The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded, week-long leadership program in London designed for emerging professionals and students passionate about counter-terrorism, counter-extremism, and national security careers in the UK. It offers unparalleled access to top experts, policymakers, and decision-makers to provide deep insights into current security challenges and policy-making processes.
The fellowship is organized by the Counter Extremism Group (CEG) and headed by Lord Carlile of Berriew, a senior legal fellow and former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation. CEG is dedicated to identifying and nurturing exceptional talent to shape the future of national security and counter-extremism efforts in the United Kingdom.
Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship Benefits
- The course is free to attend.
- Financial support for travel costs within the UK.
- Six nights of accommodation provided.
- A small daily per diem allowance.
Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Be young professionals or students
- Have an interest in:
- National security
- Public policy
- International relations
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Have good communication skills
- Open to applicants from various backgrounds.
Required Documents
- CV
- Cover letter explaining:
- Why do you want to join the program?
- A book, article, or thinker that influenced your views on extremism (200 words max)
- Your perspective on the biggest extremist threat facing Britain (300 words max)
- A declaration confirming compliance with CEG’s GenAI policy
- Submit documents in Word or PDF format.
About the Fellowship
The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship aims to:
- Develop future leaders in national security.
- Provide insight into policymaking and global security issues.
- Build analytical and leadership skills.
- Encourage collaboration among young professionals.
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship will help you:
- Gain exposure to national security fields
- Learn from experts in the UK
- Build a strong career foundation
- Expand your global network
How to Apply for Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship
- Send a CV and cover letter to [email protected].
- In the cover letter, explain why you wish to take the course.
- Answer: Which article, book, or thinker has most influenced your attitudes towards terrorism and/or extremism? (200 words max).
- Answer: What is the single biggest extremist threat facing Britain today? Why? What is the best argument that you are wrong? (300 words max).
- Include a written declaration that you have complied with CEG’s GenAI policy.
- Send application documents as an attached Word or PDF document.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on the official program information.
What is the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship?
It is a fully funded, week-long fellowship in London organized by the Counter Extremism Group (CEG) for young professionals and students interested in careers in national security, counter-terrorism, and counter-extremism in the UK.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship is for exceptional individuals at the beginning of their careers, typically students, recent graduates, or those in the first few years of professional life, who are serious about pursuing a future in national security and related fields in the UK.
What are the benefits of the fellowship?
The fellowship is free to attend and includes financial support for UK travel, six nights of accommodation, and a small daily per diem allowance. Participants gain access to expert-led sessions and networking opportunities.
When and where does the fellowship take place?
The fellowship will be delivered in person in central London from September 7th to 11th, 2026.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 5pm on June 5th, 2026.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Applicants must send a CV and a cover letter answering specific questions to [email protected], along with a declaration of compliance with CEG’s Generative AI policy.
What is CEG’s Generative AI policy for applications?
Applicants should not use AI tools to generate their application. Applications must reflect the applicant’s own thinking, voice, and experience. Generic or AI-like content may be rejected.
Who are the speakers and patrons of the fellowship?
The fellowship is headed by Lord Carlile of Berriew and features speakers from intelligence, security, politics, law enforcement, media, and academia, such as former heads of intelligence agencies, government ministers, and journalists.
What topics are covered during the fellowship?
Topics include the nature of the terrorism threat, roots of extremist ideology, counter-terrorism policy-making, national defence strategy, impact on free speech, and media coverage of extremism and terrorism.
Is the fellowship open to international applicants?
The official HTML does not specify nationality restrictions; it states the fellowship is for those looking to pursue a career in these fields in the UK and welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.
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