The Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded six-week programme for mid-career professionals in defence, security, government, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience and related international organisations. Hosted by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, it is designed to strengthen leadership, strategic decision-making, organisational resilience, cyber resilience and emerging-technology capabilities.
Key facts
- Host institution: Cranfield University.
- Host location: Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham.
- Duration: six weeks.
- Application deadline: 27 September 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
- Two cohorts are planned in 2027: 25 January–5 March and 15 March–23 April.
What does this fellowship mean for applicants?
For eligible professionals, the fellowship offers funded training, research and networking in a setting focused on contemporary security and defence challenges. It is aimed at experienced mid-career participants who want to deepen their leadership and policy influence, while also building skills in cyber resilience, AI, governance and strategic decision-making.
What is the programme designed to do?
The fellowship is built around an interdisciplinary, applied approach to security and defence leadership. Participants will take part in teaching, discussions, practical exercises, workshops, simulations, practitioner-led sessions, site visits in the United Kingdom, individual research and collaborative learning.
The programme also asks each fellow to develop a research project on a relevant policy, leadership, organisational or security challenge, with the opportunity to present findings to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London at the end of the programme.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be citizens of and resident in one of the eligible European countries listed in the programme information, and they must also meet standard Chevening eligibility criteria. The fellowship is aimed at mid-career professionals with at least five years of relevant experience and a postgraduate qualification, or equivalent professional training or experience.
Eligible sectors include government, defence, security, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience and international organisations with security responsibilities. Applicants should also be able to show leadership potential and a role that can influence policy, strategy, organisational capability or operational effectiveness.
What funding does it include?
Successful fellows receive full programme fees, living expenses for the duration of the fellowship, pre-arranged accommodation close to Oxford, and return economy airfare.
Why does the fellowship focus on security and resilience?
The programme reflects the wider security environment described in the fellowship information, which links traditional defence concerns with cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, organisational vulnerability, governance, information threats and international cooperation. Its six themes are designed to help participants respond more effectively to complex and rapidly changing conditions.
Frequently asked questions
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 27 September 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship lasts six weeks and will run in two cohorts in 2027.
