The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) has launched the new Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2026/27.
It is offering opportunities for professionals and academics from Commonwealth countries to undertake fully supported fellowship programmes in the United Kingdom.
The programme features two fellowship strands: Commonwealth Professional Fellowships and the newly introduced Commonwealth Academic Fellowships.
Applications opened on 28 July 2026 and the last date to apply is 25 August 2026.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2026/27 |
| Organiser | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Fellowship strands | Academic and Professional |
| Number of awards | Approximately 40 |
| Eligible applicants | Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries |
| Professional Fellowship duration | 6 weeks to 3 months |
| Academic Fellowship duration | 3 months |
| Professional Fellowship start | Mid-February to mid-March 2027 |
| Academic Fellowship start | January/February 2027 |
| Monthly stipend | £2,218 or £2,753 in London |
| Application opens | 28 July 2026, 9:00 BST |
| Application deadline | 25 August 2026, 16:00 BST |
What is the Commonwealth Fellowship Programme?
The Commonwealth Fellowship Programme enables citizens of Commonwealth countries to spend a period in the UK.
From 2026/27, the programme includes:
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
- Commonwealth Academic Fellowships
Commonwealth Academic Fellowship 2027
The new Commonwealth Academic Fellowships are aimed at academic staff who hold a PhD and are employed by a university in an eligible Commonwealth country other than the UK.
Selected Academic Fellows will undertake a three-month programme at a UK university.
Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2027
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are intended for mid-career professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries other than the UK.
Applicants should have at least five years of relevant professional experience.
Six Development Themes
Commonwealth Fellowships are offered under six major development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Improving population health, health systems and capacity
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity