Commonwealth Fellowships – information for candidates (non-ODA countries only)

by | Jul 24, 2026

Commonwealth Fellowships – information for candidates (non-ODA countries only)

Overview

From 2026/27, the CSC has launched a new ‘Commonwealth Fellowship Programme’ featuring two strands: the current Professional Fellowships alongside a new strand of Academic Fellowships. 

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are for mid-career professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries (other than the UK) to undertake a programme of professional development at a UK host organisation working in their sector.   

Commonwealth Academic Fellowships are for academic staff who hold a PhD and are employed at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country (other than the UK) to undertake a programme of academic skills update, knowledge exchange and networking, with a view to establishing future collaboration, at a UK university.  

Purpose: Commonwealth Academic and Professional Fellowships are for citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries to spend a period of time in the UK at an organisation working on a programme of professional or academic development which will have a developmental impact upon their return home.  

Intended beneficiaries:  

  • Professional Fellows should be mid-career professionals with five years’ relevant experience working in organisations in an eligible Commonwealth country.   
  • Academic Fellows should have a PhD and be employed by a university in an eligible Commonwealth country.   

We provisionally plan to offer around 12 fellowships in total.

Please refer to the eligible countries tab for full details and note that each programme has its own country eligibility requirements.  

These fellowships are offered under six development themes:  

  • Science and technology for development
  • Improving population health, health systems and capacity
  • Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Strengthening peace, security and governance
  • Strengthening resilience and response to crises
  • Access, inclusion and opportunity

Professional and Academic Fellowships in 2026/27 will begin in March 2027 and run for up to three months.

Host organisation programmes

Different UK based organisations have applied to host Commonwealth Fellows in 2027. Each host organisation has applied to run a bespoke fellowship programme that candidates can apply for. 

You can find the details of each successfully selected organisation and the programme that they are running on this page. 

Please note that some hosts intend to nominate candidates from their known and established networks as indicated against each one. Where this is the case, it is indicated on this page. To avoid disappointment please consider contacting these hosts directly using the information on their website before applying for the fellowship programme.  

For each programme host, it states whether it is part of the Academic or Professional Fellowship strand. You must meet the CSC’s eligibility criteria for the particular strand you are applying for, as well as any eligibility requirements set out by the host organisation.
 

University of Bristol, School of Chemistry – Academic or Professional Fellowships

  • Proposed programme dates: 1 March 2027 to 30 April 2027
  • Priority theme: Science and technology for development
  • Recruiting from an established network: Yes
  • Website: www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/research/acrg

About the programme  

The Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group in the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol will host two Fellows through the Commonwealth Fellowship Scheme for Caribbean non-ODA countries (see separate list of eligible countries). The programme is designed to provide professional/academic development in atmospheric greenhouse gas, ozone depleting substance and air quality measurements for Fellows from Caribbean non-ODA Commonwealth countries working in the atmospheric and environmental sciences. A blend of theory and practical courses in trace gas measurements will be given to help improve knowledge base and build capacity within the region. During the programme, Fellows will get the opportunity to network with academic and industrial scientists, get hands on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation, troubleshooting instruments, data analysis, and visits to two atmospheric measurement research stations. These activities have been designed to transfer knowledge and build capacity within the prospective Fellows’ countries.

Eligibility

Prospective Fellows through the Commonwealth Fellowship Scheme must be from non-ODA Caribbean countries and either have a minimum of five years’ experience working within an organisation associated with atmospheric and/or environmental sciences, or have a PhD and be employed at a university.

Potential applicants, regardless of their sex, race, religion, culture, ethnicity and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for the Commonwealth Fellowship in the Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group at the University of Bristol.

University of Oxford, Department of Chemistry – Academic Fellowships

  • Proposed programme dates: 1 March 2027 to 31 May 2027
  • Priority theme: Science and technology for development
  • Recruiting from an established network: Yes
  • Website: www.chem.ox.ac.uk

Programme  

This is a knowledge-exchange fellowship in the area of energy storage. The University of Oxford has world-leading strength in this area, with experts in the field in Chemistry, Materials and Engineering. Energy storage is the core focus of the Oxford spoke of the Henry Royce Institute, and a principal theme of the ZERO Institute at Oxford, which are both cross-departmental institutes. This fellowship seeks to engage with a world-class academic from New Zealand by having them resident within Oxford for knowledge and skills exchange. This will be facilitated through 1) the Fellow delivering lectures through Oxford’s taught Masters in energy systems, as well as seminars to Oxford’s cross-disciplinary community on energy through the ZERO Institute and Oxford Energy Network, 2) the Fellow gaining new skills through forming new collaborations across Oxford, leading to joint projects and joint-supervision of students, and long-lasting connections to benefit the home country.

