Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027 and Clore Leadership, UK (September 2026)

The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027 is a prestigious partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Clore Leadership. This individually tailored program is designed for mid-career professionals in the arts and culture sector who possess the ambition to drive significant change in their communities. Consequently, the fellowship offers an immersive learning journey in the UK, combining residential courses, workshops, and secondments. Furthermore, it provides access to a global network of creative leaders, fostering long-term international collaboration and strategic impact.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship (2026-27 Cohort)
Organizing Body	Clore Leadership & Chevening (FCDO)
Duration	6 – 9 Months (September 2026 – May 2027)
Financial Support	Fully Funded (Bursary, Flights, & Expenses)
Target Sector	Arts, Culture, Heritage, Libraries, & Digital Media

Program Overview

The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027 is a unique, self-guided development experience rather than a taught academic course. Specifically, the fellowship centers on residential learning blocks and a professional secondment within a major UK cultural institution. Throughout the 2026-27 cycle, fellows will participate in intensive skills workshops and a collaborative enquiry project. Furthermore, participants receive focused support from a professional mentor or coach to align their learning with personal career aspirations. Therefore, the program is ideal for highly motivated individuals ready to step into senior leadership roles.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027, applicants must meet both Chevening’s core requirements and specific cultural sector criteria:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen and resident of India, Brazil, China, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, or South Africa.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 7 years of leadership or change-making experience in the cultural sector (5 years for specific early-career exceptions).
• Academic Background: Hold a degree equivalent to at least a UK second-class honors degree (approx. 65-70% for Indian standards).
• Sector Focus: Expertise in visual/performing arts, museums, libraries, film, digital media, or cultural policy.
• Language Skills: Strong working knowledge of English (IELTS is not mandatory but proficiency is assessed during interviews).
• Return Policy: Commitment to return to the home country for a minimum of two years post-fellowship.

Benefits & Financial Coverage

The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027 provides an extensive financial package to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their development:

• Travel: Up to two return economy flights between your home country and the UK.
• Accommodation & Living: Full coverage of housing and living expenses while in the UK.
• Development Budget: Up to £4,000 for self-directed learning (conferences, study visits, or books).
• Project Bursary: A £14,000 bursary (typically for UK fellows, international support varies by specific award terms).
• Program Fees: Coverage for all course and conference fees within the UK.
• Accessibility Support: Dedicated budget for D/deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent fellows.

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Application Timeline

Milestone	Date
Stage 1 Applications Close	February 5, 2026
Shortlist Notification	March 2026
Interviews (Online)	April – May 2026
Residential 1 (UK)	September 14 – 23, 2026
Skills Workshops	January 18 – 20, 2027
Residential 2 (UK)	May 17 – 21, 2027

How to Apply

The application for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027 is conducted online through the official portals:

1. Register: Create an account on the Clore Leadership and Chevening application systems.
2. Essays: Complete responses regarding your leadership vision, networking potential, and future impact.
3. CV & Evidence: Upload a professional CV and proof of your academic/professional qualifications.
4. Nomination: Shortlisted candidates (Stage 2) must provide a professional reference from a nominator.
5. Submission: Ensure all documents are signed and submitted before the February deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027 open to all countries?
No, this specific partnership is currently limited to professionals from India, Brazil, China, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, and South Africa.

What exactly is a “secondment”?
It is a 4–6 week placement at a UK cultural organization, usually in a field different from your own, to broaden your professional perspective.

Do I need a formal English certificate like TOEFL?
No, English proficiency is evaluated through your application essays and performance during the online interview.

Can I bring family members on this fellowship?
The fellowship is intended for the selected individual only; no financial or visa support is provided for family members.