Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Academy Fellowship 2026/2027: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply
Imagine spending ten months in London, fully funded, with a monthly stipend of £2,565 to cover your living costs. The Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship 2026/2027 offers young African leaders this exact chance. It targets early-to-mid career professionals eager to grow in international affairs. This article covers eligibility rules, benefits, program details, and how to apply.
What is the Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship 2026/2027?
The Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship 2026/2027 is a ten-month program for Africans at the early-to-mid stage of their careers. Fellows work on a personal research project they choose. They also join leadership training and help with the institute’s ongoing research. Chatham House in London hosts the program as a joint effort with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
Fellows divide their time like this:
- 60% on their personal research project, guided by a Chatham House expert.
- 20% on the Leadership Masterclass Programme to build skills and networks.
- 20% contributing to research teams at the institute.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet clear criteria to qualify. The table below lists them by category for easy review.
| Category | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | Citizens of any African country | Dual nationality including an African country is accepted |
| Education | Completed BA degree or equivalent | Must have experience conducting research |
| Career Stage/Fields | Early-to-mid career in academia, NGO, business, government, civil society, or media | Strong interest in international affairs, chosen research area, and Chatham House’s mission |
| Age | No age restriction | Knowledge of research topic is key |
Duration, Location, and Key Dates
The fellowship lasts ten months, from October 2026 to July 2027. Fellows work full-time at Chatham House in London. Hybrid options allow some flexibility.
Key details include:
- Start: October 2026
- End: July 2027
- Application deadline: 7 April 2026
- Location: Chatham House, London (full-time base)
Benefits and Funding
This fellowship covers all major costs to let fellows focus on their work. Here are the main perks:
- £2,565 monthly stipend for accommodation, utilities, food, and transport in London.
- Relocation support, including travel, visa fees, and accommodation help (Chatham House sponsors T5 visas if needed).
- UK Immigration Health Surcharge (covers health care, but not dental, optical, or prescriptions).
- Research expenses for fieldwork, events, outreach, and publications.
- After completion: Access to Academy faculty and alumni network, plus five-year Chatham House membership.
Programme Structure and Leadership Masterclass
Personal Research Project
Fellows spend about 60% of their time on a research project they design themselves. A Chatham House expert provides guidance. This focus helps build deep expertise in a topic of the fellow’s choice.
Leadership Masterclass Programme
The Leadership Masterclass takes up around 20% of the time. It builds skills for future leadership roles. Fellows join these components:
- Intensive induction week with five days to meet teams and start coaching.
- Thematic sessions on global challenges, chaired by fellows with experts.
- Half-day workshops on skills like policy impact, stakeholder mapping, crisis management, and negotiation.
- Leadership briefings with global leaders from government, business, media, and nonprofits.
- Project presentations for peer review and skill practice.
- One-on-one personal development coaching to set and meet goals.
- Media training with mock interviews and feedback.
- Optional career mentoring for guidance.
Contributing to Research Teams
Fellows use 20% of their time to support Chatham House teams. They align this work with the institute’s mission. It offers hands-on experience in real research priorities.
How to Apply
Applications are open now. Visit the official Chatham House fellowship page to start. Review Chatham House’s mission and prepare a strong research proposal. Full details and the form are there.
Deadline: 7 April 2026 – Apply soon via the official link above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the fellowship?
African citizens with a completed BA degree and early-to-mid career experience in academia, NGOs, government, business, civil society, or media qualify.
What benefits does the program offer?
It provides a £2,565 monthly stipend, relocation support, visa sponsorship, health surcharge coverage, and research expenses.
When does the fellowship run?
The program starts in October 2026 and ends in July 2027 at Chatham House in London.
How do I apply?
Visit the official Chatham House fellowship page and submit your application by 7 April 2026.