Apply for the fully funded Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2024/2025 to enhance your skills with UK organizations.
About
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship Program 2024/2025 is an exciting opportunity for mid-career professionals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The fellowship is fully funded and allows professionals to spend time at a UK host organization working in their sector for a program of professional development. This initiative aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the fellows, enabling them to have a catalytic impact on their workplaces and communities upon their return.
The fellowship focuses on six key development themes: science and technology for development, strengthening health systems and capacity, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening global peace, security and governance, strengthening resilience and response to crises, and access, inclusion, and opportunity. By addressing these themes, the fellowship aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the fellows’ home countries.
This prestigious fellowship is not only a chance to develop professionally but also an opportunity to network with peers from around the Commonwealth. Fellows will have access to a wealth of resources, expert guidance, and a platform to share their knowledge and experiences with others, fostering a community of leaders who are committed to making a difference.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Residency: Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Work Experience: Have at least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant work experience in a profession related to the subject of the fellowship program. Voluntary work experience is not counted towards this minimum.
- Current Employment: Be in employment at the time of application at an organization that they will return to upon completion of the fellowship.
- References: Provide at least two references, including one from their current employer. Applications without references received by the closing date will be considered ineligible.
- Previous Fellowship: Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years.
- Program Type: Not be seeking to undertake an academic program of research or study. Academics are eligible to apply for the scheme but only to undertake programs of academic management, not research or courses related to their research subject.
- Availability: Be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date.
Benefits
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships offer a comprehensive package of benefits, ensuring that fellows have the necessary support during their stay in the UK:
- Travel: Approved return airfare from the fellow’s home country to the UK.
- Visa: Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee.
- Stipend: Monthly stipend (living allowance) of £2,057, or £2,553 for those in the London metropolitan area, for the duration of the award (rates quoted at 2023/24 levels).
- Disability Support: Full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support for fellows with disabilities.
- Arrival Allowance: Up to £1,156.60 for arrival, including an element for warm clothing.
- Professional Development: Up to £3,000 per fellow for short courses, conferences, and travel to visit other UK organizations as part of the program.
Eligible countries
Bangladesh
Belize
Botswana
Cameroon
Dominica
Eswatini
Fiji
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
India
Jamaica
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Rwanda
St Helena
St Lucia
St Vincent and The Grenadines
Samoa
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents to complete their application:
- Completed Application Form: Available on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website.
- Proof of Citizenship/Refugee Status: Valid passport or other legal documents.
- Employment Verification: Letter from the current employer confirming the applicant’s position and intent to return to the organization after the fellowship.
- References: Two references, including one from the current employer.
- Educational Certificates: Copies of degrees and other relevant qualifications.
- Professional Experience: Detailed resume/CV outlining relevant work experience.
- Personal Statement: Essay detailing the applicant’s career goals and how the fellowship will contribute to achieving them.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 August 2024 at 17:00 BST.
- Fellowship Start Date: February 2025.
How to Apply
To apply for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship, follow these steps:
- Visit the CSC Website: Go to the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website and navigate to the Professional Fellowships section.
- Create an Account: Register for an account on the application portal.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form with accurate and detailed information.
- Upload Required Documents: Submit all necessary documents, including proof of citizenship, employment verification, references, educational certificates, and a personal statement.
- Submit Application: Ensure all sections of the application are complete and submit the application before the deadline on 5 August 2024 at 17:00 BST.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2024/2025 offer a remarkable opportunity for mid-career professionals to advance their skills and make a significant impact in their home countries. By participating in this fully funded program, fellows will gain invaluable experience, develop their professional networks, and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your career and make a difference. Apply now and join a community of leaders committed to global development.
For more details and to apply, visit the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship?
Mid-career professionals with at least five years of relevant work experience from eligible Commonwealth countries can apply.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
Fellowships are tenable for a period of six weeks to three months, starting from February 2025.
What expenses are covered by the fellowship?
The fellowship covers return airfare, visa fees, monthly stipend, arrival allowance, and professional development expenses.
Can academics apply for the fellowship?
Yes, academics can apply, but only for programs of academic management, not for research or courses related to their research subject.
How do I get in touch for more information?
For any queries, you can email professional.fellowships@cscuk.org.uk.
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