Eligibility

The Fellow will need to be a faculty member in a University in New Zealand. They should have experience and expertise in energy storage in areas complementary to the main efforts at the University of Oxford. Desired areas include saltwater batteries and Mg-based batteries. The Fellow should also be experienced in leading a research group and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level. This is to ensure that they can fully engage with the programme of activities planned for this visit.

University of Surrey, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS) – Academic Fellowships

Programme

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS) at the University of Surrey, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, is accepting applications to host two Academic Fellows for a tailored 3-month programme designed to broaden academic skills, exchange knowledge and build networks for future collaboration. Fellows will work with a nominated FEPS mentor and academic team, engaging with colleagues across our four schools and partners in industry and academia. Activities will include visits to collaborators in the UK, interaction with our global network of partners, participation in day-to-day academic activities, and interaction with Surrey’s pan-university Institutes in People-Centred AI, Institute for Sustainability and Surrey Space Institute. We welcome research and educational interests in science and technology for development, resilience and crisis response, and innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly around sustainability of the built environment and physical and digital resilience of systems from an engineering and applied science approach.

Eligibility

The Fellowship programme proposed is open to academics from non-ODA eligible Commonwealth countries who meet the CSC Academic Fellowship requirements, including holding a PhD and being employed in an eligible Commonwealth country.

We welcome research and educational interests in science and technology for development, resilience and crisis response, and innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly around sustainability of the built environment and physical and digital resilience of systems from an engineering and applied science approach. Applications are welcome across core engineering disciplines (aeronautical, civil, chemical, electronic and mechanical engineering) and applied sciences (chemistry, computing, mathematics and physics).

University of Surrey, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences – Academic Fellowship

Programme detail and eligibility:

Programme

The University of Surrey Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Commonwealth Academic Fellowship Programme will provide academics from eligible non-ODA Commonwealth countries with a three-month programme of academic skills development, capacity building, reciprocal knowledge exchange and networking.

Fellows will be embedded within specialist academic groups and matched with Surrey mentors. Tailored programmes will combine methodological and technical skills development with interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, spanning advanced scientific approaches to understanding health and disease and inclusive cognitive and educational approaches to improving learning and opportunity. Pathways to impact will align with Surrey’s Vision 2041 ambition for transformative research and innovation.

The programme supports three CSC development themes: Science and technology for development; Improving population health, health systems and capacity; and Access, inclusion and opportunity.

A central focus will be translating Fellowship learning into home-country benefit through knowledge and skills transfer, collaborative outputs and sustained UK–Commonwealth academic partnerships beyond the Fellowship.

Eligibility 

The programme is open to academic staff from non-ODA eligible Commonwealth countries who meet CSC Academic Fellowship requirements, including holding a PhD and university employment.

Applicants should align with FHMS expertise and at least one selected CSC development theme: Science and technology for development; Improving population health, health systems and capacity; or Access, inclusion and opportunity.

Applications are welcomed across health, biosciences, psychology, medicine, health sciences and related interdisciplinary areas. Applicants should demonstrate how knowledge and skills gained through the Fellowship will be transferred and applied within their home institution and country following their return.

University of Warwick, Department of Chemistry – Academic Strand

  • Proposed programme dates: 1 March 2027 to 31 May 2027
  • Priority theme: Science and technology for development
  • Recruiting from an established network: Yes
  • Website: warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/chemistry

Programme 

This Fellowship will host a researcher within the Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, ranked 9th for Research Power among UK Chemistry departments (REF 2021), with 100% of its research rated world-leading or internationally excellent. The Department’s work spans three priority areas: Health, including drug discovery, antimicrobial resistance and drug delivery innovation; Sustainability, Energy and the Environment; and Data and Modelling, including AI-driven prediction of molecular properties, delivered through groups spanning synthetic biology, computational and theoretical chemistry, energy materials, analytical chemistry, polymers, and synthesis and catalysis. It suits researchers in chemistry, drug design, materials or computational science, particularly those connected to institutions with an existing relationship with Warwick, such as the Monash-Warwick Alliance. The Fellowship is expected to build lasting research links with the Fellow’s home institution, generate joint publications and grant applications, and support the Fellow’s career development through exposure to techniques and facilities not available at home.

