Deadline: January 15, 2026
The Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity Programme 2026-2027 is a prestigious, fully funded fellowship hosted by the International Inequalities Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Designed for mid-career leaders committed to challenging inequality, the programme supports practitioners, activists, policymakers, researchers, artists, and system-change innovators who are working to build fairer and more inclusive societies.
The fellowship offers a transformative year of learning, collective leadership, and global engagement, and the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity Programme 2026-2027 is one of the most competitive opportunities for individuals driving social and economic justice worldwide.
About the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity Programme
This fellowship is grounded in rigorous academic training, collaborative practice, and values-based leadership. Fellows join a dynamic global community working on issues such as poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, structural power, and global inequality. The programme blends theory and practice, enabling participants to sharpen their skills, deepen their understanding of inequalities, and design impactful interventions in their communities.
Programme Structure
The programme offers two distinct tracks, allowing applicants to choose an option that best suits their personal and professional circumstances.
1. Residential Track
- Fellows relocate to London for the full fellowship year.
- Participants complete an MSc in Inequalities and Social Science at LSE.
- The track includes four bespoke fellowship modules, intensive learning sessions, and leadership development.
- Ideal for candidates able to commit to full-time academic study in the UK.
2. Non-Residential Track
- Fellows remain in their home countries while continuing their professional work.
- Participants design and execute a practice-based project addressing a specific inequality.
- Fellows take part in in-person and virtual modules and earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Social & Economic Equity from LSE.
- Suitable for leaders with ongoing commitments who cannot relocate.
Funding and Support
The programme provides substantial financial support to ensure full participation:
Residential Fellows
- Full scholarship covering MSc tuition fees
- Travel to and from London
- Visa and immigration cost coverage
- A £23,000 stipend for living expenses
- Access to additional support, including:
- Family Care Support Fund
- Hardship Fund
- Disability and wellbeing services
Non-Residential Fellows
- Covered travel and accommodation for all programme modules
- Visa support for required travel
- Up to £10,000 project funding for the fellowship project
- Dedicated mentorship throughout the fellowship year
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing inequality and must meet the following requirements:
General Eligibility
- A minimum of seven years of professional experience working on social, economic, or systemic inequality
- Strong English language proficiency (per LSE requirements)
- Demonstrated leadership capacity and commitment to long-term social change
Residential Track Requirements
- Must meet academic criteria for admission into the MSc in Inequalities and Social Science
- Recent graduates with a master’s degree or PhD are typically not eligible
- Applicants must be prepared to relocate to London for one year
Non-Residential Track Requirements
- Open to applicants with or without a university degree, provided they have substantial professional experience
- Candidates currently enrolled in another academic programme must complete it before September 2026
- Strong project proposal aligned with the fellowship’s mission
Application Timeline
Applicants must adhere to the official timeline below:
- Applications Open: 13 October 2025
- Application Deadline: 16 January 2026 (5:00 p.m. UK time)
- Referee Deadline: 23 January 2026
- Shortlisting and Interviews: Mid-March 2026
- Final Decisions Issued: Mid-April 2026
- Fellows Cohort Announcement: Mid-June 2026
- Programme Start: September 2026
After the Fellowship
Upon completing the active fellowship year, all participants become Senior Fellows, joining a lifelong global community of leaders working on systems change. The Senior Fellowship provides:
- Access to continued funding for collaborative projects
- Global networking and leadership opportunities
- Cross-programme collaboration with all Atlantic Fellows streams
- Ongoing learning and professional development
This powerful community supports sustained impact and long-term engagement in social and economic justice work.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading institutions
- Access to a fully funded fellowship with comprehensive support
- Immersion in a global network of change-makers
- Capacity-building through academic and practical learning
- Long-term impact through lifelong fellowship connections
This programme is ideal for leaders who are ready to elevate their influence, strengthen their strategies, and contribute meaningfully to global equity initiatives.
How to Apply
Click below to begin your application or learn more about programme requirements:
If you need expert assistance preparing your submission, contact us for proposal drafting, refinning and review.
