Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2025-2026

If you're a mid-career professional from a low‑ or middle‑income Commonwealth country aiming to boost your sector expertise through UK-based professional development, then the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship is an opportunity you should consider. This fully funded fellowship for 2025/26 is tailored for you. The application window closes on 22 August 2025.

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📘 Fellowship Summary

• Location: United Kingdom

• Host Institutions: Sector-based UK organisations across development themes (e.g. health, science, governance, resilience, inclusion) (CSCUK)

• Level: Professional fellowship (non-academic)

• Target Group: Mid-career professionals (≥5 years relevant work experience) from eligible Commonwealth countries (CSCUK)

• Fields / Themes: Science & technology; health systems; innovation & entrepreneurship; peace, security & governance; crisis resilience; access & inclusion

• Value & Coverage:

  • Return airfare, visa fee reimbursement

  • Monthly stipend £2,104 (£2,612 in London)

  • Arrival allowance ~£1,183

  • Up to £2,000 for UK-based short training/conferences (longer stays may receive up to £3,000) (

• Duration: 6 weeks to 3 months (typically Feb–Mar 2026)

• Application Deadline: 22 August 2025 (4 pm BST)

• Eligible To: Professionals employed at time of application, holding citizenship or refugee status from an eligible Commonwealth country, and committed to returning to their organization post-fellowship

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🧭 Fellowship Overview

This Commonwealth Professional Fellowship is a UK-hosted programme that enables mid-career professionals to spend six weeks to three months embedded within a UK organization relevant to their field. The fellowship focuses on building capacities and driving development impact back home.

Participants work closely with UK host institutions under one of six thematic areas, and return with enhanced networks, knowledge, and skills to catalyse organisational or sectoral change.

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🎁 Benefits

• Financial Support:

  • Return economy airfare to the UK

  • Visa application cost covered

  • Living stipend: £2,104/month or £2,612/month (London rate)

  • One-off arrival allowance of up to £1,183.20

  • Host institution support fund: up to £2,000 (or £3,000 for full‑length placements) for training or UK travel

  • Extra disability-related support available on assessment

• Professional Development:

  • Hands‑on exposure in UK settings related to your professional sector

  • Access to sector-specific training, workshops, and networking opportunities

• Institutional Impact:

  • Transfer of learned approaches to home institutions after return

  • Potential multiplier effect across local systems and communities

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Be a citizen or refugee from an eligible Commonwealth country or hold British Protected Person status

• Live permanently in an eligible Commonwealth country

• Have minimum five years' relevant full‑time experience (volunteering not counted)

• Be currently employed with agreement to return to your position after fellowship

• Provide two references, including one from your current employer

• Not have undertaken this fellowship within the past five years

• Not apply for academic research/course-based programmes; academics may only apply for management-type training

• Be available during the specified fellowship period (e.g. Feb–Mar 2026)

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📝 Application Procedure

1. Submit the online application form by 22 August 2025 (4 pm BST), including two references (one from your employer) to be eligible

2. Select and apply for a host organisation programme aligned with your professional field

3. Await host shortlisting and final selection by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

4. If successful, proceed with visa application, travel planning, and pre‑departure arrangements

🔎 Additional Notes

• Fellows receive Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa sponsorship; host organisations provide immigration support

• Organizational impact is central: candidates should outline how skills gained will translate into tangible improvements in their home workplace or sector

• Disability support is embedded: declare needs early for proactive accommodations

🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2025-2026

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