The Churchill Fellowship 2026 Programme offers UK-based changemakers a unique opportunity to undertake international research and develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. This prestigious fellowship enables individuals from diverse backgrounds to travel, learn from worldwide experts, and bring back transformative knowledge to benefit UK communities.
The Churchill Fellowship, hosted by The Churchill Fellowship, has supported thousands of professionals, community leaders, and social innovators since its establishment. It empowers Fellows to explore 37 focus areas including climate change, education, disability, emergency response, and equity, fostering a lifelong global network of over 4,000 alumni.
Churchill Fellowship Benefits
- International travel to study successful approaches, meet specialists, and learn from leading organisations
- Funding support to carry out research projects
- Mentorship and professional guidance to develop research plans, strengthen ideas, and maximise impact
- Access to a global network of more than 4,000 Churchill Fellows for collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Opportunity to explore innovative solutions and gather evidence for future initiatives
- Development of research, leadership, communication, and collaboration skills
- Platform to share findings and transform research into policies or programmes that create positive change
Churchill Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a UK-based changemaker committed to applying learning to benefit UK communities
- Open to diverse backgrounds including community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare workers, environmental advocates, and individuals with lived experience of social challenges
- No formal academic qualifications required; practical experience and innovative thinking are valued
- Ability to demonstrate how international research could contribute to meaningful improvements
- Proposal must align with one of the 37 focus areas of the Churchill Fellowship
Churchill Fellowship Focus Areas
The 2026 Fellowship Programme covers 37 focus areas, reflecting major social, environmental, cultural, and economic challenges.
Some key areas include:
Climate Change
Applicants exploring climate solutions can investigate approaches related to:
- Environmental sustainability
- Climate adaptation
- Renewable energy
- Community resilience
Education
The fellowship supports research into innovative education approaches, including:
- Learning systems
- Skills development
- Educational inclusion
- Future-focused teaching methods
Disability
Applicants can explore solutions that improve:
- Accessibility
- Inclusion
- Independent living
- Equal participation
Emergency Response
Research opportunities include exploring:
- Disaster preparedness
- Humanitarian response systems
- Crisis management
- Community resilience
Arts and Culture
Fellows may investigate how arts and culture contribute to:
- Social change
- Community development
- Identity and inclusion
- Creative innovation
Equity and Inclusion
The programme also supports research addressing:
- Social inequality
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Access to opportunities
Additional focus areas cover many other sectors and emerging challenges.
How to Apply for Churchill Fellowship
- Identify a research topic that aligns with the Churchill Fellowship focus areas
- Develop a clear proposal explaining the challenge, its importance, and the intended impact
- Show how international research will contribute to solutions and how you will share findings
- Submit your application online during the open application period (1 September – 20 October 2026)
- Emphasise why the issue matters, what solutions you want to explore, and how your research could create impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Churchill Fellowship 2026 Programme. Find answers covering eligibility, benefits, application process, deadlines, and more.
What is the Churchill Fellowship?
The Churchill Fellowship is a prestigious UK-based research programme that enables individuals to travel internationally, investigate innovative solutions to pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges, and bring back knowledge to benefit communities in the United Kingdom.
Who is eligible to apply?
The fellowship is open to UK-based individuals from all backgrounds, including community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and those with lived experience of social issues. No formal academic qualifications are required; applicants must demonstrate a clear vision for impactful change.
What does the fellowship provide?
Selected Fellows receive funding support for travel, mentorship, access to a global network of over 4,000 alumni, and opportunities to develop research, leadership, and communication skills. They can visit institutions, interview experts, and study successful programmes abroad.
How can I apply for the Churchill Fellowship 2026?
Identify a research topic aligned with one of the 37 focus areas, develop a proposal showing the challenge, intended impact, and how international research will contribute. Submit your application online between 1 September and 20 October 2026.
What are the focus areas in 2026?
The 2026 programme covers 37 areas including climate change, education, disability, emergency response, arts and culture, equity and inclusion, and many more. Applicants can choose a topic that addresses a significant challenge.
When is the application deadline?
Applications open on 1 September 2026 and close on 20 October 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so it is advisable to prepare your proposal early and submit before the deadline.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides funding support to carry out research projects, but the exact coverage is not detailed. It covers travel and research costs, enabling Fellows to focus on their projects; candidates should check official guidelines for full details.
Can non-UK citizens apply?
The programme is designed for UK-based changemakers. While citizenship is not explicitly restricted, applicants must be based in the UK and committed to applying learnings to benefit UK communities.
How long does the fellowship last?
The duration is not specified; Fellows travel internationally to conduct research, and the length may vary based on the project. Typically, Churchill Fellowships involve several weeks of travel and a period of knowledge sharing upon return.
What is the selection criteria?
Selection is based on the applicant’s potential to create meaningful change, the relevance of their proposed research, their ability to show how international learning will address a significant issue, and their plan for sharing findings. Practical experience and innovative thinking are highly valued.
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