African Leadership Centre Fellowship 2026

Job Description

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The African Leadership Centre Fellowship 2026 at King’s College London is now open for applications for the 2026 to 2027 academic session. This prestigious fellowship provides fully funded and partially funded opportunities for talented individuals who want to build careers in peace, security, development, and global leadership.

The programme is offered through a partnership between the African Leadership Centre (ALC) and King’s College London. It is ideal for young leaders, graduates, researchers, and professionals who want to make meaningful impact in Africa and beyond.

About the African Leadership Centre Fellowship 2026

The fellowship is designed to develop future leaders with strong skills in research, policy, governance, peacebuilding, and international development. Selected participants will gain world class academic training, mentorship, and professional experience.

Fellowship Areas of Study

Applicants can pursue opportunities in the following fields:

• Peace
• Security
• Development
• Global Leadership

Fellowship Categories

Candidates can apply under different funding categories depending on eligibility.

Fully Funded Fellowship for African Scholars

The African Leadership Centre Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded degree award for eligible African applicants. This is considered the top option for qualified candidates.

Benefits of the Fully Funded Fellowship

Successful applicants will receive:

• Master’s degree study at King’s College London
• Full tuition fee coverage
• Travel expenses covered
• Accommodation support
• Mentorship and leadership training
• Six month professional placement in Africa

Costs to Be Covered by Applicant

• Visa expenses only

Best Candidates for This Category

This option is suitable for:

• Graduates in Africa
• Final year university students
• Young professionals
• Individuals interested in policy, research, and leadership

Sudanese Women Fellowship

This special category is a non degree programme based in Nairobi for Sudanese women working in peacebuilding and related sectors.

Deadline

24 May 2026

Partial Funding Opportunities

Applicants who do not qualify for the fully funded option may consider the bursary routes.

Associate Fellowship Bursary

Benefits include:

• 25 percent tuition support
• £5,000 living allowance

Available for applicants seeking the MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding.

Global South Bursary

This category offers the same benefits as the Associate Fellowship Bursary but is open to applicants from countries across the Global South, not only Africa.

Important Application Steps

To qualify for most categories under the African Leadership Centre Fellowship 2026, applicants must complete two separate applications.

Step 1

Apply through King’s College London and select:

Peace and Security Fellowship

Do not choose MSc directly.

Step 2

Apply separately through the African Leadership Centre Nairobi portal.

Missing either application may result in disqualification.

Who Should Apply

You are a strong candidate if you:

• Are African, especially for the fully funded category
• Have completed a degree or are in your final year
• Care about leadership, governance, peacebuilding, development, or security
• Want international exposure and an impact driven career

Honest Advice for Applicants

The fully funded fellowship is highly competitive, but it is an excellent opportunity and worth applying for if you meet the requirements.

If finances are limited, carefully consider the partial funding routes because you may need to cover remaining tuition or living costs.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through the official King’s College London and ALC Nairobi application portals.

Final Thoughts

The African Leadership Centre Fellowship 2026 is an outstanding chance to study at a top global university, gain leadership training, and contribute to Africa’s future through peacebuilding and development. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early.