Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship
Developing the Next Generation of Commonwealth Leaders
Empowering exceptional young leaders from across the Commonwealth with the knowledge, networks, and practical experience to lead transformative change in their communities and beyond.
About the Fellowship
The Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship is a flagship leadership development programme of the Commonwealth Leaders Academy. It equips emerging leaders with the skills, international exposure, and collaborative networks required to address complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development across the Commonwealth.
Fellowship Experience
Develop your leadership potential through an immersive fellowship that combines learning, mentorship, international collaboration, and practical leadership experience to equip emerging leaders to create lasting impact across the Commonwealth.
- Leadership Development
- International Exposure
- Mentorship & Coaching
- Commonwealth Network
- Practical Impact Project
The Fellowship at a glance
- A competency framework covering five core leadership competencies.
- A Leadership Challenge Project requiring Fellows to design and implement a local intervention connected to a Commonwealth-wide theme.
- Mentorship from senior practitioners, policymakers, and institutional partners.
- Two in-person convenings, one in the United Kingdom and one in Antigua and Barbuda.
3 Months Duration
August – October, 2026
- Month 1 - Onboarding and immersion week
- Month 2 - Institutional placement
- Month 3 - National-level project implementation
- Climax - Final showcase
Themes
- Democratic Governance and Civic Participation
- Digital Inclusion
- Peacebuilding
- Sustainable Development and Climate Justice
- Public Service
Who Should Apply
The Fellowship is open to young people (typically 18 – 35) from Commonwealth member states who demonstrate a track record of, or strong commitment to, community leadership, public service, or social impact work. Applicants should be prepared to commit to the full 3-month period of the Fellowship, including the two in-person convenings described below
Travel and Logistics
Selected fellows must plan for two separate international travels during the Fellowship cycle: one week in the United Kingdom (late August), hosted at partner institutions in London, and one week in Antigua and Barbuda, to participate in activities at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Please note: For this cohort, unless otherwise stated, fellows are responsible for covering their own travel-related costs. Applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Support Available
- The Fellowship secretariat will provide invitation and support letters for visa applications for both in-person convenings.
- Where funding partnerships are confirmed, partial travel bursaries or accommodation support may be made available to Fellows on a needs basis. Details will be communicated directly to shortlisted applicants.
- Fellows are encouraged to explore co-funding from their home institutions, employers, or national youth agencies to offset personal costs.
- For questions on eligibility, logistics, or the application process, applicants should contact the CYLF programme secretariat directly at info@cwlac.org
Application Deadline: July 19, 2026, 23:59 (BST)