The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2027 offers a fully funded six-week programme at Cranfield University for eligible mid-career professionals from Europe.
The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2027, hosted by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham, is open to applications from eligible European professionals working in defence, security and related fields.
The six-week fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals with leadership potential who work in complex security and defence environments.
Fellowship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship |
| Host | Cranfield University |
| Location | Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham |
| Duration | 6 weeks |
| Cohort 1 | 25 January – 5 March 2027 |
| Cohort 2 | 15 March – 23 April 2027 |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Application deadline | 12 October 2026, 11:00 UTC |
| Target applicants | Mid-career European professionals |
| Eligible countries | Selected non-ODA eligible European countries |
About the Fellowship
The fellowship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and delivered by Cranfield University.
It provides an interdisciplinary and applied learning programme focused on leadership, governance, organisational resilience, strategic decision-making, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and international collaboration.
Participants will take part in teaching, discussions, practical exercises, site visits, individual research and collaborative learning.
Fellowship Themes
The programme is organised around six integrated themes:
- Global Leadership in an Era of Complexity
- Understanding People, Culture, and Organisations
- Cyber Resilience and Information Threats
- Artificial Intelligence, Governance, and Emerging Technology
- Strategic Decision-Making Under Pressure
- Building Resilience and Future Leadership
Participants will also undertake a research project addressing a relevant policy, leadership, organisational or security challenge.
At the end of the fellowship, fellows will present their findings to the FCDO in London.
What Fellows Will Learn
The programme is designed to help participants:
- Evaluate contemporary strategic, organisational and leadership challenges.
- Analyse the effects of organisational culture, human behaviour and governance.
- Assess opportunities and risks associated with cybersecurity, AI and emerging technologies.
- Apply strategic decision-making approaches under uncertainty and competing pressures.
- Work across cultural, professional and national boundaries.
- Develop informed responses to complex organisational and societal challenges.
The fellowship includes lectures, workshops, simulations, practitioner speakers, research activities and UK institutional visits.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be citizens of and residents in one of the following countries at the time of application:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland.
Applicants living in a European overseas territory may apply through the relevant Chevening award scheme for the European country of which they are citizens.
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to Chevening’s standard eligibility criteria, applicants must:
- Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field.
- Have at least five years of relevant professional experience.
- Be a mid-career professional with responsibilities related to national or international security.
- Work in government, the public or private sector, academia, defence, security, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience or an international organisation.
- Hold a role with potential to influence organisational capability, policy, strategy or operational effectiveness.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Show a commitment to applying knowledge and networks gained through the fellowship after completion.
Relevant Professional Backgrounds
The fellowship welcomes professionals from a range of sectors connected to defence and security.
Examples include:
- Military and civilian defence personnel.
- Government officials and diplomats.
- International relationship managers.
- HR and organisational development professionals.
- Defence and security leaders and managers.
- Police, intelligence and emergency planning professionals.
- Cybersecurity and technology specialists.
- Information specialists.
- Energy, infrastructure and supply chain professionals.
- Journalists, researchers and academics.
- International organisation and civil society professionals.
- Local authority staff.
- Policymakers and policy advisers.
The source states that these examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive.
Funding and Benefits
The fellowship provides a comprehensive funding package including:
- Full programme fees
- Living expenses throughout the fellowship.
- Pre-arranged accommodation close to Oxford.
- Return economy airfare
The supplied source does not specify a separate cash stipend amount.
Fellowship Duration
There are two cohorts for the 2027 programme:
Cohort 1: 25 January – 5 March 2027
Cohort 2: 15 March – 23 April 2027
Each cohort lasts six weeks.
Application Deadline
Applications are open until:
12 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Applicants should complete the application before the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Chevening website.
Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship
Applicants should review the official eligibility requirements and application guidance before submitting their application.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The fellowship combines leadership development with applied learning in defence, security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, governance and resilience.
It is specifically aimed at mid-career professionals from eligible European countries with at least five years of relevant experience and responsibilities connected to security or defence.
The programme is fully funded according to the supplied source, including programme fees, living expenses, accommodation and return economy airfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship?
It is a six-week professional fellowship funded by the FCDO and delivered by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the UK.
How long is the fellowship?
The programme lasts six weeks.
When does the 2027 fellowship take place?
There are two cohorts: 25 January–5 March 2027 and 15 March–23 April 2027.
Who can apply?
Eligible citizens and residents of the listed European countries can apply if they meet the professional, educational and experience requirements.
How much professional experience is required?
Applicants need at least five years of relevant professional experience.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The supplied source states that the fellowship covers full programme fees, living expenses, pre-arranged accommodation and return economy airfare.
What fields are covered?
The fellowship focuses on defence and security while covering areas such as leadership, organisational resilience, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, governance and strategic decision-making.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 12 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Where is the fellowship hosted?
It is hosted by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this fellowship for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with Chevening, Cranfield University or the UK Government and do not recruit applicants on their behalf.
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