Deadline: 22-Aug-2025
Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships, which support mid-career professionals from low and middle-income countries. Fellows spend time at a UK host organisation within their sector to engage in professional development.
The CSC aims to identify talented individuals with potential for positive change. They follow a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination, encouraging applications from diverse candidates.
The fellowships provide professionals the chance to enhance their knowledge and skills and to create catalytic impacts in their workplaces.
These fellowships are offered under six development themes: science and technology for development; strengthening health systems and capacity; promoting innovation and entrepreneurship; strengthening global peace, security and governance; strengthening resilience and response to crises; and access, inclusion and opportunity.
Each fellowship covers the approved return airfare from the Fellow’s home country to the UK, reimburses the standard visa application fee, and provides a monthly stipend of £2,104 or £2,612 for those based in London (rates for 2024/25). An arrival allowance of up to £1,183.20 is also provided, including an amount for warm clothing.
Host organisations may agree on up to £2,000 per Fellow for short courses, conferences, or travel to other UK organisations if integral to the programme. Restrictions on claimable costs apply.
Eligible applicants are mid-career professionals with at least five years of relevant work experience in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Candidates must be citizens, refugees, or British Protected Persons from eligible Commonwealth countries and permanently resident there.
Applicants must have five years of full-time or equivalent part-time relevant experience by the fellowship start date. Voluntary work does not count towards this minimum.
Applicants must be employed at the time of application in an organisation they will return to after completing the fellowship. Two references are required, including one from the current employer. Applications without references are ineligible.
Applicants must not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years before starting the new award.
The fellowship is not intended for academic research or study programmes, though academics may apply for management-related fellowships rather than research or subject-related courses.
Applicants must be available to start their fellowship on the prescribed date.
For more information, visit CSC.