ALC Peace, Security, and Development Fellowships 2025/2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
If you are an early-career African scholar or a student from the Global South seeking to deepen your expertise in peace, security, and development, applications are now open for the 2025/2026 ALC Peace, Security, and Development Fellowships and Associate Fellowships. These prestigious programs, hosted by the African Leadership Centre (ALC) in partnership with King’s College London and other institutions, offer fully and partially funded opportunities to pursue the MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding alongside an intensive leadership and mentorship experience. Details in this article.
Opportunity Summary
1. Fellowships for African Scholars in Peace, Security & Development:
Location: King’s College London, UK and select African universities
Host Institution: African Leadership Centre (ALC) & King’s College London
Target Group: Early-career African scholars, junior faculty from African universities
Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s level)
Funding: Fully funded (excludes visa costs)
Salary: Living allowance provided
Duration: 18 months (12 months in the UK + 6-month attachment in Africa)
Application Deadline: 18 May 2025
Start Date: September 2025
Eligible to: Citizens of African countries
Research Fields: Peace, security, development, political science, law, history, international relations, conflict studies, and related fields
2. Associate Fellowships for the Global South:
Location: King’s College London
Host Institution: African Leadership Centre & King’s College London
Target Group: Students from Global South countries
Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s level)
Funding: 25% tuition bursary + £5,000 living stipend
Duration: 12 months
Application Deadline: 18 May 2025
Start Date: September 2025
Eligible to: Citizens of Global South countries
Research Fields: Leadership, peacebuilding, security, and development
Programme Overview and Structure
The Fellowships in Peace, Security, and Development (for African scholars) span 18 months and are delivered in two phases. Phase one is based at King’s College London and includes completion of the MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding, regular group and one-on-one mentoring sessions, and visits to academic and policy institutions. Fellows will also spend short periods at the ALC Nairobi hub for additional research and writing.
Phase two involves a six-month attachment to a partner African university, where fellows contribute to research and teaching, conduct a policy-relevant research project, and produce a policy brief to be shared through academic and policy platforms.
The Associate Fellowship is a 12-month opportunity for Global South students enrolled in the MSc programme at King’s College London. It includes participation in mentoring, institutional visits, and an optional internship after graduation at a regional centre or international organization.
Benefits and Financial Arrangements
1. Fellowships for African Scholars:
Full tuition fee coverage
Monthly subsistence allowance in the UK and Africa
Coverage of travel expenses (excluding visa costs)
Research and conference funding
Mentorship and academic support
Attachment to African university for professional experience
2. Associate Fellowships for Global South:
25% tuition fee bursary for the MSc programme
£5,000 living stipend
Tailored mentoring and leadership development
Optional internship after course completion
Eligibility Criteria
For African Fellowships:
Citizenship of an African country
Master’s or bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience
Early-career academic, preferably junior faculty
Commitment to peace, security, and development
Willingness to return to home country/institution after programme
Must pass English proficiency test and obtain student visa
For Global South Associate Fellowships:
Citizenship of a Global South country
Interest in leadership, peace, security, and development
Full-time acceptance to the MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding
Must pass English proficiency test and obtain student visa
Application Procedure
Applicants must apply separately to both the Fellowship/Associate Fellowship and the MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London.
1. Fellowship Application (ALC portal):
- Register and submit online application at: http://applications.africanleadershipcentre.org/
- Deadline: 18 May 2025
- Documents required:
500–750 word supporting statement
Two letters of recommendation (submitted directly)
CV (max 2 pages)
One writing sample (max 1000 words)
Research proposal (max 1000 words)
2. MSc Programme Application (King’s portal):
- Apply at: https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/
- Select “Peace & Security Fellowship” as the programme option
- Deadline: 18 May 2025
There is no registration fee. Visa and medical costs are the responsibility of the applicant, although support documentation will be provided by the programme.
📂 Resources
For further information and on how to apply, download the following call for applications PDF documents:
ℹ️ For further inquiry, contact
African Leadership Centre (ALC)
Email: info@alc.org
Website: www.alc.org
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