The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and delivered by Cranfield University, is designed for mid-career professionals in non-ODA eligible European countries. This six-week program focuses on enhancing skills in leadership, organisational resilience, governance, strategic decision-making, cyber resilience, and international collaboration, while promoting professional networks across Europe and the UK. 
Application Deadline:
12 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
Tell Me About The Award:
The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and delivered by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham.
The fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals from Europe with leadership potential and professional responsibilities related to defence and security. It provides an interdisciplinary and applied learning experience covering leadership, governance, organisational resilience, strategic decision-making, cyber resilience, artificial intelligence and international collaboration.
Which Fields are Eligible?
The programme welcomes applicants with professional experience connected to defence or security, including:
- Defence and military
- Government and diplomacy
- Cybersecurity, technology and information
- Police, intelligence and emergency planning
- Energy, infrastructure and supply chains
- Law enforcement
- Defence and security institutions
- Academia and research
- International organisations and civil society
- Policy and public administration
- Journalism and relevant research
Type:
Fully funded professional fellowship.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of and resident in an eligible European country at the time of application.
- Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training/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.
- Have a role with potential to influence organisational capability, policy, strategy or operational effectiveness.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Be committed to applying the knowledge and professional networks gained through the fellowship.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The provided information does not give detailed selection criteria or explain the selection process beyond the stated eligibility requirements and leadership potential.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the following countries:
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, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, or Switzerland.
If living in a European overseas territory, applicants may apply through the relevant Chevening award scheme for the European country of citizenship.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
The fellowship is delivered by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham.
The programme also includes UK institutional visits, and fellows will present their research findings to the FCDO in London at the end of the fellowship.
How Many Awards?
The number of fellowships available is not specified in the provided information.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
Each fellowship includes:
- Full programme fees.
- Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship.
- Pre-arranged accommodation close to Oxford.
- Return economy airfare.
- Lectures, workshops and simulations.
- Practitioner speakers and research activities.
- UK institutional visits.
- Professional networking opportunities.
- Academic support for an individual research project.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The fellowship lasts six weeks.
There are two cohorts:
- Cohort 1: 25 January – 5 March 2027
- Cohort 2: 15 March – 23 April 2027
How to Apply:
Applications are open until 12 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Applicants should apply through the Chevening application process and ensure they meet the fellowship’s specific eligibility requirements.
