The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026 offers an exciting fully funded opportunity for experienced professionals from eligible European countries to undertake an intensive six-week programme in the United Kingdom. The fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals working in defence, security, government, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience, and related international organisations.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the programme combines academic learning with practical experiences. Fellows participate in workshops, simulations, practitioner-led sessions, research activities, and institutional visits. The programme takes place at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham, providing participants with valuable exposure to the UK's defence and security environment.

The fellowship also supports participants in developing a research project. Fellows receive academic guidance and later present their research findings to the FCDO in London. This combination of professional development, research, leadership training, and international networking makes the programme particularly valuable for professionals seeking to strengthen their impact in security-related fields.

Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026 Benefits

The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship provides financial support to selected fellows, allowing them to focus on their studies and professional development during the programme.

Key benefits include:

• No programme fees.
• Living expenses are covered.
• Accommodation arrangements close to Oxford are provided.
• Return air travel costs are covered.
• Six-week professional development programme in the UK.
• Access to academic and practitioner expertise.
• Research project support.
• Institutional visits and practical learning.
• Opportunities to build international professional networks.
• Leadership and policy development experience.

The programme can therefore provide a valuable opportunity for professionals to gain UK-based experience without bearing the main costs associated with participation.

Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the standard Chevening fellowship eligibility requirements as well as the specific requirements for the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship.

Applicants must generally:

• Be citizens of and residents in an eligible European country.
• Meet the standard Chevening fellowship eligibility criteria.
• Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training.
• Have at least five years of relevant professional experience.
• Be mid-career professionals working in defence, security, government, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience, or related international organisations.
• Currently hold an influential role within their country or organisation.
• Be willing to apply the knowledge and professional networks gained through the fellowship after returning home.

Eligible countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and other listed European states and territories.

Applicants living in a European overseas territory may apply through the relevant Chevening award scheme for their European country.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the documents requested during the application process. These may include:

• Degree certificate.
• Proof of citizenship.
• Other relevant supporting documents.

Applicants should ensure that documents are accurate and available before beginning the application.

How to Apply for Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026

The application process for the Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2026 is completed online.

Step-by-step application process

• Select your country of citizenship and residence.

• Select the relevant Chevening award programme.
• Create and register your account.
• Verify your account using the email sent by Chevening.
• Answer the eligibility questions.
• Complete the fellowship application form.
• Upload the required documents.
• Answer all questions carefully and provide accurate information.
• Review your application before submission.
• Submit the completed application before the deadline.

The stated application deadline is 27 September 2026. Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because completing the application and uploading supporting documents may take time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship?

It is a fully funded six-week professional fellowship in the UK for eligible mid-career professionals working in defence, security, governance, law enforcement, intelligence, and related areas. The programme includes practical learning, simulations, research, institutional visits, and professional networking.

Who funds the fellowship?

The fellowship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

What does the fellowship cover?

The programme covers programme fees, living expenses, accommodation arrangements close to Oxford, and return air travel costs.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants should be citizens and residents of the participating European countries. They should also have a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training, at least five years of relevant experience, and an influential professional role in a relevant field.

How long is the fellowship?

The fellowship lasts six weeks. The programme is delivered through defined cohorts, with the listed 2027 cohorts running from 25 January to 5 March 2027 and 15 March to 23 April 2027.

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