Chevening Clore Leadership UK Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2026 is a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals in the arts and culture sector to enhance their leadership skills through a personalized, immersive program in the UK. This prestigious fellowship, open for applications until 5 November 2024, offers a highly coveted learning experience for cultural leaders from around the world. The fellowship is a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Clore Leadership, aimed at fostering leadership within the global arts and culture community.

Applications for the 2026-2027 ohort are now open, and individuals from eligible countries, including Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, and South Africa, are encouraged to apply. This article provides an in-depth look at the structure, benefits, and transformative nature of the fellowship, along with essential details about the application process.

What is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?

The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is designed for professionals in the arts and culture sectors, offering them a bespoke leadership development program. It caters to individuals working in fields such as visual and performing arts, museums, libraries, archives, heritage, film, digital media, cultural policy, and related practices. Over the course of more than 20 years, this program has contributed to the growth of exceptional cultural leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive innovation and positive change in their respective fields.

Each year, the fellowship selects up to five international fellows who will join approximately 20 UK and international fellows. This international cohort brings together diverse perspectives, fostering a rich learning environment that enhances collaboration and creative thinking.

Why Apply for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?

The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship offers a transformative experience for individuals passionate about arts and culture. Previous fellows have praised the fellowship for its profound impact on both their professional and personal lives. Arundhati Ghosh from India described the experience as "rejuvenating," noting how the fellowship provided her with a rare opportunity to focus on personal growth away from the demands of daily work. Similarly, Eduardo Fraga from Brazil highlighted the fellowship's role in helping him understand his purposes, gain confidence, and become more ambitious about the societal impact of his work.

The fellowship’s unique structure, combining residential courses, secondment opportunities, and bespoke learning, ensures that each participant receives a tailored experience that aligns with their individual leadership journey.

One of the most significant advantages of the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is its comprehensive financial support, which allows fellows to focus fully on their development without financial strain. The fellowship covers:

• Travel Expenses: Fellows are provided with two return economy flights from their home country to the UK to undertake fellowship activities.
• Accommodation: Accommodation costs while in the UK are covered by the fellowship.
• Living Expenses: Fellows receive a stipend to cover their living expenses while they are in the UK.
• Secondment: The fellowship funds a 4-6 week secondment at a UK cultural institution, allowing fellows to gain real-world experience in a different cultural environment.
• Training and Development: The fellowship provides a tailored learning plan, which may include participation in conferences, training courses, and other professional development activities within the UK.
• Course Fees: The cost of any courses or conferences attended by the fellow within the UK is covered.
• UK Travel Costs: All travel costs within the UK for fellowship-related activities are included.

• Fellowship (Professional Leadership Development)

• Leadership Development
• Cultural Policy & Practice
• Arts & Heritage Management

This scholarship is open to students from:

• Brazil
• China
• Egypt
• India
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Mexico
• South Africa

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Return to Home Country: Applicants must intend to return to their home country at the end of the fellowship.
• Educational and Professional Background: Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to at least a UK second-class honours degree or have equivalent professional experience. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least five years of work experience by the end of 2024.
• English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a good working knowledge of English, which will be assessed during the application and interview stages.
• Non-Eligibility: Applicants must not hold British or dual British citizenship. Additionally, those who have been employed by His Majesty’s Government or related organizations within the last two years are ineligible to apply.
• Previous HMG Scholarship Holders: Applicants who have previously received a UK government-funded scholarship or fellowship can apply only after a five-year gap from the completion of their initial award. They must also demonstrate their career progression during this period.

Click the "Apply Now" button down below to start your application journey.

Conclusion

For cultural professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to the global arts sector, the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity. With a comprehensive learning program, financial support, and access to an extensive network of cultural leaders, the fellowship offers a transformative experience that shapes future leaders in the cultural and creative sectors. This is your chance to apply for one of the most prestigious cultural fellowships in the world. Applications are open until 7 October 2025 - apply today to embark on a life-changing journey.