Hey future cultural leaders! Are you a mid-career pro in South Africa’s vibrant arts and culture scene, dreaming of taking your leadership skills to the next level on an international stage? Well, buckle up, because the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is here, and it’s an absolute game-changer! This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a fully-funded opportunity to develop your leadership in the UK.
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship, a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Clore Leadership, is specifically designed for mid-career professionals in the arts and culture sector. Think of it as an exclusive, tailor-made leadership program in the UK, helping you grow, learn, and make a real impact in your field. This incredible opportunity is fully funded, covering pretty much everything you need to focus on your development!
Who Can Apply?
If you’re wondering if this amazing opportunity is for you, here’s the lowdown. This fellowship is open to citizens from a select group of countries, and we’re thrilled to confirm that South Africa is on the list! So, if you’re a proud South African, you’re in the running!
- You must be a citizen of Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, or South Africa and resident in one of these countries at the time of application.
- You need to commit to returning to your home country after the fellowship ends.
- You should have a degree equivalent to at least a good UK second-class honours degree, or impressive professional training and/or experience.
- Got at least five years of work or equivalent experience under your belt? Great!
- You need a good grasp of English. This will be assessed during your application and interview.
- Important: You cannot hold British or dual British citizenship.
- You should also not be a current or recent (within the last two years) employee, or immediate relative* of an employee, of the UK government (including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, British Embassies/High Commissions, etc.), the British Council, or a sponsoring UK university.
*Note: Immediate relatives are defined as parents or step-parents, siblings or step-siblings, children or step-children, spouse, civil partner or unmarried (where the couple have been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years).
If you’ve previously received funding from a UK government scholarship/fellowship, you’re eligible to apply again after five years, provided you can show how far you’ve progressed in your career since then. Also, take a moment to review the Clore Leadership key attributes to make sure you’re a good fit!
What Does It Cover?
This is where it gets exciting – the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is truly comprehensive! It includes a generous training budget to cover almost all your expenses in the UK, allowing you to focus completely on your growth. Here’s what’s typically included:
- Up to two economy return flights from South Africa to the UK for your fellowship activities.
- Accommodation throughout your stay in the UK.
- Living expenses to keep you comfortable while you’re there.
- A secondment period (around four to six weeks!) at a UK cultural institution – imagine the networking and learning!
- An individually tailored learning plan, which can include participation in top-notch courses, conferences, and other professional development activities across the UK.
- Fees for courses and conferences within the UK.
- All your training and development costs while in the UK.
- Travel expenses within the UK, so you can explore and attend activities easily.
Beyond these financial benefits, the program structure itself is designed for maximum impact, including residential leadership courses, skills-based workshops, a 360° leadership profile, mentorship, and opportunities to explore thought leadership through a written paper. It’s truly an all-encompassing experience!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump on this incredible opportunity? The application process is straightforward, but make sure you get all your ducks in a row before the 7 October 2025 deadline!
To apply, you’ll need to visit the official Chevening website, where you’ll find all the detailed instructions and the application portal. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Click Here to Visit the Official Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship Application Page
If becoming a transformative leader in the arts and culture sector in South Africa, with global experience, sounds like your ultimate goal, then the Chevening Clore Leadership Bursary 2026 is definitely for you! Don’t let this fully funded, life-changing opportunity pass you by. Apply now and explore even more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!