Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026

The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded in-person leadership fellowship in London, UK, from 7 to 11 September 2026, organised by the Counter Extremism Group (CEG). Open to young professionals and students from all backgrounds worldwide with an interest in national security, public policy, and international relations, the program is free to attend and covers travel support within the UK, six nights of accommodation, and a daily per diem. The application deadline is 5 June 2026.

Program Highlights

DetailInformation
Opportunity TypeFully Funded International Leadership Fellowship
Organising BodyCounter Extremism Group (CEG)
ModeOffline (In-person, London)
Duration5 Days
LocationLondon, United Kingdom
Last Date to Apply5 June 2026

About the Program

The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 is delivered by the Counter Extremism Group, a specialist organisation focused on counter-terrorism and counter-extremism policy, to develop the next generation of leaders equipped to navigate the complex landscape of national security and global governance. The fellowship brings together emerging professionals and students from diverse international backgrounds for an intensive week of expert-led workshops, policy engagement, and collaborative learning in one of the world’s foremost centres of security and intelligence policymaking. Consequently, participants gain direct exposure to how national security decisions are formulated and implemented, building both analytical rigour and the professional networks necessary for impactful careers in security-related fields. Furthermore, the fellowship is particularly well-suited for individuals actively pursuing or planning careers in counter-terrorism, counter-extremism, public policy, or international relations who seek substantive institutional exposure early in their professional trajectory.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

  • Open to young professionals and students from all academic backgrounds and nationalities worldwide
  • No specific degree level or field of study is mandated
  • Good written and verbal communication skills in English are required

Experience & Other Conditions

  • Must demonstrate a genuine interest in national security, public policy, or international relations
  • Must demonstrate leadership potential through professional, academic, or civic experience
  • Applicants with a specific interest in counter-terrorism and counter-extremism are particularly encouraged to apply
  • Must be available for the full five-day in-person program in London from 7 to 11 September 2026

Benefits & Funding

ComponentDetail
Programme FeeFree to attend — no participation cost
AccommodationSix nights of accommodation provided
Travel SupportTravel support within the UK covered by CEG
Daily AllowanceA small per diem provided for the duration of the fellowship
Expert AccessWorkshops led by national security and counter-extremism experts
Policy EngagementDirect engagement with policymakers and security professionals
Network BuildingStrong professional network across the national security sector

Topics / Themes Covered

  • National Security Policymaking and Global Security Challenges
  • Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Extremism Frameworks
  • Public Policy Analysis and Decision-Making in Security Contexts
  • International Relations and Geopolitical Security Dynamics
  • Leadership Development and Analytical Skills for Security Professionals
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving among Emerging Security Leaders

Selection Process

  • Online application submitted via the official CEG Young Leaders Fellowship portal before 5 June 2026
  • Evaluation based on CV, cover letter responses, and demonstrated interest in national security and extremism-related issues
  • Applicants must include a declaration confirming compliance with CEG’s GenerativeAI policy
  • Selection based on leadership potential, communication skills, and quality of written responses

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official Counter Extremism Group Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 portal at counterextremism.org.uk.
  2. Prepare your CV outlining your academic background, professional experience, and relevant interests.
  3. Write a cover letter addressing the following: your motivation for joining the program; a book, article, or thinker that influenced your views on extremism (maximum 200 words); and your perspective on the biggest extremist threat facing Britain (maximum 300 words).
  4. Include a declaration confirming your compliance with CEG’s GenerativeAI policy within your application.
  5. Submit all documents in Word or PDF format through the official application portal before the 5 June 2026 deadline.

Application Fee

CategoryFee Amount
All ApplicantsNo application fee required

Important Dates

EventDate
Application Deadline5 June 2026
Fellowship Dates7–11 September 2026

Important Links

ResourceLink
Apply OnlineClick Here

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026?
Young professionals and students from all nationalities and academic backgrounds with a demonstrated interest in national security, public policy, or international relations and strong communication skills are eligible to apply.

What does the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 cover financially?
The program is free to attend and additionally provides six nights of accommodation, travel support within the UK, and a small daily per diem for the five-day London fellowship.

What written responses are required in the cover letter?
Applicants must address three prompts: their motivation for joining the program, a book, article, or thinker that shaped their views on extremism (maximum 200 words), and their perspective on the biggest extremist threat facing Britain (maximum 300 words).

Is a GenerativeAI declaration required to apply?
Yes – all applicants must include a declaration confirming their compliance with CEG’s GenerativeAI policy as part of their application submission.

Is the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 open to international applicants?
Yes – applicants from around the world are explicitly welcome to apply; the fellowship is designed to bring together emerging leaders from diverse international backgrounds within the national security field.

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