Save the Children is accepting applications for its paid Fellowship Programme, offering students and recent graduates hands-on nonprofit experience, mentorship, networking opportunities, and flexible remote or office-based placements.
Overview
If you are looking to launch a career in international development, humanitarian work, child rights advocacy, or nonprofit management, the Save the Children Fellowship Programme provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience while earning a stipend.
The programme offers semester-long paid fellowship placements that allow participants to contribute to meaningful projects while developing professional skills through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
About the Save the Children Fellowship Programme
Save the Children is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children through education, healthcare, protection, emergency response, and economic opportunity programmes.
The Fellowship Programme provides graduate and post-graduate students, as well as recent graduates, with opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals on strategic projects that support the organization’s mission.
Fellowships may be completed remotely or from Save the Children offices located in:
- Fairfield, Connecticut
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Washington, D.C.
- Remote locations (depending on assignment)
The programme combines practical work experience with structured professional development activities designed to prepare participants for careers in the nonprofit and humanitarian sectors.
Benefits
What Do You Gain?
Fellows receive:
- Paid fellowship opportunities
- Hands-on nonprofit sector experience
- Professional mentorship
- Exposure to international development and humanitarian work
- Networking opportunities with experienced professionals
- Flexible work schedules
- Career development support
- Leadership and professional skills training
- Real-world project experience
- Opportunity to contribute to children’s wellbeing worldwide
Additional Programme Benefits
Participants also benefit from:
- Structured orientation and onboarding
- Weekly learning and development sessions
- Collaborative team projects
- Direct supervision by experienced professionals
- Academic, career, and personal growth opportunities
- Exposure to innovative nonprofit initiatives
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for a Save the Children Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a graduate or post-graduate student; OR
- Have graduated within six months of the fellowship start date
Additional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be legally eligible to work in the United States
- Meet any specific requirements listed for individual fellowship opportunities
- Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills
- Show interest in nonprofit, humanitarian, or development work
International Applicants
Foreign nationals may apply if they:
- Are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme
- Possess a valid student visa
- Meet U.S. work authorization requirements
Application Process
How to Apply
Step 1
Visit the Save the Children careers portal.
Step 2
Search available fellowship opportunities.
Step 3
Review the requirements and eligibility criteria for the selected position.
Step 4
Prepare your application materials.
Step 5
Submit your online application before the recruitment deadline.
Step 6
Wait for review and possible contact from the recruitment team.
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
Required Documents
Applicants are generally expected to provide:
- Updated Resume or CV
- Cover Letter
- Academic information
- Work authorization documentation (if required)
- Additional documents requested in the vacancy announcement
Fellowship Schedule
Fellowship Periods
| Session | Duration |
|---|---|
| Spring | January – April |
| Summer | June – August |
| Fall | September – December |
Recruitment Periods
| Session | Recruitment Window |
|---|---|
| Spring | October – December |
| Summer | February – March |
| Fall | June – July |
Why Choose Save the Children?
Save the Children employs more than 1,500 staff worldwide and remains one of the most respected organizations focused on children’s rights and wellbeing.
Fellows gain exposure to projects involving:
- Child protection
- Education
- Health programmes
- Emergency response
- Economic opportunity initiatives
- Advocacy and policy work
- International development programmes
The experience can serve as an excellent stepping stone toward careers in the United Nations, NGOs, international organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit leadership.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Save the Children Fellowship Programme 2026 |
| Organization | Save the Children |
| Opportunity Type | Paid Fellowship |
| Eligibility | Graduate Students, Post-Graduate Students, Recent Graduates |
| Location | Remote or U.S. Offices |
| Duration | Semester-Based |
| Compensation | Paid Hourly Fellowship |
| Weekly Hours | 16–24 Hours |
| Mentorship | Yes |
| Networking Opportunities | Yes |
| Application Method | Online |
Conclusion
The Save the Children Fellowship Programme offers aspiring nonprofit and development professionals a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to life-changing programmes that support children around the world. Through paid placements, mentorship, structured learning, and flexible working arrangements, fellows can build the skills, networks, and experience needed to advance their careers in the humanitarian and development sectors.
For graduates passionate about making a positive impact, this fellowship provides an excellent pathway into the nonprofit world.
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