English, to be assessed via application and interview
Not hold British or dual‑British citizenship
Not be an employee or recent relative of any UK Government institution or British Council / sponsoring UK university staff within 2 years of application opening
✅ Application Procedure
Prepare and submit your online application via the official Chevening portal, country‑specific page.
Upload required documents:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Proof of work experience (minimum 10 years)
Two letters of recommendation
Personal statement and essays outlining leadership aspirations, impact plans, and motivation
Proof of English proficiency if required
Complete reference submission by deadline (usually late February, if shortlisted)
If shortlisted, attend an interview at the British High Commission / Embassy between mid‑February and April
After successful interview, final selection results announced (from May 2026 for fellows entering Sept 2026 intake)
📅 Application Timeline
6 August 2025 – Applications open at 12:00 (UTC)
7 October 2025 – Applications close at 12:00 (UTC)
October 2025 – January 2026 – Applications are reviewed and sifted
Mid-February 2026 – Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews
Mid-February 2026 – Deadline for referees to submit references
Late February – April 2026 – Interview period
From May 2026 – Final results and offers announced
September 2026 – Fellowship programme begins (12 weeks)
November/December 2026 – Fellowship concludes
Extra Tips & Info
Only 12 fellows are selected each year—highly competitive
Many applications share that interviews focus on situational and essay-based questions, testing alignment with your written responses
Reach out to Chevening alumni via LinkedIn or professional groups for mock interview practice and application tips
Personal statements must convincingly link your career goals, leadership vision, and what you’ll bring back to India—Chevening values purpose-driven impact
Why This Fellowship Matters?
For Indian mid-career changemakers, the Chevening Gurukul Fellowship offers more than just funding—it equips you with leadership frameworks, policy-making experience, and global exposure to help shape India’s role in a rapidly integrating world. You’ll leave with new perspectives, international peers, and a strategy‑driven policy plan ready for real-world influence.
If you’re committed to impactful leadership and ready to make your application shine, this is your moment to apply.
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
