Basic Information
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are for mid-career professionals from low and middle-income countries to spend a period of time at a UK host organisation working in their sector for a programme of professional development. Commonwealth Professional Fellowship Fellows spend between six weeks and three months at a UK host organisation, engaging in a programme of professional development in their sector. The fellowship aims to enhance professional knowledge, skills, and create catalytic effects in the workplace.
- Fellowship start: From February 2026
- Duration: 6 weeks to 3 months
- Location: United Kingdom
- Application Deadline: Not yet specified (expected to be announced after July 2025).
Host organization programmes
Read further information below on the hosts currently running 2025 Professional Fellowship programmes
- Bees for Development
- British Geological Society
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
- Inclusion International
- Knowledge for Change
- London North West University Healthcare Trust
- University College London
- University of East London
- University of Strathclyde
- Wessex Global Stroke Partnerships
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
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Study Areas
The fellowship is 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
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Commonwealth Professional Fellowship Benefits
- Return airfare and visa reimbursement
- Monthly stipend:
- £2,104 (outside London)
- £2,612 (London area)
- Arrival allowance up to £1,830.20
- Up to £2,000 for courses, conferences, or UK organizational visits (host-approved)
- Disability support available (assessed individually)
Benefits Not Included
- Family/dependents’ travel or living costs
- Personal travel outside the fellowship programme
- Unapproved additional courses or activities
- Health insurance (unless specified by the host organisation)
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program 2026 in Europe
Eligible countries
Bangladesh
Belize
Botswana
Cameroon
Dominica
Eswatini
Fiji
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
India
Jamaica
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Rwanda
St Helena
St Lucia
St Vincent and The Grenadines
Samoa
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Professional Fellowship
- Citizen or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Permanent resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Minimum 5 years relevant full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience (voluntary work not counted)
- Must be employed at the time of application and return to the same organization post-fellowship
- Two references required (one from current employer)
- Must not have held a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last 5 years
- Academics eligible only for academic management programmes, not research
- Must be available for the full duration from the prescribed start date
- Must meet any additional criteria set by the host organisation
Conditions
- No concurrent fellowship or scholarship covering the same costs
- Fellows must return to their job and home country within 5 days of award end
- Must hold a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa
- Cannot work for pay during the fellowship
- Must remain in the UK throughout the fellowship (exceptions require prior approval)
- Fellowship can be terminated for misconduct or rule violation
- Must follow CSC’s code of conduct, safeguarding, and anti-fraud policies
Application Requirements
- Academic qualifications and employment history
- Up to 10 publications/prizes (if applicable)
- Relevance of work experience to the fellowship (max 300 words)
- Three referees (1 must be current employer)
- Development impact statement in four parts:
- Relevance to CSC development themes and development issues (200 words)
- Use of skills post-fellowship (100 words)
- Expected development changes, outcomes, timeline, and beneficiaries (250 words)
- How impact will be measured (100 words)
- Fellowship objectives: short-term (2 years) and long-term
- Personal statement (max 500 words)
- Voluntary and leadership activities (max 500 words)
- Copy of passport or national ID
Commonwealth Professional Fellowship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
- Identify Host Programme: Review available host organisations and select your preferred programme (to be published after July 2025).
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, including references.
- Online Application: Complete and submit the online application form on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s (CSC) portal.
- Submit References: Ensure both references are submitted by the deadline.
- Review by Host: Applications are reviewed by the host organisation.
- Final Selection: Host organisations nominate candidates to the CSC, which makes the final selection.
- Notification: Selected fellows are notified and provided with further instructions.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Clearly link your experience and career goals to one of the six development themes.
- Provide specific examples of your impact and leadership in your sector.
- Write a compelling personal statement, highlighting how the fellowship will benefit your home country.
- Ensure all documents, especially references, are submitted on time.
- Demonstrate how you plan to apply new skills after returning home.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
- Stipend: £2,104 per month (outside London), £2,612 per month (London)
- This allowance is intended to cover accommodation, food, local transport, and personal expenses.
- The stipend is generally sufficient for a modest lifestyle in the UK, but actual expenses may vary depending on location and personal habits.
Why Choose This Internship?
- Fully funded professional development opportunity in the UK
- Access to world-class institutions and networks
- Opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge in your sector
- Direct contribution to development in your home country
- Exposure to international best practices and innovation
- Prestigious addition to your professional profile
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can apply?
A: Mid-career professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries with at least five years of relevant work experience.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No specific age limit, but you must be a mid-career professional.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: The fellowship does not cover costs for dependents or family members.
Q: What if I have a disability?
A: Additional support is available after an assessment.
Q: Can I choose any UK institution?
A: You must apply to a listed host organisation participating in the fellowship for that year.
Q: Is IELTS/English test required?
A: Not specifically required for the fellowship, but you must be able to function professionally in English.
Q: When will results be announced?
A: Results are typically announced a few months after the application deadline, before the fellowship start date.
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