The HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship 2026 in the UK is a competitive, five‑month hybrid leadership programme for senior education policymakers and organisational leaders from the Middle East and North Africa who want to drive large‑scale digital transformation in national education systems. Applications for the 2026 MENA cohort close on 16 January 2026, with the programme starting around April 2026 and including a residential week in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Overview of the EdTech Fellowship 2026

The HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship is jointly delivered by HP and Cambridge University Press & Assessment to strengthen high‑level leadership in educational technology and policy. It combines online learning, peer collaboration, and a one‑week residential experience in Cambridge to help fellows design scalable, evidence‑based EdTech strategies for their own systems.​

This fellowship is not a traditional degree scholarship but a professional development and leadership programme aimed at people already in senior roles, especially within ministries of education and public or non‑profit education organisations. For 2026, there is a specific focus on leaders from the Middle East and North Africa region.

• A 5-month programme with a residential week in Cambridge.
• Builds skills to design evidence-based, scalable education solutions.
• Connects you to a global network of influential education leaders.
• Applications close 16 January 2026; programme starts April 2026.

Fellowship Structure

• Duration: 5 months
• Weekly commitment: 6 hours (2 hours live sessions + 4 hours independent study)
• Includes:
  • Weekly tutor-led online classes and case studies.
  • A long-term project to solve an EdTech challenge in your country.
  • Professional one-to-one coaching.
  • Peer learning with other Fellows.

Basic Information and Application Deadline

• Fellowship name: HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship 2026 (MENA cohort).​
• Type: Professional EdTech leadership and policy fellowship (five‑month hybrid, with online modules plus a UK residential week).​
• Host partners: HP Inc. and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, delivered through Cambridge Partnership for Education.​
• Location: Hybrid; online plus one residential week in Cambridge, United Kingdom.​
• Target region: Middle East and North Africa (Gulf and North Africa leaders).​
• Application deadline: 16 January 2026.​
• Programme start: Around April 2026.​

Institution and Programme Details

The fellowship is anchored at Cambridge Partnership for Education, part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a global leader in education, assessment, and curriculum development. HP contributes its expertise in digital solutions and educational technology, making the programme a strong collaboration between an academic powerhouse and a global technology company.​

The programme has run across multiple regions, engaging nearly 100 leaders from 49 countries, and has been recognised as a Bett Awards 2026 finalist for Transformational Impact, highlighting its credibility in the global EdTech space. Fellows join a regional cohort first and then enter a global alumni network that continues after the five‑month course ends.

How It Works

• Tutor-led online learning with real case studies and expert speakers.
• A long-term practical project addressing an EdTech challenge in your country.
• Personalised leadership coaching.
• Peer-to-peer discussions to solve shared challenges.

Study Areas and Focus Topics

While this is not a degree‑granting programme, the fellowship offers structured learning across key EdTech and education policy themes. Core learning areas include:​

• EdTech for Systemic Change
  • How EdTech improves learning outcomes.
  • Research on EdTech effectiveness and limits.
  • Role of AI in education transformation.
  • EdTech quality, safety, data protection, and financing.
• Effective Policy Design
  • Using evidence and user-centred design.
  • Prototyping and scaling EdTech solutions.
  • Continuous improvement approaches.
  • Governance, regulation, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Leading Change
  • Managing stakeholders from different sectors.
  • Building confidence with teachers and students.
  • Creating frameworks for scaling EdTech projects.​

These focus areas make the fellowship ideal for senior leaders who want to deepen their expertise in strategic EdTech leadership rather than pursue an academic degree.

HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship Benefits

Key benefits of the HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship 2026 include:​

• Certification from HP and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
• Learn how emerging tech (including AI) drives education innovation.
• One-week residential experience in Cambridge, UK.
• Hands-on, practical content tailored to real challenges.
• Strong professional network of EdTech leaders.
• Skills to design and implement effective EdTech strategies.
• Boost your professional growth and strengthen your leadership profile.

