The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship is a prestigious program offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) for mid-career professionals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. It provides a transformative opportunity for professionals to develop their knowledge and skills in a specific field by working alongside experts at a UK host organization for a period of six weeks to three months. This fellowship program is designed to support individuals who are making a significant contribution to their home countries, and who have the potential to become future leaders in their field. The program offers a unique opportunity for professional development and exchange. Fellows gain valuable insights into the latest thinking and practices in their field, while also sharing their own expertise and experiences with their UK counterparts. This cross-cultural exchange can lead to new ideas, collaborations, and innovations that benefit both the fellow’s home country and the UK.
Details About The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2025 in UK (Fully Funded):
- Program: Professional development
- Institution(s): Varies (UK host organizations)
- Study in: UK
- Deadline: Typically Spring 2024 (for 2025 program)
- Funding: Fully-funded
- Fellowship Duration: Six weeks to three Months
Fellow eligibility:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Have at least five years of relevant work experience
- Be employed in an organization located in a low and middle-income Commonwealth country
- Work in a field that aligns with the CSC’s six development themes:
- Science and technology for the prosperity of the Commonwealth
- Inclusive and sustainable growth
- Delivering health through innovation
- Access, equity and quality education
- Peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and protecting the environment
Financial Benefits:
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship offers comprehensive financial support to accepted fellows, ensuring they can focus on their professional development during the program.
- Approved return airfare from the Fellow’s home country to the UK
- Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee
- Stipend (Living Allowance) of £2,057 per month, or £2,553 per month for those at organizations in the London metropolitan area.
- A one-time payment (up to £1,156.60) to help with initial settling-in costs.
- Up to £3,000 per fellow can be agreed by host organisations for short courses/conferences as well as travel to visit other UK organisations.
Eligible Countries:
- Bangladesh
- Belize
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Dominica
- Eswatini
- Fiji
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- India
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Rwanda
- St Helena
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and The Grenadines
- Samoa
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
Required Documents:
Required documents typically include:
- Qualifications: List your undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (if applicable).
- Publications & Prizes: Include details of up to 10 publications and awards you’ve received (if applicable).
- Employment History: Detail your work experience, explaining how each role is relevant to your chosen program (maximum 100 words per job).
- Work Experience Relevance: Provide a 300-word statement explaining how your past work aligns with the proposed fellowship.
- Referees: Names and positions of three referees who can comment on your suitability for the program and potential development impact. One must be your current employer.
- Development Impact Statement: This is a four-part statement requiring you to explain how the fellowship connects to your chosen field and development goals. (Total word limit varies by part)
- Award Objectives: Explain how the fellowship program will help you achieve your short-term (within program), mid-term (next two years), and long-term objectives.
- Personal Statement: Summarize your background and how it motivates you to make a difference in your home country (500 words). Highlight any challenges overcome and contributions you’ve already made.
- Voluntary Activities & Leadership: Describe your volunteer experiences and instances where you demonstrated leadership qualities (500 words).