Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027-28 – Full Details
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027-28 is a specialised, fully funded leadership development programme supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with Clore Leadership. Unlike a conventional academic scholarship, the fellowship is designed for exceptional mid-career professionals and cultural practitioners seeking to strengthen their leadership, strategic thinking, management, and professional impact within the cultural sector.
The fellowship runs from approximately September to May and combines residential leadership training, peer learning, professional mentoring, research, and a tailored secondment at a UK cultural institution.
The application deadline for the 2027-28 cycle is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC (4:30 PM IST).
💎 Fellowship Overview
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship provides experienced cultural professionals with an individually tailored leadership development experience in the UK.
Rather than leading to a degree, the programme focuses on:
Leadership development
Strategic management
Professional learning
Cultural-sector innovation
International networking
Research and professional development
Practical experience within a UK cultural institution
The programme is particularly suited to professionals who are already established in their careers and are ready to take on greater leadership responsibility.
⏱️ Fellowship Duration & Two-Phase Structure
The fellowship operates from September to May and uses a two-stage UK residency model.
Phase 1 – September
Fellows travel to the UK for an initial two-week residential programme.
This phase includes:
Intensive leadership development sessions
Residential learning
Peer workshops
Leadership training
Collaborative activities with other fellows
After completing the initial block, fellows return to their home countries.
Phase 2 – January to May
Fellows return to the UK for the second phase of the programme.
This period includes an individually tailored development programme that may involve:
A 6-to-8-week secondment at a leading UK cultural institution
Individual professional mentoring
Research activities
Leadership development
Professional networking
Tailored learning and development activities
The combination of structured learning and practical experience is intended to help fellows translate the programme into long-term leadership impact within their cultural sectors.
💰 Fellowship Benefits & Financial Support
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is fully funded and provides substantial financial support for the duration of the programme.
Tuition & Programme Costs
Full coverage of applicable course, workshop, residential, and programme fees.
Accommodation & Living Expenses
Accommodation support during the fellowship periods in the UK.
Maintenance or living support to help cover standard expenses while participating in the programme.
International Travel
Up to two return economy-class international flights between the fellow's home country and the UK.
Applicable UK programme-related travel may also be supported.
Professional Development Budget
A tailored professional development bursary may be provided for activities such as:
Books and specialist resources
Study visits
Professional development activities
Other approved learning opportunities
The exact value and conditions of individual allowances are subject to the applicable fellowship terms.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the specific Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship requirements.
🌍 Eligible Countries
The fellowship is open to citizens and eligible residents of the following countries:
India
Brazil
China
Egypt
Jordan
Lebanon
Mexico
South Africa
Applicants should check the current country-specific requirements before submitting an application.
🎭 Cultural Sector Experience
Applicants should be active professionals within the cultural and creative sectors.
Relevant areas may include:
Visual arts
Performing arts
Museums
Libraries
Cultural heritage
Archives
Film
Digital media
Cultural policy
Arts administration and management
Related cultural fields
👔 Professional Experience
Candidates generally need at least five years of full-time professional experience, or equivalent training and experience, within the cultural sector.
The fellowship is intended for mid-career professionals, so applicants should demonstrate significant responsibility and professional development rather than being at the beginning of their careers.
🎓 Education
Applicants must meet the applicable Chevening educational requirements, including holding an appropriate university degree or equivalent qualification as specified for the fellowship.
🗣️ English Language
Applicants must satisfy the applicable English-language requirements for the programme.
Candidates should check the current Chevening rules for the specific 2027-28 requirements.
🏠 Return Home Requirement
Successful fellows must commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the fellowship.
This requirement reflects the programme's objective of developing cultural-sector leaders who will apply their skills and experience in their own countries.
🎯 Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is particularly appropriate for cultural professionals who have already established a substantial career and want to develop their leadership capabilities.
Potential applicants include:
Arts leaders
Museum professionals
Cultural managers
Curators
Heritage specialists
Performing arts professionals
Film and digital media professionals
Library and archive professionals
Cultural policy specialists
Senior professionals working in arts and cultural organisations
Applicants should demonstrate a clear desire to take their leadership responsibilities to the next level.
📝 Application Requirements
The application focuses strongly on the candidate's leadership journey, professional impact, and future ambitions.
Applicants should be prepared to explain:
Strategic Career Goals
Describe where your career is heading and how the fellowship will help you become a stronger leader within your field.
Leadership Experience
Provide concrete examples of how you have:
Led teams or projects
Influenced organisations or communities
Managed complex challenges
Introduced new ideas
Delivered measurable results
Professional Impact
Explain the contribution you have already made to the cultural sector and the impact you hope to create in the future.
