2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship: Fully Funded for African Professionals
Are you an early-to-mid career professional from Africa looking to advance in international affairs? The 2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship offers a fully funded chance to spend 10 months at Chatham House in the UK, complete with a £30,780 stipend to cover living costs. This prestigious program supports research and leadership skills for citizens of African countries.
This article covers a quick summary, background details, eligibility rules, key benefits, required documents, a step-by-step application guide, and tips for success. It also highlights the deadline of April 7, 2026, so interested candidates should act fast.
Key Takeaways
- The fellowship provides a £30,780 stipend, full relocation support, and research funding for 10 months in the UK.
- It targets early-to-mid career Africans with a BA degree and experience in fields like government, NGOs, or media.
- Applicants must submit a CV, referee names, and a research proposal aligned with Chatham House themes by April 7, 2026.
- Fellows gain lifelong perks like a 5-year Chatham House membership and access to a global alumni network.
2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship Summary
- Host: Mo Ibrahim Foundation and Chatham House
- Location: UK
- Category: Fellowships and Training
- Eligible Countries: All African countries or dual nationals including any African country
- Rewards: £30,780 stipend, full sponsorship, accommodation, airfare ticket
- Deadline: April 7, 2026
Background on the Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation started in 2006. It focuses on governance and leadership in Africa. The group believes strong leadership improves life for African people.
Chatham House runs the fellowship program. It is a top think tank on international affairs. Fellows join the institute’s main work. They build skills through a leadership program. They also grow their networks in global policy.
Chatham House studies topics like security, economy, and climate. Fellows align their research with these areas. Learn more on the official fellowship page.
Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship
To qualify, candidates must meet these criteria:
- Citizens of any African country, or those with dual nationality including an African country
- Completed BA degree or equivalent, plus research experience
- Early-to-mid career stage in academia, NGO, business, government, civil society, or media
- Knowledge of international affairs, the chosen research area, and Chatham House’s work
- Full-time commitment to the fellowship, with no other job or studies allowed
Benefits of the 2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship
The fellowship provides strong support. Here is a breakdown:
| Benefit Category | Details | Value/Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Covers living costs like accommodation, utilities, food, and transport | £2,565 per month (£30,780 total) |
| Relocation | Flights, train, visas, healthcare surcharge, initial accommodation | Reasonable costs fully covered |
| Research Costs | Fieldwork, conferences, events, publications | Reasonable expenses reimbursed |
| Alumni Perks | Access to Academy network and faculty; Chatham House membership | 5-year membership after completion |
The program lasts 10 months, from October 2026 to July 2027.
Required Documents for the 2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship
Applicants need to prepare these items:
- CV or résumé
- Names of two referees
- Research project proposal (see PDF details on the official site)
Tailor the proposal to fit international affairs and Chatham House research themes. A strong proposal shows clear fit and impact.
How to Apply for the 2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to submit:
- Visit the official application page.
- Click the Apply button.
- Enter all required details and upload documents.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit it, then prepare for a possible Zoom interview if shortlisted.
Application Deadline and Key Dates
Deadline: April 7, 2026
Applications are open now. The fellowship runs from October 2026 to July 2027. Apply soon to meet the deadline.
Alumni Benefits and Long-Term Value
After finishing, fellows gain lasting perks. These help build a career in international affairs:
- Access to Academy faculty and alumni network
- Five-year Chatham House membership
Networking opens doors to global experts and opportunities.
Related Scholarship Opportunities
- US Government Fulbright Teaching Excellence Program 2026/27: Fully funded for teachers; deadline January 7, 2026
- 2026 British Council STEM Scholarship: Fully funded for STEM fields; deadline January 20, 2026
- Oregon State University Scholarship in USA 2026: Fully funded for studies; deadline March 25, 2026
- 2026 Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship in UK: Full funding for Master’s; covers tuition and living costs
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2026 in UK: For part-time Master’s from home; step-by-step process available
The 2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship offers African professionals a top chance to grow in international affairs with full funding and expert networks. With a deadline of April 7, 2026, now is the time to prepare your application and take this step toward leadership. Apply today to join a program that builds lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the 2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Fellowship?
Citizens of African countries or dual nationals with African citizenship, who are early-to-mid career professionals with a BA degree and research experience.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
It includes a £30,780 stipend, relocation costs, research expenses, and alumni network access for 10 months.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is April 7, 2026, and the program runs from October 2026 to July 2027.
How do I apply?
Visit the official page, click Apply, upload your CV, referees, and proposal, then submit before the deadline.