Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2026/27: New Academic and Professional Fellowships in the UK

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) has launched a new Commonwealth Fellowship Programme for 2026/27, offering professionals and academics from Commonwealth countries the opportunity to undertake professional or academic development programmes in the United Kingdom.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the programme features two fellowship strands: the existing Commonwealth Professional Fellowships and a new Commonwealth Academic Fellowships strand.

Applications opened at 9:00 BST on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, and will close at 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

Importantly, both fellowship strands are open to candidates from all Commonwealth countries, subject to the specific eligibility requirements.

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

The Professional Fellowships are designed for mid-career professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries other than the UK.

Successful candidates will undertake a programme of professional development at a UK host organisation working in their professional sector. The fellowship is intended to help participants develop their expertise, build professional networks and bring new knowledge and experience back to their home countries.

Applicants for Professional Fellowships should generally be mid-career professionals with at least five years of relevant professional experience working in an eligible Commonwealth country.

Professional Fellowship requirements

For 2026/27, Professional Fellowships must:

• Begin between mid-February and mid-March 2027
• Last between six weeks and three months
• Take place at a suitable UK host organisation
• Focus on professional development with a clear impact after the Fellow returns home

New Commonwealth Academic Fellowships

A major new element of the programme for 2026/27 is the introduction of Commonwealth Academic Fellowships.

These fellowships are intended for academic staff who hold a PhD and are employed by a university in an eligible Commonwealth country other than the UK.

Academic Fellows will undertake a programme at a UK university focusing on:

• Updating academic and professional skills
• Knowledge exchange
• Academic networking
• Developing international partnerships
• Establishing opportunities for future collaboration

Academic Fellowships must begin in January or February 2027 and last for three months.

Around 40 fellowships available

The CSC provisionally plans to offer around 40 fellowships in total for 2026/27.

Approximately:

• 10 fellowships will be available for citizens of Commonwealth countries that are not eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA)
• 30 fellowships will be available for citizens of Commonwealth countries eligible for ODA

Candidates should consult the programme's official eligible countries information to determine whether their country qualifies and which fellowship category applies.

Six development themes

Applications must relate to one of six development themes identified by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission:

1. Science and technology for development
2. Improving population health, health systems and capacity
3. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
4. Strengthening peace, security and governance
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
6. Access, inclusion and opportunity

These themes are intended to ensure that fellowship activities contribute not only to the Fellow's professional or academic development but also to development priorities in their home country.

Who can benefit?

The programme is aimed at experienced professionals and academics who can use the knowledge and networks gained in the UK to create a developmental impact after returning home.

Professional Fellowship applicants should have substantial relevant work experience, while Academic Fellowship applicants must hold a PhD and have an academic position at an eligible Commonwealth university.

The programme therefore provides an opportunity to gain international experience, establish new professional relationships and develop potential long-term cooperation between organisations in Commonwealth countries and the UK.

Application deadline

Candidates interested in the Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2026/27 should pay close attention to the deadline.

Applications close at 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

Applicants should check all eligibility requirements, identify an appropriate UK host organisation or university and prepare their application well before the deadline.

The introduction of the Academic Fellowships strand makes the 2026/27 programme particularly significant for university academics, while the Professional Fellowships continue to provide an opportunity for experienced professionals to undertake specialised development in the UK.

For academics and professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries, the programme offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen their expertise, expand international networks and develop collaborations that can have a lasting impact in their home countries.

Application period: 28 July – 25 August 2026
Location: United Kingdom
Fellowship types: Academic and Professional
Number of fellowships: Approximately 40
Eligible applicants: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries
Deadline: 25 August 2026 at 16:00 BST

https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-fellowships-information-for-candidates/