Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship applications are now open for the 2026/2027 cohort, offering a unique leadership development opportunity for cultural professionals from the UK and around the world. This fellowship is designed to strengthen leadership capacity, sharpen strategic thinking, and deepen understanding of cultural engagement through a carefully structured yet flexible learning experience.
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship runs from September 2026 to May 2027 and brings together creative and forward-thinking cultural leaders at a crucial stage in their careers. The program is highly personalized and largely self-directed, allowing fellows to focus on their own leadership goals while gaining insight from peers, mentors, and immersive learning activities. It is ideal for motivated individuals ready to grow, reflect, and lead with impact.
Benefits
- Up to two return economy flights from your home country to the UK to undertake fellowship activities
- Accommodation while in the UK
- Living expenses while in the UK
- A period of secondment for approximately 4-6 weeks at a cultural institution in the UK
- Individually tailored fellowship learning plan which may include participation in courses conferences and other professional development activities in the UK
- Course and conference fees within the UK
- Training and development costs within the UK
- Travel in the UK
Eligibility Criteria
- They intend to return to the country they were selected from at the end of the study period.
- Hold a degree equivalent to at least a UK second-class honors degree or have equivalent professional training and/or experience.
- Have completed at least five years of work or equivalent experience by the end of 2023.
- Meet the minimum requirements by the main fellowships scheme.
- I have a good working knowledge of English, which was assessed through the application form and interview.
- Do not hold British or dual British citizenship.
- Are not an employee, former employee, or relative of an employee of His Majesty’s Government, nor have been within the last two years from the opening of Chevening applications (including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, all British Embassies/High Commissions, the Home Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department for International Trade, and the UKVI), the British Council, a sponsoring UK university, or a staff member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Eligible Countries
The following countries are eligible:
- Brazil
- China
- Egypt
- India
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Mexico
- South Africa
How to Apply?
- Carefully review the fellowship overview and eligibility requirements to make sure the programme matches your career stage, leadership goals, and professional background.
- Prepare your application materials, including personal statements that explain your leadership journey, future ambitions, and how the fellowship fits into your professional development.
- Outline your learning objectives clearly, showing what skills, experience, or insight you hope to gain during the fellowship period and how it will impact your work in the cultural sector.
- Arrange references from professionals who can speak confidently about your leadership potential, experience, and readiness for an intensive development programme.
- Complete and submit the online application form before the deadline, ensuring all sections are filled in accurately and supporting documents are uploaded correctly.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews or assessments as part of the final selection process, so be ready to discuss your vision, motivation, and leadership challenges in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is a fully funded UK-based programme for mid-career cultural sector professionals from select countries. It runs September 2026 to May 2027 and includes courses, workshops, placements, mentoring, and travel support.
What is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is a tailored leadership development programme designed to strengthen the skills and vision of cultural sector professionals. It offers personalized learning, mentorship, workshops, and UK-based experiences to boost leadership impact and growth.
Who can apply for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
Applicants must be citizens of specific eligible countries and have a minimum of five years’ professional experience in the cultural field. They must intend to return to their home country after completing the programme and demonstrate leadership potential.
Where does the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship take place?
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is based in the United Kingdom. Fellows are expected to participate in residential leadership courses, workshops, and placements across the UK as part of their tailored leadership development journey.
How long is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship runs from September 2026 to May 2027. This roughly eight- to nine-month programme guides fellows through an individually designed leadership experience including courses, secondments, and professional networking.
What benefits are included in the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
Fellows receive a fully funded fellowship covering return flights, UK accommodation, living costs, workshop fees, secondment placement, development budget, and mentoring support to ensure a comprehensive leadership growth experience.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
To qualify, applicants must hold a degree equivalent to at least a UK second-class honours or have equivalent professional experience, complete five years of work, and have a good command of English, among other criteria.
What countries are eligible for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
Applications are open to citizens of Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, and South Africa. Eligible candidates should reside in these countries and intend to return home after the programme ends.
Is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship provides full funding for programme costs including travel, accommodation, living expenses, and training costs. This support enables fellows to focus on leadership development without financial stress.
What professional fields does the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship target?
The fellowship is intended for mid-career professionals working in the cultural and creative sectors, including visual and performing arts, museums, heritage, libraries, archives, film, media, policy, and related cultural practices.
What kind of learning experiences does the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship include?
The fellowship includes residential leadership courses, skills workshops, a 360° leadership profile, secondments at UK cultural institutions, networking events, tailored development activities, mentoring, and opportunities for thought leadership exploration.
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