Some communications mention that “scholarships are available”, indicating that financial support may be offered for eligible participants, though exact coverage (e.g., travel or fees) is not fully detailed publicly and must be confirmed directly with the organisers.​

Benefits Not Included

Because this is a professional fellowship and not a full academic scholarship, applicants should be aware of potential exclusions:​

• No guarantee of full funding for all costs; fellowship scholarships are competitive and may not cover every expense (such as all flights, visa costs, or personal spending).
• It does not include a full degree, such as a Master’s or PhD; it is a short, intensive leadership and training programme.
• No promise of a salary, employment contract, or long‑term job placement in the UK or elsewhere after completion.
• Long‑term accommodation in the UK is not included; the residential week is short and focused only on the programme period.
• Family sponsorship, dependent visas, or relocation support are not mentioned and should not be expected.

Applicants should always verify the precise funding package and what is or is not covered with the official fellowship team before applying or making travel plans.

Eligibility Criteria for HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship

The HP Cambridge EdTech Fellowship 2026 targets senior‑level leaders, particularly from the MENA region:​

• For leaders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) working in K–12 education.
• Suitable for:
  • Senior policymakers or civil servants responsible for digital transformation, curriculum, or education strategy.
  • Leaders in public or non-profit organisations involved in teacher training, curriculum development, or EdTech integration.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Should be comfortable working across government, academia, civil society, and private sector.
• Professionals committed to improving their national education systems through technology‑driven, evidence‑based innovation.
• Applicants based in the Middle East and North Africa (Gulf and North Africa) for the 2026 cohort, as this call has a regional focus.​

While exact academic requirements are not fully detailed publicly, this is clearly aimed at mid‑ to senior‑career professionals with demonstrated leadership responsibilities rather than early‑career graduates. Strong English proficiency is expected, given the international nature of the programme and the Cambridge‑based residential week.​

Required Documents for Application

Exact document lists can vary slightly by call, but typical requirements for the 2026 MENA EdTech Fellowship are likely to include:​

• Completed online application form, outlining professional background and current role in education.
• Updated CV or résumé detailing leadership experience, responsibilities, and project work in education or EdTech.
• Statement of purpose or motivation letter, explaining why you want to join the fellowship and how it aligns with your national or organisational priorities.
• Endorsement or reference from your organisation or ministry (for example, a supervisor, director, or ministerial department).
• Basic identity and contact information, including nationality and country of residence (especially to confirm MENA eligibility).

Applicants should check the official application page for the exact required documents, file formats, and word limits before submission.​

HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship Application Process: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Use this simple step‑by‑step process to apply for the HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship 2026:

1. Review eligibility and focus region
   • Confirm that you are a senior policymaker or organisational leader working in education within the Middle East or North Africa.​
2. Visit the official application page
   • Go to the official EdTech Fellowship site’s “Apply” section for the current 2026 MENA call.​
3. Prepare your documents
   • Draft or update your CV, motivation statement, and any required organisational endorsement so they clearly show your leadership in EdTech or education reform.​
4. Complete the online form
   • Fill in all sections of the application form carefully, including personal data, professional experience, and details of your current role and responsibilities.​
5. Describe your EdTech challenge or project
   • Many leadership fellowships ask for a description of a real policy or implementation challenge you are working on; prepare a concise, impact‑focused summary that fits the form fields.​
6. Upload documents and submit before the deadline
   • Upload your CV, motivation letter, and any additional documents requested, then submit the application before 16 January 2026.​
7. Monitor email for updates
   • Watch for confirmation and possible follow‑up, such as interviews or clarification requests, and respond promptly.

