Are you a mid-career changemaker in the arts, heritage, or cultural sectors? Ready to take your impact to an international level? Here’s your chance to step away from your daily grind and step into a transformative leadership journey in the UK.
Applications are officially open for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2026, a golden opportunity for passionate professionals from select countries to refine their leadership skills, gain international exposure, and become part of an elite network of cultural trailblazers. This fully funded fellowship is more than a program—it’s a launchpad for cultural leaders who aspire to drive change in their countries and beyond.
What is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
Jointly funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Clore Leadership, this prestigious fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals in the arts and culture sectors. It offers five fully funded spots for international fellows to join a cohort of around 20 global leaders for a tailored leadership development program in the UK.
Whether you’re from the world of performing arts, digital media, museums, libraries, cultural policy, or heritage preservation—this programme is designed to help you lead with purpose and inspire transformation.
Fellowship Benefits: What’s in it for You?
This isn’t just another professional course—it’s a full-ride, customized leadership journey! The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship offers:
- Two return economy flights to the UK for fellowship activities
- Accommodation and living expenses while in the UK
- A 4–6 week secondment at a top UK cultural institution
- Access to exclusive leadership training (residential and non-residential workshops)
- Course and conference fees in the UK
- Tailored learning budget for personal development
- Mentorship or coaching support
- Networking opportunities with UK and international cultural leaders
- A written leadership provocation paper to influence sector dialogue
Fellowship Structure: What You’ll Experience
As a fellow, you won’t just sit in classrooms—you’ll be immersed in a dynamic and hands-on programme that includes:
- Residential leadership retreats
- Non-residential workshops focused on core professional skills
- A climate-focused online assembly
- A secondment in a UK-based cultural organisation, often outside your usual work area
- A personal learning plan shaped by your interests—such as study visits, conferences, and specialist training
- Professional mentoring or coaching
- Deep engagement with leadership theory and cultural practice
This is your time to reflect, grow, and connect—with no distractions from daily work pressures.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to residents and citizens of the following countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, South Africa.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a mid-career professional with at least five years of work experience
- Hold a good second-class honours degree (UK equivalent) or have substantial relevant experience
- Be fluent in English
- Be committed to returning to your home country after the fellowship
- Not hold British citizenship or have close relatives working for HMG or related bodies
- If you’ve received UK government funding before, you must show career growth since your last award and five years must have passed.
Application Timeline
The application portal for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2026 is open now and will close on 7 October 2025 at 12:00 (UTC).