Equity & Sustainability
Applicants may need to demonstrate how their work relates to issues such as:
Equality and inclusion
Access to culture
Environmental sustainability
Social responsibility
Community engagement
Responses should be based on authentic professional experience.
📂 Documents & Information Required
Applicants should prepare the information and documents requested by the Chevening application system, which may include:
University degree or qualification details
Detailed professional CV
Evidence of cultural-sector experience
Professional achievements
Leadership experience
Career and development plans
Professional references
Fellowship application essays
Other supporting information requested through the application portal
Applicants should ensure that all professional achievements and claims can be supported by genuine experience.
💻 How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official Chevening Online Application System.
Visit the official Chevening Fellowships website.
Check that your country is eligible for the Clore Leadership Fellowship.
Create an account or log in to the Chevening application system.
Select the Fellowships application framework.
Choose the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship for your country.
Complete your personal, educational, and professional information.
Provide details of your cultural-sector experience and leadership achievements.
Complete the required fellowship essays and application questions.
Provide professional reference information where requested.
Review all information carefully.
Submit the application before 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Applicants should begin preparing their application well in advance because the fellowship is highly competitive and requires detailed evidence of leadership experience.
🗓️ Important Dates
| Stage | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC (4:30 PM IST) |
| Selection & Assessment | Following the application period |
| Phase 1 | September 2027 |
| Phase 2 | January – May 2028 |
| Fellowship Completion | May 2028 |
Applicants should monitor official Chevening communications for exact dates relating to shortlisting, interviews, and final selection.
🔍 Selection Process
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is highly competitive and looks for candidates with demonstrated leadership potential and the ability to influence the wider cultural sector.
The selection process may assess:
Professional achievements
Leadership experience
Strategic vision
Cultural-sector contribution
Future career potential
Motivation for joining the fellowship
Ability to benefit from international professional exposure
Potential impact after returning home
Shortlisted applicants may progress to further assessment and interview stages according to the fellowship's selection process.
⭐ What Makes the Clore Fellowship Different?
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship differs from conventional Chevening scholarships in several important ways:
It is a leadership development fellowship, not a master's degree.
It targets mid-career cultural professionals.
Participants typically need substantial sector experience.
The programme is individually tailored to the fellow's professional development needs.
Fellows receive practical exposure through a secondment at a UK cultural organisation.
Professional mentoring and research form important parts of the programme.
The fellowship is structured around two periods of UK engagement between September and May.
📌 Important Points to Remember
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027-28 is a fully funded professional leadership programme.
The application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Eligible countries include India, Brazil, China, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, and South Africa.
The fellowship is intended for mid-career cultural and creative-sector professionals.
Applicants generally need at least five years of full-time professional experience, or equivalent training and experience, in the cultural sector.
The programme does not award a conventional master's degree.
Fellows participate in two UK-based phases between September and May.
The second phase includes an individually tailored programme and a 6-to-8-week secondment at a UK cultural institution.
Financial support includes applicable programme fees, accommodation, living costs, international flights, and professional development support.
Successful fellows must commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the programme.
Applicants should demonstrate clear leadership potential and a realistic plan for applying the fellowship experience in their home country.
🔗 Official Application Portal
Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship:
https://www.chevening.org/fellowships/chevening-clore-leadership-fellowship/
Chevening Fellowships:
https://www.chevening.org/fellowships/
Chevening Online Application:
https://www.chevening.org/apply/
Clore Leadership:
https://www.cloreleadership.org/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship?
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is a fully funded leadership development programme for mid-career professionals working in the cultural and creative sectors.
Is it a master's degree?
No. It is a professional leadership fellowship, not a conventional academic master's programme.
How long does the fellowship last?
The programme runs approximately from September to May and includes two periods of activity in the UK.
Who can apply?
Eligible citizens or residents of participating countries who have significant professional experience in the cultural sector and demonstrate strong leadership potential can apply, subject to the current fellowship criteria.
What professional sectors are relevant?
Relevant areas include visual and performing arts, museums, libraries, cultural heritage, archives, film, digital media, cultural management, and cultural policy.
How much professional experience is required?
The stated requirement is generally at least five years of full-time professional experience or equivalent training and experience in the cultural sector.
What is included in the funding?
The fellowship provides applicable programme fees, accommodation and living support, up to two return international economy flights, programme travel, and professional development support according to the fellowship's funding terms.
What is the application deadline?
Applications for the 2027-28 cycle close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Conclusion
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2027-28 offers an exceptional opportunity for established cultural professionals to strengthen their leadership capabilities through intensive training, mentoring, research, international networking, and practical experience within the UK cultural sector. With comprehensive financial support and a tailored professional development programme, the fellowship is designed to help experienced leaders return home with new skills, perspectives, and networks that can contribute to the future development of their cultural sector.
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