Join Our What’sApp Channel for updates, guidance, and tips on the application process.Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded, UK)
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious program designed for mid-career professionals working in the arts and culture sector. This fully funded fellowship offers a unique, immersive leadership development experience in the United Kingdom.
Organized in partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Clore Leadership, the fellowship equips cultural leaders with the skills, confidence, and global network to create meaningful change in their fields.
Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are now open, with the deadline set for 7 October 2025.
What is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
The fellowship provides a tailored leadership development program for professionals working in areas such as:
Visual and performing arts
Museums, libraries, and archives
Heritage and cultural institutions
Film, digital media, and cultural policy
Related creative and cultural practices
Over the last two decades, this fellowship has shaped outstanding leaders in arts and culture worldwide, helping them innovate and influence positive change in their home countries.
Each year, up to five international fellows join around 20 UK and international participants, forming a dynamic, diverse cohort that fosters collaboration and creativity.
Why Apply?
The Chevening Clore Fellowship is more than a training program—it’s a transformative journey.
Former fellows have described it as life-changing. For instance:
Arundhati Ghosh (India): Called the fellowship “rejuvenating,” as it gave her time for reflection and personal growth.
Eduardo Fraga (Brazil): Credited the program with building his confidence and broadening his vision for cultural impact.
Through residential courses, secondments, and bespoke learning, each fellow gains a highly personalized experience tailored to their leadership goals.
Fellowship Level
Program Type: Professional Leadership Development Fellowship
Focus Areas: Leadership Development, Cultural Policy, Arts & Heritage Management
Benefits
The fellowship is fully funded, covering all major expenses so participants can focus entirely on growth and learning. Benefits include:
Travel Costs: Two return economy flights from the fellow’s home country to the UK.
Accommodation: Housing provided for the duration of the fellowship.
Living Stipend: Monthly allowance to cover day-to-day expenses.
Secondment Placement: A 4–6 week funded placement at a leading UK cultural institution.
Training & Development: Access to professional workshops, conferences, and tailored courses.
Course Fees: Full coverage of tuition or training costs in the UK.
UK Travel Costs: Transportation within the UK for fellowship-related activities.
Eligible Nationalities
Applications are invited from professionals in the following countries:
Brazil
China
Egypt
India
Jordan
Lebanon
Mexico
South Africa
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
Return Requirement: Commit to returning to their home country after completing the fellowship.
Education/Experience: Hold a degree equivalent to a UK second-class honours OR demonstrate equivalent professional experience. At least five years of work experience (by end of 2024) is required.
English Proficiency: Have strong English skills (assessed at application and interview stages).
Citizenship Restriction: Applicants with British or dual British citizenship are not eligible.
Employment Restriction: Those employed by His Majesty’s Government or related organizations within the past two years are not eligible.
Previous UK Awards: Past recipients of UK government scholarships/fellowships may apply only after a five-year gap and must show career progress since their last award.
Application Process
Interested applicants should complete their application through the official Chevening Fellowship portal.
Deadline: 7 October 2025
Apply Online: Chevening Fellowship Application Portal
Conclusion
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for cultural professionals who aspire to strengthen their leadership and make a lasting impact on the global arts sector. With full financial support, world-class mentorship, and access to an international network of cultural leaders, this fellowship provides the tools and environment to grow into an influential leader.
Applications close on 7 October 2025—submit your application today to begin a life-changing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
It is a fully funded leadership development program for mid-career professionals in the arts and culture sector, hosted in the UK.
2. Who funds the fellowship?
The fellowship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with Clore Leadership.
3. How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship typically runs for several months, including residential training, secondments, and personalized development activities.
4. What expenses are covered?
The fellowship covers flights, accommodation, living stipend, training costs, and UK travel expenses.
5. Which countries are eligible?
Applicants from Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, and South Africa may apply.
6. Do I need a degree to apply?
Yes, a degree equivalent to a UK second-class honours or equivalent professional experience is required, along with at least five years of work experience.
7. What level of English is required?
Applicants must have a good working knowledge of English, which will be assessed during the application process.
8. Can I apply if I have British citizenship?
No, applicants with British or dual British citizenship are not eligible.
9. Can previous UK government scholarship holders apply?
Yes, but only after a five-year gap since their last award, with proof of career advancement.
10. What is the application deadline for 2026?
The deadline for applications is 7 October 2025.
