Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded six-week programme in the UK for mid-career professionals focused on defence, security, leadership, governance and AI in policy contexts. The fellowship provides applied learning, simulations, practitioner speakers, research activity and institutional visits to build practical insight and professional networks across Europe and the UK.
The programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and runs at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham. Fellows receive academic support for a research project and present findings to the FCDO in London while gaining long-term professional networks and leadership development opportunities.
Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026 Benefits
- There is no program fees.
- Living expenses will be covered including accommodation arrangement close to Oxford.
- The cost of return air tickets will be covered.
Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must meet the standard eligibility criteria mentioned at https://www.chevening.org/fellowships/who-can-apply/fellowships-eligibility/
- They must be citizens of and residents in one of these countries including Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, or Switzerland.
- Individuals living in a European overseas territory can apply through the relevant Chevening award scheme for their European country.
- Candidates should have a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training.
- They should have minimum five years’ relevant professional experience.
- Applicants should be mid-career professionals working within government, defence, security, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience, or an international organisation in security domains.
- Candidates should be currently working in an influential role within their country.
- They should be willing to apply the knowledge and networks gained within their organisation or country after completing this fellowship.
Documents Required
- Degree certificate.
- Proof of citizenship.
- Other 7relevant documents.
How to Apply for Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026
- First select your country.
- Then select the award program that you are applying for from the available options.
- Register your account.
- Verify your account from the email sent to your email address.
- Answer the eligibility requirement questions.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Answer all the questions asked in the form.
- Review and then submit your application.
- Degree certificate.
- Proof of citizenship.
- Other 7relevant documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps and what the fellowship provides for mid-career professionals.
What is the Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026?
The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded six-week programme in the UK for mid-career professionals focused on defence and security. It offers applied learning, workshops, simulations, practitioner speakers, research activity and institutional visits at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham.
Who funds the fellowship?
The programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The FCDO supports fellowships held at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham and receives final presentations of fellows’ research projects in London.
What does the fellowship cover?
The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship covers full fees, living expenses including accommodation arrangements close to Oxford, and the cost of return air tickets. The programme description explicitly states there are no programme fees and that travel and living costs are covered.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must meet standard Chevening fellowship eligibility and be citizens and residents of listed European countries (e.g., Andorra, Austria, Belgium, etc.). Candidates should have a postgraduate qualification or equivalent, at least five years’ relevant professional experience, and be mid-career professionals in relevant security domains.
What professional backgrounds are targeted?
The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship targets mid-career professionals working in government, defence, security, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience, or international organisations in security domains. Candidates should be in influential roles and able to apply learning within their organisations or countries.
How long is the programme and when does it run?
The programme lasts six weeks. The HTML lists two cohorts in 2027: Cohort 1 runs 25 January – 5 March 2027 and Cohort 2 runs 15 March – 23 April 2027, indicating the fellowship takes place across defined cohort dates at the Defence Academy.
What academic work is involved?
Fellows receive academic support to work on a research project addressing a relevant policy, leadership, organisational or security challenge. At the end of the fellowship, fellows present their findings to the FCDO in London.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
To apply, select your country and the award programme, register and verify your account, answer eligibility questions, complete the application form, upload required documents, answer all form questions, review and submit the application as outlined in the HTML.
What documents are required to apply?
The HTML lists required documents as degree certificate, proof of citizenship, and other relevant documents. Applicants are instructed to upload required documents during the application process when prompted.
What is the application deadline?
The programme deadline provided in the HTML states the last date to apply is 27 September, 2026. Applicants should ensure they submit all materials by that date.
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