The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2027 will bring eligible mid-career professionals from across Europe to the UK for a six-week, fully funded programme focused on defence and security leadership. The fellowship is delivered by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham and is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Key facts
- The fellowship is aimed at mid-career professionals with leadership potential in security and defence.
- It is delivered by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham.
- Two 2027 cohorts are planned: January 25 to March 5 and March 15 to April 23.
- Funding covers programme fees, living expenses, accommodation and return economy airfare.
- Applicants need at least five years of relevant professional experience and a postgraduate qualification or equivalent training or experience.
What does the fellowship mean for applicants?
For eligible professionals, the main practical value is that the programme is fully funded and based in the UK, reducing the cost of taking time away from work to deepen expertise in defence and security. The fellowship is designed for people working in government, defence, security, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience or an international organisation with responsibilities for national or international security.
Applicants must come from eligible European countries, have at least five years of relevant professional experience, and hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field. That makes the fellowship most relevant to professionals who are already established in their careers and want structured exposure to leadership, governance, strategic decision-making, cyber resilience, artificial intelligence and international collaboration.
- Cohort 1: January 25 to March 5, 2027.
- Cohort 2: March 15 to April 23, 2027.
- Location: Shrivenham, UK.
- Support: programme fees, living expenses, accommodation and return economy airfare.
What will fellows do during the programme?
The fellowship combines teaching, discussions, practical exercises, site visits, individual research and collaborative learning. The structure is intended to help participants study contemporary security and defence challenges while building skills they can apply in their professional roles.
The programme also gives fellows the chance to build professional networks across Europe and the UK. Its applied approach is aimed at helping participants understand strategic challenges faced by governments, international organisations and public institutions.
Who can apply for the Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2027?
Eligible applicants are professionals from Europe who demonstrate leadership potential in defence and security-related fields. They must have at least five years of relevant experience and a postgraduate qualification, or equivalent professional training or experience, in a relevant area.
The fellowship is open to people working in security-related public-sector and international roles, including government, defence, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection and resilience functions.
Why is this fellowship significant for Europe-based security professionals?
The fellowship offers a concentrated period of study in the UK for professionals dealing with complex and changing security environments. Because it brings together applied learning and international networking, it is positioned as a development opportunity for people who are already active in public security and defence roles.
Its focus on leadership, organisational resilience, governance and strategic decision-making suggests the programme is intended to support senior professional growth rather than entry-level training.