Monthly Living Expenses in the UK (USD)

During the short residential week in Cambridge, fellows will face typical UK living costs, though some elements may be covered by the programme depending on scholarship arrangements. For general planning, average monthly living expenses for an international visitor in the UK (converted to USD) can be estimated as:​

• Accommodation (shared room or modest studio in Cambridge): 1,000–1,600 USD per month.​
• Food and groceries: 300–500 USD per month.​
• Local transport: 80–150 USD per month, depending on travel patterns.​
• Mobile, internet, and basic utilities: 80–150 USD per month.​
• Personal expenses and contingencies: 150–300 USD per month.​

For a one‑week stay, these costs are proportionally lower, but participants should still budget for personal spending and any costs not covered by fellowship scholarships or institutional support.

Why Choose This Fellowship? (At Least 5 Reasons)

• High‑impact EdTech leadership training
  • The fellowship is specifically designed to help senior leaders design scalable, evidence‑based EdTech solutions that can transform national education systems.​
• Prestigious partnership and recognition
  • It is jointly delivered by HP and Cambridge University Press & Assessment and has been recognised as a Bett Awards 2026 finalist for Transformational Impact, signalling strong international credibility.​
• Global and regional peer network
  • Fellows join a powerful network of nearly 100 leaders from 49 countries and a focused MENA cohort, creating long‑term opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.​
• Practical, context‑driven learning
  • The five‑month hybrid model emphasises real‑world challenges, supporting participants to develop actionable strategies and prototypes tailored to their own education systems.​
• Exposure to Cambridge and emerging technologies
  • The residential week in Cambridge offers direct engagement with global experts and immersion in cutting‑edge research on AI and digital learning, making it a unique professional development experience.​
• Targeted support for MENA leaders
  • With a dedicated MENA cohort, the programme addresses specific regional challenges and creates a trusted space for leaders from the Gulf and North Africa to exchange best practices.​

Tips for a Successful Application

• Clearly show your senior‑level responsibility (policy, strategy, or system‑level implementation) in your CV and application form.​
• Align your motivation statement with the fellowship’s goals: focus on digital transformation, equity, and system‑wide impact in education.
• Describe one concrete EdTech or policy challenge you are working on and explain how the fellowship will help you solve it at scale.​
• Obtain a strong endorsement from your ministry, agency, or organisation to demonstrate institutional backing and the likelihood of implementation.
• Emphasise regional relevance, especially if your work directly serves learners and teachers in the Middle East or North Africa.​
• Submit all documents well before the 16 January 2026 deadline and carefully check for completeness and accuracy.​
• Showcase your track record of leadership and innovation, including any previous reforms, pilots, or EdTech projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship 2026 a fully funded scholarship?
The fellowship mentions that scholarships are available, but publicly available information does not guarantee that all costs (such as travel and visas) are fully covered for every participant, so applicants should confirm funding details directly with the organisers.​

2. Who can apply for the 2026 cohort?
The 2026 call is open to senior education policymakers and organisational leaders from the Middle East and North Africa, especially those working in ministries of education or public/non‑profit organisations focused on digital learning and curriculum innovation.​

3. How long is the programme and where does it take place?
It is a five‑month hybrid programme combining online learning with a residential week in Cambridge, United Kingdom.​

4. What is the application deadline for the HP Cambridge EdTech Fellowship 2026?
Applications close on 16 January 2026 for the MENA cohort.​

5. Do I receive a degree from Cambridge University?
No, this is not a degree programme; fellows receive a joint certificate from HP and Cambridge University Press & Assessment as a professional leadership fellowship credential.​

6. Can early‑career professionals or students apply?
The fellowship is targeted at senior‑level leaders and policymakers rather than students or entry‑level professionals, so applicants should have significant responsibility in education systems or organisations.​

7. Can non‑MENA applicants apply for the 2026 call?
The current 2026 call focuses on leaders from the Middle East and North Africa; other regions may be covered in different cohorts or future rounds, so interested candidates from other areas should monitor official announcements.

Application Timeline

• Opens: 2 December 2025
• Closes: 16 January 2026

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