Unlock Your Potential with Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

Are you a mid-career professional looking to enhance your skills and knowledge while making a significant impact in your field? The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships offer a unique opportunity for professionals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to engage in a transformative experience in the UK.

What Are Commonwealth Professional Fellowships?

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are designed to support mid-career professionals with at least five years of relevant experience. These fellowships allow you to spend time at a UK host organization, focusing on professional development that aligns with your sector.

Purpose of the Fellowships

The primary aim is to equip professionals with advanced skills and knowledge that can catalyze change in their workplaces and communities. The fellowships cover various development themes, including:

• 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

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships, candidates must meet several criteria:

1. Citizenship and Residency: You must be a citizen of or a refugee from an eligible Commonwealth country, or a British Protected Person.
2. Work Experience: A minimum of five years of relevant full-time work experience is required. Voluntary work experience is not counted towards this minimum.
3. Current Employment: You need to be employed at the time of application and must return to your organization after the fellowship.
4. References: At least two references are required, including one from your current employer.

It’s important to note that applicants must not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years.

How to Apply

While applications for the 2025 Professional Fellowship have closed, it’s essential to prepare for future opportunities. Here are the key components of the application process:

• Academic Qualifications: List your undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
• Employment History: Provide details of your work experience and its relevance to the proposed fellowship.
• Development Impact Statement: This four-part statement outlines how your fellowship will contribute to development goals both locally and globally.

Financial Assistance

The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships provide a range of financial support, including:

• Approved return airfare to the UK.
• Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee.
• A monthly stipend of £2,057 or £2,553 (for those in London).
• An arrival allowance and additional funding for short courses or conferences.

Why Participate?

Participating in the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships not only enhances your skills and professional network but also allows you to contribute meaningfully to your community upon returning home. The experience provides invaluable insights into best practices and innovations that can be applied in your own work context.