Archive · 19 Aug 2026
UK Opens Applications for 2026 Commonwealth Academic and Professional Fellowships
The UK has opened applications for new Commonwealth fellowships.
These opportunities are for professionals and university academics from Commonwealth countries.
India is one of the eligible countries.
Professionals can work with a UK organisation for six weeks to three months.
Academics can spend three months at a UK university.
About 40 fellowships are expected to be awarded.
The programmes focus on areas such as science, healthcare, governance and inclusion.
People must apply online by August 25, 2026, and provide references and other details.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission opened applications for its 2026-27 Fellowship Programme on July 28, 2026.
Eligible professionals and academics from Commonwealth countries, including India, can apply until August 25, 2026.
Around 40 fellowships are expected across Professional and Academic Fellowship categories.
Professional Fellows need at least five years of relevant experience, while Academic Fellows must hold a PhD and be university academic staff.
Fellowships cover six development themes and are scheduled to begin between January and March 2027.
- Who
- The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and eligible professionals and university academics from Commonwealth countries, including India.
- What
- Applications opened for the 2026-27 Commonwealth Fellowship Programme, offering Professional and Academic Fellowships.
- When
- Applications opened July 28, 2026, and close August 25, 2026; fellowships begin between January and March 2027.
- Where
- Fellowships take place at UK organisations or UK universities.
- Why
- The programme supports professional experience, academic skills development, knowledge exchange, networking and development impact across six themes.
- Programme
- Commonwealth Fellowship Programme 2026-27
- Application period
- July 28 to August 25, 2026
- Expected awards
- Around 40 fellowships
- Professional Fellowship
- Six weeks to three months at a UK organisation; applicants need at least five years of relevant work experience
- Academic Fellowship
- Three months at a UK university for academic staff who hold a PhD
- Development themes
- Science and technology, healthcare, innovation and entrepreneurship, peace and governance, crisis response, and access and inclusion
- Application requirements
- Online form, academic and work details, relevant publications or awards where applicable, and at least two references