Eligibility

Eligibility is restricted to applicants from Non-ODA eligible Commonwealth countries with an existing research relationship with the Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick. Priority will be given to a candidate from Monash University, Australia, working in pharmaceutical sciences, polymer chemistry or nanomaterials for drug delivery, reflecting the established collaboration between the two institutions through the Monash-Warwick Alliance. Applicants should hold a postdoctoral or equivalent research position, have a track record of relevant publications, and be able to demonstrate how a period of research at Warwick would benefit their home institution and career development.

How to apply

​Applications for the 2027 Commonwealth Fellowships for non-ODA countries are now open. 

Please submit your application through the online application form.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 5 November 2026 at 16:00 GMT.

The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the above form.

Details for each host organisation running a programme for the 2027 Commonwealth Fellowships programme are listed on the ‘host organisation programmes’ tab. 

Advice and selection criteria

Applicants can find general information about applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship on our advice for applicants page.

Selection criteria 

Applications will be assessed on the extent to which the proposed fellowship will ensure the transfer of skills relevant to the six CSC development themes. Prospective hosts should consider how their work and the experience Fellows will receive will enhance various areas of work in this area, for example through advocacy, health, public policy, or laws.  

Applications are also considered according to the following selection criteria:  

  • Quality and relevance of the programme  
  • Development impact  
  • Candidate potential  

For full details see the selection criteria for assessment of applications.  

Fellow eligibility

To be eligible for these Fellowships, prospective Fellows must:

  • 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 (see the ‘Eligible countries’ tab for details). Prospective Fellows should not have indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
  • Professional Fellows: have at least five years’ full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant work experience, in a profession related to the subject of the Fellowships programme, by the proposed start of the fellowship – voluntary work experience will not be counted towards this minimum. 
  • Academic Fellows: hold a PhD and be employed by a university in a Commonwealth country other than the UK.  
  • Be in employment at the time of application at an organisation that they will return to upon completion of the fellowship.
  • Provide at least two references, one of which must be from their current employer. Any applications for which references are not received will be considered ineligible.
  • Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Fellowship within the last five years (at the time of taking up the award).
  • Be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date.

In addition to the above, prospective Fellows must ensure they meet any eligibility criteria set out by each individual host organisation.

The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. For further information on the support available to Fellows with a disability, see the CSC disability support statement.

Please note that personal information will be used to conduct necessary due diligence checks by the CSC. These checks will be carried out before proceeding with any type of formal agreement or contractual relationship. In most cases, the due diligence checks will be straightforward, but further information may be requested, so we ask for full cooperation from candidates to speed up the process. 

If candidates do not agree to their personal data being used for the purpose of conducting due diligence, the CSC will not be able to proceed further with the selection process. 

Eligible countries

This opportunity is for non-ODA eligible countries only. Please note that individual programmes have their own geographical eligibility requirements.

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Canada
Cayman Islands
Cyprus
Falkland Islands
Gibraltar
Malta
New Zealand
Seychelles
Singapore
St Kitts and Nevis
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands  

Completing the application form

Applications for 2027 Commonwealth Fellowships are now open. 

To apply for a Commonwealth Fellowship you must complete the application form by clicking on the link below:

Commonwealth Fellowship Application Form

The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the above form.

In the application form, prospective Fellows are asked to:  

  • List all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications obtained (where applicable).
  • List up to ten publications and prizes (if applicable).  
  • Provide details of your employment history and explain how each job is relevant to the programme you wish to undertake in the UK (up to 100 words per employment).
  • Provide a statement on the relevance of your previous work experience to the proposed fellowship (up to 300 words).  
  • Provide at least two references from people who are qualified to comment on both your capacity to benefit from your proposed fellowship in the UK and your ability to deliver development impact afterwards. One of your references must be from your current employer, unless you are self employed. 

Provide a development impact statement in four parts.  

