Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
A professional development program for mid-career professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries to undertake a six-week to three-month placement at a UK host organization.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
16 July 2026 (for host applications)
Country
United KingdomAbout the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are designed for mid-career professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries to undertake a program of professional development at a UK host organization. The program aims to provide fellows with the opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills in their sector and create a catalytic effect on their workplaces upon their return home.
The fellowships are offered under six development themes: science and technology for development, improving population health, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening peace, security and governance, strengthening resilience and response to crises, and access, inclusion and opportunity.
The program is structured into two strands: Professional Fellowships and Academic Fellowships. Professional Fellowships are for mid-career professionals with at least five years of relevant experience, while Academic Fellowships are for academic staff holding a PhD and employed at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Fellowships must be UK-based for their full duration and are between six weeks and three months in length. The program does not support academic research proposals or formal academic qualifications, and it is not open to candidates currently undertaking full-time study.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) manages the selection process, while host organizations are responsible for designing the program, providing day-to-day supervision, and ensuring fellows have access to suitable accommodation.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Provides direct access to UK-based professional development in specific sectors.
Supports sustainable development goals through knowledge transfer.
Offers a fully funded experience including travel, visa, and living costs.
Facilitates networking and long-term collaboration with UK organizations.
Designed for mid-career professionals to create immediate impact in their home countries.
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
7 requirements
Documents Checklist
6 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Host organizations submit an application to the CSC via the online portal.
The CSC selection panel reviews host applications and communicates results.
Successful host programs are published on the CSC website.
Prospective fellows apply for specific programs via the CSC online application form.
Host organizations nominate two to five applicants for the Professional strand or up to two for the Academic strand.
The CSC selection committee makes the final selection of individual fellows.
Application Timeline
16 July 2026
Host Application Deadline
August/September 2026
Fellowship Program Publication
August/September 2026
Fellow Application Window
Open for four weeks
Early October 2026
Host Nominations
November 2026
Final Selection Results
March 2027
Fellowship Start Date
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Ensure your host organization has a clear, non-academic program of activities.
Focus your application on how the fellowship will have a catalytic effect on your workplace.
Align your proposed activities with one of the six CSC development themes.
Check if your country is ODA-eligible as this affects the number of fellowships available.
Ensure your employer is aware of your application as you must return to your job after the fellowship.
Prepare your references early as they are mandatory for eligibility.
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
No, applications will not be considered from candidates who are undertaking a course of full-time study at the time of application.
No, applications presenting an academic research proposal or plan are ineligible for the Professional strand but may be considered for the Academic strand.
Professional Fellowships are between six weeks and three months, while Academic Fellowships are exactly three months.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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