Deadline: October 7, 2025
Are you a mid-career cultural professional seeking world-class leadership training in the UK? The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2025/2026 presents a fully funded, prestigious opportunity for exceptional individuals from select countries to enhance their leadership capabilities in the arts and culture sectors.
In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship: the structure, benefits, eligibility, key dates, and how to apply.
What Is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Clore Leadership. It is a tailored, fully funded leadership development programme for mid-career professionals in the arts and culture sectors from specific Chevening-eligible countries.
Each year, only five international fellows are selected to join a cohort of approximately 20 fellows from the UK and overseas. This immersive fellowship helps participants grow as cultural leaders through a blend of experiential learning, residential workshops, coaching, secondments, and mentorship.
Programme Duration and Key Dates
The 2025/2026 Fellowship runs from September 2025 to May 2026, with the following structure and timeline:
Fellowship Timeline
- Stage 1 Applications: 8 January – 6 February 2025
- Stage 2 Applications: 6 March – 27 March 2025
- Interviews: April – May 2025
- Final Selection: June 2025
- Programme Duration: September 2025 – May 2026
Key Events
- Residential 1: September 2025 – Ashorne Hill, Leamington Spa
- Skills Workshops: January 2026 – London
- Fellows Assembly (Online): March 2026
- Residential 2: May 2026 – Ashorne Hill
Fellowship Benefits
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Full coverage of programme and workshop fees
- Two intensive residential leadership courses
- Three day-long, non-residential skills workshops
- A 360° leadership profile assessment
- A 4–6 week secondment with a UK cultural institution
- Access to a dedicated mentor or coach
- Development budget for learning and research
- A thought leadership project (provocation paper)
- UK travel and living expenses
- Typically includes two return economy-class flights
This holistic experience supports professional transformation and fosters long-term international collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, or South Africa
- Have a minimum of five years’ full-time professional experience in the cultural sector
- Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least a UK 2:2 (or demonstrate equivalent professional experience)
- Not hold British or dual nationality
- Not be employed by the British government or partner organisations (including British Council, UK universities, etc.) in the two years prior to application
- Demonstrate leadership potential and intention to return to their home country after the fellowship
- For previous UK government scholarship holders, a five-year gap is required, along with clear career progression
Note: Nigeria is not currently among the eligible countries for this fellowship cycle.
Impact and Testimonials
Fellows consistently describe the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship as a transformational journey. Alumni such as Niyati Mehta (India) credit the programme with refocusing their leadership trajectory, expanding their international networks, and unlocking new career opportunities.
Participants engage in deep reflection, gain exposure to high-level UK cultural leadership, and receive bespoke coaching that strengthens their impact at home and abroad.
How to Apply
Applications for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2025/2026 are now closed. However, interested candidates should begin preparing early for the next application cycle.
When applications open:
- Visit the official Chevening website
- Register and complete the application form, selecting the Clore Fellowship pathway (if eligible)
- Provide:
- Professional references
- Proof of academic qualifications
- Evidence of at least five years’ full-time work experience
- Responses to personal statement prompts
- Submit before the Stage 1 deadline
No university admission or IELTS test is required to apply for the fellowship (unlike the Chevening Scholarship).
Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Title | Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship |
| Duration | September 2025 – May 2026 |
| Location | UK (Ashorne Hill, London, secondment placement) |
| Eligible Countries | Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, South Africa |
| Experience Required | 5+ years full-time work in arts or culture |
| Number of Fellows | ~20 total (up to 5 international) |
| Fully Funded? | Yes |
| Application Timeline | Jan – Mar 2025 |
| Application Status | Closed for 2025; opens again next cycle |
Final Notes
If you are passionate about leading change in the cultural and creative sectors, and you meet the eligibility criteria, the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is a prestigious stepping stone to deepen your leadership capacity and grow your international network.
👉 Click here to apply when applications reopen
👉 Read more about the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship
Need expert support for your application?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining and review.