  • Part 1: (up to 200 words) Explain how participation on your selected fellowship relates to:  
    • one of the six CSC development themes  
    • development issues at the global, national and local level  
  • Part 2 (up to 100 words) Explain how you intend to apply your new skills once your Fellowship ends.  
  • Part 3 (up to 250 words) Outline what you expect will change in development terms following your fellowship including:  
    • the outcomes that you aim to achieve  
    • the timeframe for their implementation  
    • who the beneficiaries will be  
  • Part 4: (up to 100 words) Write about how the impact of your work could be best measured.  
  • Confirm what your award objectives are and how each of them will be met by the fellowship programme  
  • Confirm what your objectives are for the next two years and how each of them will be met by the fellowship programme  
  • Confirm what your objectives are in the longer term and how each of them will be met by the fellowship programme  
  • Provide a personal statement to summarise the ways in which your personal background has encouraged you to want to make an impact in your home country. You should indicate areas in which you have already contributed, such as having overcome any personal or community barriers to your chosen career (up to 500 words)  
  • Summarise the ways in which you have engaged in voluntary activities and the opportunities you have had to demonstrate leadership (up to 500 words)  
  • Provide a scan of your passport or national identity card  

Financial assistance

Each fellowship provides: 

  • Approved return airfare from the Fellow’s home country to the UK.  
  • Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee.  
  • Stipend (living allowance) payable monthly (or pro rata) for the duration of the award at the rate of £2,218 per month, or £2,753 per month for those at organisations in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at 2025/26 levels).  
  • If a Fellow declares a disability, a full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC. See the CSC disability support statement for more information.  
  • Arrival allowance of up to £1,247.09 (rates quoted at 2025/26 levels), including an element for warm clothing.  
  • Additional fees can be agreed for costs associated with Fellows attending short courses/conferences as well as travel to visit other UK organisations where this forms an integral part of the programme. Programmes from six weeks to two months can claim up to £1,000 and programmes of two months to three months can claim up to £2,000.  See further guidance below.  These costs will be paid directly to the host organisation. 

General conditions

  • A Commonwealth Fellowship covers a contribution to the host organisation costs, approved fares, and personal maintenance. Other fellowships, awards, or bursaries that cover the same costs may not be held concurrently.
  • In order for the CSC to administer a Fellow’s application effectively and efficiently after they have submitted, it will be necessary to create a record in their name. The details of Fellows who are nominated to the CSC will be kept on file. Basic anonymised demographic data for all applicants will be kept for analytical research. The CSC is committed to protecting personal information and to being transparent about the information we are collecting about individuals and what we do with it. To find out more, see our privacy notice.
  • Fellows must submit a health and disability form before a Confirmation of Award can be issued.
  • Fellows will be asked to sign an undertaking which requires them to return to their home country and their previous place of employment at the time of being awarded the fellowship. Fellows must leave within five days of the end of their award.
  • Fellows are expected to start and complete their award on the dates stated in their Notification of Award and for the full term. The CSC is usually not able to agree any changes to these dates after the Notification of Award has been issued.
  • Fellows must secure suitable entry clearance to the UK to come to the UK for their award and must meet all the relevant immigration regulations set by UK Visas and Immigration. These regulations are subject to change at any time. See immigration conditions for more information.
  • Fellows must reside in the UK throughout their award, and seek approval from the CSC in advance for any overseas travel, which will be granted in exceptional circumstances only.
  • Fellows must not undertake paid employment during their award.
  • The CSC cannot provide a letter of support for any fellow to remain in the UK after their award.
  • An award may be terminated at any time for reasons of unsatisfactory conduct, progress, attendance, or violation of visa conditions, or if the host organisation decides it is unable to proceed with the fellowship for any reason before or during the award.
  • Applicants and selected Fellows must adhere to the CSC Code of Conduct for Award Holders and CSC Disciplinary Policy and Procedure.
  • In line with the UK Bribery Act 2010, any applicant convicted of bribery will be banned from reapplying for a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship for a period of up to five years
  • The CSC is committed to administering and managing its Scholarships and Fellowships in a fair and transparent manner. For more information, see the CSC Anti-fraud Policy and Procedure and the FCDO guidance on reporting fraud.
  • All terms and conditions of award are subject to UK local law and practices and are subject to change by the CSC.

Immigration conditions

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

Commonwealth Professional Fellows require a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa to come to the UK for their award and must meet all relevant immigration requirements. All UK immigration regulations are set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and are subject to change at any time. The CSC has no control over these regulations. 

