Fellowships

The CTO offers an opportunity for suitably qualified professionals to benefit from the experience of working in an international organisation, whilst also contributing significantly to our work in supporting the delivery of effective ICT4D interventions across the Commonwealth. We have, for example, been supported by the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship scheme since 2004 in providing placements for Fellows with tailored programmes in the field of ICT4D. These Fellowships have been specifically designed to benefit the Fellows, their organisations and ultimately their home countries.

Commonwealth Professional Fellowship scheme

The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship scheme, operated by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission supports mid-career professionals from developing Commonwealth countries to spend a period of time with a UK host organisation working in their field for a programme of professional development. Fellowships are typically three months but can be between one and six months in length, and can include limited time for attendance at short courses or conferences, as well as visits to other organisations. This aspect of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s work is funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DfID) and administered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the British Council. More information about the scheme is available at Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom.

When a call for applications is opened by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, the CTO designs work programmes and calls for applications. Each programme is structured around a focused area of ICT4D that is important to the development of ICTs in the Commonwealth and applicable to the majority of its member countries. From the applicants, the best suited for each work programme is selected and then put forward to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for final selection. Selected Fellows work at the CTO’s headquarters in London on the work programmes under the supervision of CTO staff, and they also have an opportunity to engage with other organisations and experts in the chosen field. The intended outcome is that the Fellows will be able to implement the experiences gained during the Fellowship on their return to their home countries, thereby contributing significantly to their countries’ development.

To view our alumni of recent Fellows, including their work programme, please click here.

Each Fellowship provides:

  • Return economy air fare from the Fellow’s home country to the UK.
  • Return economy air fare from the Fellow’s home country to the UK.
  • A monthly (or pro–rata) living allowance, for the duration of the fellowship
  • An arrival allowance which includes an element for winter clothing if necessary.
  • An allowance towards reasonable travel for study purposes within the UK.
  • Fees for short courses or conferences that form part of the fellowship programme.
  • Further training in aspects of ICT4D that will be of direct benefit to the fellow

The following criteria apply to all for applicants:

  • Applicants must be citizens and residents of a developing Commonwealth Country.
  • Applicants must be mid-career professionals with five or more years relevant experience
  • Applicants must not be full time academic staff
  • Applicants are required to obtain consent from their employer before submitting their application

For more information please contact:

Human Resources and Admin Department
+44 20 8600 3800
+44 20 8600 3819