Hey there, future global leader! Are you a mid-career professional from South Africa with big dreams of boosting your skills and experience on an international level? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into an incredible opportunity: the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships Bursary!
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s your golden ticket to a fully funded professional development experience in the United Kingdom. Imagine spending time at a UK organisation, working in your field, gaining invaluable insights, and bringing that knowledge back home to make a real impact. Sound exciting? Keep reading!
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this fantastic bursary, you need to meet a few key requirements:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country (yes, South Africa is one!). Or, be a British Protected Person.
- Residency: You need to be permanently living in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Work Experience: Got experience? Great! You should have at least five years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) relevant work experience in a profession related to your chosen fellowship programme by the time the fellowship starts. (Sorry, voluntary work doesn’t count towards this minimum).
- Current Employment: You must be currently employed at an organisation that you plan to return to after completing your fellowship. This bursary is about professional development you can bring back!
- References: You’ll need to provide at least two references, and one of them MUST be from your current employer. Make sure they’re ready to vouch for you!
- Previous Fellowships: Haven’t done a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years? Perfect! (If you have, you’ll need to wait).
- Programme Type: This fellowship is for professional development, not academic research or study programmes. Academics can apply, but only for academic management programmes.
- Availability: You need to be available to start your fellowship from the prescribed start date.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is fully funded, meaning it covers a whole lot so you can focus on your professional growth!
- Flights: Your approved return airfare from South Africa to the UK is covered.
- Visa: The standard visa application fee will be reimbursed.
- Stipend: You’ll receive a monthly living allowance of £2,104, or £2,612 per month if your host organisation is in the London metropolitan area (rates are based on 2024/25 levels).
- Disability Support: If you declare a disability, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) will assess your needs and eligibility for additional financial support.
- Arrival Allowance: Get an arrival allowance of up to £1,183.20 (2024/25 levels), which even includes a bit for warm clothing – essential for the UK!
- Development Funds: Your host organisation can approve up to £2,000 for short courses, conferences, or travel to visit other UK organisations if it’s a key part of your programme.
How to Apply?
Ready to take the leap? Applications for the 2026 Commonwealth Professional Fellowships Bursary are officially OPEN!
To apply, you need to complete the online application form. Make sure you don’t miss the deadline!
Apply Here: Professional Fellowship Application Form
The application form will close at 4pm BST on Friday, 22 August 2025.
For more detailed information and to check any updates directly from the source, visit the official webpage:
Official Webpage: Commonwealth Professional Fellowships – Information for Candidates
If this sounds like the right bursary to skyrocket your career, don’t wait — apply now and remember to explore more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!