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), which provides the CSC Secretariat, acts as the Temporary Work visa sponsor on behalf of the CSC. In accordance with immigration regulations, sponsorship duties relating to record keeping, monitoring, and reporting of Fellows must be completed. While the ACU (on behalf of the CSC Secretariat) is responsible for assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and submitting reports to UKVI, host organisations are required to assist in these activities as per the host organisations’ obligations which can be accessed on the information for prospective hosts page. Failure on the part of the host organisation to provide the ACU with the required documentation and to report relevant details may result in the loss of the ACU’s Temporary Work visa licence and ability to sponsor Fellows’ visas. 

Fellows’ obligations 

Commonwealth Professional Fellows must provide the following documents before the ACU (acting on behalf of the CSC Secretariat) will assign a CoS: 

  • Visa information form 
  • Award acceptance form (signed) 
  • Client Care Letter (signed) 
  • Copy of passport personal details page 

The CSC Secretariat will send the details of the assigned CoS to the Fellow by email, to enable them to make their visa application, and will keep a copy on file. 

After a CoS has been assigned, fellows must provide copies of the following documents to the CSC Secretariat: 

  • A share code generated from their eVisa for the purpose of checking their right to work in the UK.
  • Passport entry stamp and/or a used boarding pass and checked baggage receipt evidencing their entry to the UK at the start of their fellowship. 
  • Passport entry stamp and/or a used boarding pass and checked baggage receipt, at the end of their fellowship and every time they travel outside the UK during their fellowship

Once a Fellow has arrived in the UK and is on award they must ensure that they comply with good practices to protect their Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa. This includes:

  • Cooperating with their host and the ACU to ensure that right to work checks are carried out before their programme starts.
  • Attending and engaging with their programme during the official programme start and end dates.
  • Adhering to all conditions of their visa.
  • Leaving the UK before their visa expires.

Reporting to UK Visas and Immigration 

Once a Fellow has been issued with a CoS and while they are in the UK, the ACU is required to report to UKVI within ten working days if: 

  • The Fellow does not start the programme within 28 days on their expected start date, or valid from date on their visa (whichever is later). This includes if the fellow misses a flight and will be arriving at a later date agreed by the host organisation. 
  • The Fellow is absent from their work location. The ACU requires details of all absences; however, only unauthorised absences of 10 working days or more will be reported to UKVI. 
  • The fellowship finishes before the end date stated on the CoS (e.g. if the Fellow withdraws, has their fellowship withdrawn, or finishes their programme early). 
  • The Fellow defers their fellowship. 
  • The Fellow no longer requires sponsorship under Temporary Work visa (e.g. if they switch to a different visa type). 
  • There are any significant changes to the Fellow’s circumstances (e.g. a change of work location, passport details, etc). 
  • There is any information which suggests that the Fellow is in breach of the conditions of their visa (including engaging in criminal activity). 

Travel outside the UK during the fellowship 

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are tenable in the UK only, and Fellows must seek permission from their CSC Programme Officer and host organisation if they wish to travel outside the UK for any reason. Permission will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Further information 

This information is subject to changes in UKVI policy guidance and the immigration rules which is available on the UKVI website. UKVI may make changes to the terms and conditions of visas at any point. 

Further information can be obtained from the CSC’s Senior Welfare and Immigration Officer, please email: welfare@cscuk.org.uk 

Commonwealth Academic Fellowships

Commonwealth Academic Fellows require a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa to come to the UK for their award and must meet all relevant immigration requirements. All UK immigration regulations are set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and are subject to change at any time. The CSC has no control over these regulations.    

The academic hosts are expected to act as the Temporary Work – GAE visa sponsor for all candidates who are confirmed for a Commonwealth academic Fellowship. The CSC would expect hosts to certify the maintenance for Temporary Work – GAE visa applicants. The CSC will provide confirmation of funding to confirmed Fellows and their hosts. If there is an alternative visa route available that is suitable for academic fellows to come to the UK to pursue their programme the host will be responsible for advising on this. 

Academic hosts will therefore be responsible for sponsorship duties relating to record keeping, monitoring, and reporting of Fellows in accordance with immigration regulations.  

Fellows are responsible for adhering to the conditions of their visa and fulfilling any requests from their host with regard to their visa application and compliance. 

Further information can be obtained from the CSC’s Senior Welfare and Immigration Officer, please email: welfare@cscuk.org.uk  

Enquiries

If you have any queries about Commonwealth Fellowships, please email: cfp@cscuk.org.uk

Please note that any general enquiries about applying for Commonwealth Scholarships sent to this email address will not be answered. Please use the contact us form for enquiries about other CSC programmes.