Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK funds mid-career professionals from Commonwealth countries to spend six weeks to three months embedded at a UK host organisation working in their sector. Around 40 fellowships are provisionally on offer for the 2027 cycle, with programmes starting between mid-February and mid-March 2027.

What you get:

• Approved return airfare from the home country to the UK
• Monthly stipend of GBP 2,218, or GBP 2,753 in the London metropolitan area
• Arrival allowance of up to GBP 1,247, including warm clothing
• Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee
• Up to GBP 2,000 for courses, conferences and UK travel, paid to the host
• A bespoke professional development programme at a UK host organisation

What you'll do:

• Complete a structured professional development programme at the UK host
• Reside in the UK for the full fellowship period
• Return to the home employer and apply the skills to development impact

• Citizen of, refugee in, or British Protected Person of an eligible Commonwealth country
• Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country, without UK indefinite leave to remain
• At least five years of full-time relevant work experience; voluntary work not counted
• In employment at the time of application, at an organisation the fellow will return to
• Two references required, one from the current employer
• No Commonwealth Fellowship undertaken in the last five years
• Meets any additional criteria set by the chosen host organisation
• No application fees