Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship 2026

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.

• Table of Content
• About Commonwealth Leaders Academy (CLA)
• Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship Fellowship
• Requirements for Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship Fellowship

• 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.

Requirements for Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship Fellowship Qualification

• 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

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For questions on eligibility, logistics, or the application process, applicants should contact the CYLF programme secretariat directly at [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit Commonwealth Leaders Academy webpage.