The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship is a fully funded six-week professional program for mid-career security and defence leaders from eligible European countries. It is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and delivered by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. The program combines teaching, practical exercises, institutional visits, research and collaborative learning. Applications are currently open for two 2027 cohorts.
The official deadline is 27 September 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Cohort one runs from 25 January to 5 March 2027, while cohort two runs from 15 March to 23 April 2027. Applicants need substantial relevant professional experience and must work in roles connected to national or international security. The fellowship covers program fees, living expenses including arranged accommodation, and return economy airfare.
Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship Details
The fellowship focuses on leadership, organisational resilience, governance, cyber resilience, artificial intelligence and strategic decision-making. Fellows also work on a research project connected to a relevant policy, leadership, organisational or security challenge.
Participants learn through lectures, workshops, simulations, practitioner speakers and UK institutional visits. At the end of the program, fellows present their research findings to the FCDO in London.
Host | Cranfield University / UK FCDO |
|---|---|
Location | Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham |
Duration | 6 weeks |
Cohort 1 | 25 January – 5 March 2027 |
Cohort 2 | 15 March – 23 April 2027 |
Deadline | 27 September 2026, 11:00 UTC |
Funding | Program fees, living expenses/accommodation and return airfare |
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Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship Benefits
Each fellowship includes full program fees and living expenses for the duration of the award. Chevening also provides pre-arranged accommodation and return economy airfare for selected fellows.
The professional value extends beyond funding because fellows gain access to applied security and leadership training, expert speakers, research support and networks across Europe and the United Kingdom.
Also Check: Students comparing international opportunities can also review the University of Porto Scholarships.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the eligible non-ODA European countries listed by Chevening. They should hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field.
Candidates need at least five years of relevant professional experience and should be mid-career professionals with security-related responsibilities. Their role should provide potential to influence capability, policy, strategy or operations.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare accurate education and employment records, professional experience details and the materials requested in the Chevening fellowship application. Evidence should clearly support the required security background and leadership potential.
Before submission, candidates should verify their citizenship and residence eligibility against the official country list. They should also ensure their professional timeline demonstrates the minimum relevant experience.
How to Apply
Read the official fellowship page and confirm that your country, residence and professional background meet the specific eligibility requirements. Follow the Chevening application link and complete all required sections.
Use specific professional examples to demonstrate leadership, influence and how you plan to apply the fellowship learning after returning to your organisation or country. Submit before the UTC deadline.
Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship Deadline
Applications close on 27 September 2026 at 11:00 UTC. The deadline applies to the fellowship application rather than the individual 2027 cohort start dates.
Because Chevening uses a precise UTC deadline, applicants should submit earlier and avoid last-minute document or connectivity problems. Late applications should not be expected to receive consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions summarize the key funding and eligibility points for this Chevening fellowship. They are designed to help applicants quickly confirm whether the six-week programme fits their professional background.
Applicants should still review the official Chevening page before submission because country eligibility and professional-experience requirements are specific. The published UTC deadline should also be converted carefully to the applicant’s local time.
Is this opportunity funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers full program fees, living expenses with arranged accommodation and return economy airfare.
Who should apply?
Experienced mid-career security and defence professionals from the specifically listed eligible European countries who can demonstrate leadership and influence are the intended candidates.
Conclusion
The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship offers a focused route for European security professionals to strengthen leadership, cyber, AI and strategic decision-making skills in the UK. Its fully funded structure makes the six-week program accessible to selected professionals.
Eligible candidates should verify the country list, document at least five years of relevant experience and complete the Chevening application before 27 September 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Strong applications should connect past leadership with a clear plan for using the fellowship experience.
