Deadline: August 22, 2025
Are you a mid-career professional from a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country seeking to expand your impact and skills on a global stage? The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2025–2026 are now open for applications. This prestigious UK Government-funded programme supports professionals committed to driving development in their home countries.
About the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2025–2026
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2025–2026, awarded by the UK’s Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of talented professionals. These fellowships are tailored for individuals with at least five years of relevant work experience in sectors contributing to sustainable development.
Successful applicants will undertake a fully funded placement with a UK host organisation from February 2026 for a duration of 6 to 12 weeks.
Who Should Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country (or a British Protected Person).
- Be permanently resident in that country.
- Have at least five years’ relevant work experience by the start of the fellowship (voluntary experience not included).
- Be currently employed, and expect to return to the same role post-fellowship.
- Provide two references, including one from their current employer.
- Not have received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the past five years.
This opportunity is ideal for professionals in fields aligned with development, governance, healthcare, technology, peace-building, and more.
Fellowship Themes
Each host organisation’s fellowship programme is built around one or more of the following six CSC 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
Applicants are encouraged to select host programmes that align closely with their career goals and development impact.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship covers all essential costs to ensure a productive, immersive experience in the UK. These include:
- Round-trip economy airfare from the fellow’s home country to the UK.
- Monthly stipend:
- £2,057 (outside London)
- £2,523 (within London)
- Arrival allowance of up to £1,156.60.
- Reimbursement of UK visa fees.
- Host organisations may offer up to £3,000 for activities such as training, conferences, and UK travel during the fellowship.
Timeline and Application Deadline
- Fellowship period: February 2026 (for 6 to 12 weeks).
- Application deadline: 22 August 2025 (verify on the CSC website or through your national nominating agency).
Fellowship programme details and host organisations will be published during the application period. You are advised to select a host and theme that resonates with your professional experience and development mission.
How to Apply
To submit your application:
👉 Click here to apply for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2025–2026
👉 Click here to read more about the programme
Ensure all supporting documents and references are submitted by the stated deadline.
Final Tips for Applicants from Nigeria and Other Eligible Countries
- Tailor your application to reflect a strong link between your work and the development theme you choose.
- Highlight measurable impact in your personal statement and how the fellowship will enhance your contributions back home.
- Confirm that your referees are ready to submit on time.
- Choose a host organisation that complements your sector and goals.
Need Help Preparing?
For expert assistance with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
Don’t miss this career-transforming opportunity to join an elite network of professionals shaping development across the Commonwealth!
