Schwarzman Academy Fellowship 2026–2027 at Chatham House: Fully Funded 10-Month Global Policy Leadership Fellowship in London

Applications are now open for the prestigious Schwarzman Academy Fellowship 2026–2027 hosted by Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London. This highly competitive fellowship offers emerging global leaders the opportunity to conduct policy-relevant research, engage with global experts, and develop leadership skills through an intensive ten-month fellowship programme.

The fellowship is offered through The Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation at Chatham House and is designed to support early- to mid-career professionals who are committed to shaping evidence-based solutions to global challenges.

The programme will begin in October 2026 and will run for ten months. During this period, fellows will work closely with Chatham House researchers, participate in policy dialogues and events, and contribute to research outputs that address pressing international issues.

The application deadline for the Schwarzman Academy Fellowship 2026–2027 is 20 March 2026 at 5 pm GMT.

About Chatham House

Chatham House, officially known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is one of the world’s leading independent policy institutes. Based in London, the institution has built a global reputation for conducting high-quality research, facilitating dialogue on international affairs, and promoting evidence-based policy solutions.

The organization’s mission is to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world. Through research programmes, policy dialogues, and international partnerships, Chatham House addresses major global challenges including geopolitical conflict, economic transformation, environmental sustainability, global health, and international governance.

The Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation was established to cultivate the next generation of global policy leaders. The Academy provides structured fellowship programmes designed to equip participants with leadership capabilities, analytical skills, and networks needed to address complex international challenges.

Overview of the Schwarzman Academy Fellowship

The Schwarzman Academy Fellowship is a ten-month in-person fellowship that provides an exceptional platform for Schwarzman Scholars completing their master’s degree to further develop their expertise in global policy research and leadership.

Fellows will join a cohort of international professionals drawn from academia, civil society, government, business, and media sectors. Participants will contribute to Chatham House research programmes while also developing their leadership capabilities through a structured Leadership Masterclass Programme.

The fellowship combines independent research with collaborative engagement across Chatham House’s global network of experts, policymakers, and practitioners.

Fellowship Structure and Responsibilities

During the ten-month fellowship, Schwarzman Academy Fellows will engage in several core activities that support both their professional development and the research mission of Chatham House.

Fellows will conduct independent research on global policy themes or geographic regions aligned with the research priorities of Chatham House programmes.

Participants will contribute to Chatham House research initiatives, publications, and events, offering their expertise and insights into key global policy debates.

Fellows will also collaborate with a broad network of scholars, policymakers, journalists, and civil society leaders connected to Chatham House.

In addition, participants will take part in the Leadership Masterclass Programme, which is designed to strengthen policy leadership skills and prepare fellows for influential roles in global affairs.

Leadership Masterclass Programme

The Leadership Masterclass Programme is an integral part of the Schwarzman Academy Fellowship. It provides fellows with structured opportunities to develop leadership capabilities and strategic thinking skills relevant to international policy environments.

Through seminars, workshops, and mentoring sessions, fellows will build skills in leadership, policy communication, media engagement, and strategic analysis.

Participants will also receive writing support, career mentoring, and coaching to help them translate research insights into impactful policy contributions.

The programme aims to cultivate a new generation of global leaders capable of shaping policy solutions in increasingly complex geopolitical environments.

Research Focus Areas

Applicants must propose research that aligns with the priorities of one of the Chatham House research programmes. These programmes focus on major global policy issues and regional developments.

Research themes include topics related to Africa’s digital transformation, governance and digital public infrastructure, the geopolitics of digital connectivity, and digital trade negotiations.

Other areas include the global energy transition and strategies for achieving sustainable resource use.

Applicants may also focus on European strategic sovereignty, industrial policy integration, and Europe’s engagement with rising global powers.

In the area of global economic policy, research may explore the future of the US dollar in the international monetary system or the impact of artificial intelligence on the global economy.

Global health research topics include African health sovereignty, geopolitical dynamics in health diplomacy, and strengthening global health security systems.

Additional areas include international law, security studies, conflict resolution, Latin American geopolitics, Middle East governance and regional dynamics, Russian political economy, Central Asian transformation, UK foreign policy strategy, and US global economic and security policies.

Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative research proposals that align with Chatham House’s mission and contribute to evidence-based policy solutions.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Schwarzman Academy Fellows receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their participation in the fellowship and their professional development.

Fellows receive a monthly stipend of £2,565 to cover living expenses in London, including accommodation, utilities, food, and transport.

Chatham House also covers relocation costs including travel, visa fees, and accommodation support.

Successful applicants requiring a visa will be sponsored under the UK Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa scheme.

The fellowship also covers the UK Immigration Health Surcharge, though dental, optical care, and prescription costs are not included.

Fellows are provided with research funding to support fieldwork, outreach activities, policy events, and publications.

Participants also gain full membership to Chatham House during the fellowship, providing access to exclusive events, research resources, and expert networks.

After completing the programme, fellows receive a five-year Chatham House membership.

Professional Development and Networking

The fellowship provides extensive networking opportunities with global policymakers, academics, and practitioners.

Participants engage with Chatham House staff, Academy faculty, and a global alumni network that includes leaders across government, international organizations, and policy institutions.

These networks often open pathways to careers in international organizations, government advisory roles, think tanks, and global policy institutions.

Location and Programme Format

The Schwarzman Academy Fellowship is based in London and operates on a hybrid working model.

Fellows are expected to spend a minimum of two days per week in the Chatham House office, though some weeks may require additional in-person participation for leadership programme activities and events.

The fellowship is a full-time commitment and participants cannot undertake other work or academic study during the programme.

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet specific academic and professional criteria to be eligible for the Schwarzman Academy Fellowship.

Applicants must be current Schwarzman Scholars who are due to complete their Schwarzman Scholars master’s degree in 2026.

Candidates must have experience conducting independent research and must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent professional experience.

Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, a strong commitment to international policy work, and alignment with the mission and values of Chatham House.

Proficiency in English is required.

Applicants must also submit a research proposal that aligns with one of the Chatham House research programmes and demonstrates originality and policy relevance.

If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at academy@chathamhouse.org.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Schwarzman Academy Fellowship 2026–2027 is 20 March 2026 at 5 pm GMT.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is strongly encouraged.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome within four weeks after the application deadline.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete the official application form and submit their CV along with a research proposal and supporting application materials.

Learn more and apply HERE.

For questions regarding the fellowship, applicants may contact the Academy team via email at academy@chathamhouse.org.

Conclusion

The Schwarzman Academy Fellowship at Chatham House represents an exceptional opportunity for emerging global policy leaders to deepen their expertise, conduct impactful research, and strengthen their leadership capabilities.

Through research collaboration, leadership development, and engagement with one of the world’s most respected international affairs institutions, fellows gain the skills and networks necessary to influence global policy debates and contribute to solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges.

Click HERE to discover more Fellowship opportunities on OFY.