ASSOCIATION OF COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITIES (ACU)
King's Commonwealth Climate Resilience Fellowship
full · masters
- 12-month hybrid programmeDuration
- Fully funded (~£0 cost to fellow, est.)Cost to participant
- 1-week residential workshopIn-person component
- 23 Commonwealth SIDS eligibleEligible states
- 5 to 15 years experienceCareer stage
- Caribbean, Pacific, Africa, AsiaRegions covered
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
Mauritius
Country
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Provider
The King's Commonwealth Climate Resilience Fellowship is a one-year, fully funded professional fellowship run by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for mid-career leaders from Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, it supports public-sector officials, civil-society leaders, and private-sector professionals who work on climate adaptation in the most exposed island communities. The programme combines a hybrid online course delivered over roughly 12 months with a 1-week residential workshop, project-based learning, and access to an international Community of Practice for peer support. Eligible applicants typically have 5 to 15 years of relevant experience and a documented commitment to a further 10 to 20 years in climate resilience work. Around 23 Commonwealth SIDS across the Caribbean, Pacific, Africa, and Asia are eligible, including Fiji, Maldives, Jamaica, Mauritius, and Vanuatu. Applicants must be employed by an organisation registered in an eligible SIDS, with a valid contract until at least February 2027, and the most recent cycle opened applications in October. Because the exact stipend allowances, residential dates, and the application window change each cycle, confirm the current 2026/2027 figures and deadlines on the official ACU fellowship page before applying.
What's covered
- Tuition and course costs — The full cost of the one-year hybrid climate-resilience course is covered, an in-kind value of around ~£8,000 (est.) per fellow; participants pay nothing for the training.
- Residential workshop — Travel, accommodation, and meals for the one-week in-person residential session are funded so fellows can attend at no personal cost.
- Mentorship and training — Structured mentorship from international climate experts and practical, project-based learning to design and implement adaptation projects.
- Community of Practice — Access to an international virtual network for peer-to-peer support, knowledge sharing, and ongoing collaboration after the course.
- Career development — Structured guidance to strengthen leadership skills and prepare fellows for senior roles in climate resilience across their home countries.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the official ACU King's Commonwealth Fellowship portal during the published application window.
- Confirm eligibility — Check that you meet the nationality, residence, employment, and experience requirements for an eligible Commonwealth SIDS.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble an updated CV, proof of employment, reference letters, and a statement of purpose explaining your climate-resilience work.
- Complete the application form — Register on the official ACU portal and complete the online application form for the Climate Resilience Fellowship.
- Submit before the deadline — Upload all documents and submit before the published closing date; late or incomplete submissions are not accepted.
Eligibility
Nationality and residenceMust be a citizen, refugee, or permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth Small Island Developing State (SIDS).
ExperienceBetween 5 and 15 years of direct or related experience in climate adaptation, resilience, or a closely connected field.
EmploymentEmployed by an organisation registered in a Commonwealth SIDS, with a valid contract until at least February 2027.
Future commitmentA demonstrated commitment to a further 10 to 20 years of work in climate leadership and resilience.
Applicants do not need prior international experience, but exposure to regional or international projects can strengthen an application. Roles in policy, community development, and sustainable business innovation are welcome alongside specialist adaptation work.
Eligible countries
Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Deadlines
2026/2027 cohort~November 2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications are assessed competitively on the strength of the candidate's climate-adaptation experience, measurable contributions and leadership in resilience work, the clarity of the statement of purpose, and the demonstrated long-term commitment to climate leadership. Applicants who can show direct, project-based outcomes and cross-sectoral collaboration with governments, NGOs, or the private sector are prioritised.
Verified sources
- King's Commonwealth Fellowship - ACUacu.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is one of the world's oldest international university networks, founded in 1913 and based in London, with more than 500 member institutions across the Commonwealth. It administers scholarships, fellowships, and research programmes, including the King's Commonwealth Fellowship inspired by King Charles III.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Is the King's Commonwealth Climate Resilience Fellowship fully funded?
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Yes. The fellowship covers the full cost of the one-year hybrid course, mentorship, the one-week residential component, and access to the Community of Practice, so participants pay nothing for the training.
Who is eligible to apply?
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Mid-career professionals with 5 to 15 years of climate-related experience who are citizens, refugees, or permanent residents of an eligible Commonwealth Small Island Developing State and are employed by a SIDS-registered organisation.
Can I apply if I do not live in a Commonwealth SIDS?
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No. You must be a citizen, refugee, or permanent resident of one of the eligible Commonwealth Small Island Developing States and employed there to qualify.
How long does the programme last?
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It runs for about one year and combines online hybrid learning with a one-week in-person residential workshop.
Which countries are eligible?
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Around 23 Commonwealth SIDS across the Caribbean, Pacific, Africa, and Asia, including Fiji, Maldives, Jamaica, Mauritius, Barbados, Samoa, and Vanuatu.
Do I need international experience to qualify?
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No, but prior exposure to regional or international climate projects can strengthen your application.
What documents are required?
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You need an updated CV, proof of employment at a SIDS-registered organisation, reference letters, and a statement of purpose.
Is the fellowship only for climate adaptation specialists?
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No. It also welcomes professionals working in resilience-related fields such as policy, community development, and sustainable business innovation.
When do applications open?
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In the most recent cycle applications opened in October; confirm the exact 2026/2027 opening and closing dates on the official ACU page.
What employment conditions apply?
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You must be employed by an organisation registered in a Commonwealth SIDS with a valid contract until at least February 2027.
How are applicants selected?
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Selection is based on measurable contributions to climate resilience, leadership, the quality of the statement of purpose, and a demonstrated long-term commitment to the field.
Where do I apply officially?
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Applications are made through the official Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) King's Commonwealth Fellowship portal; always confirm current figures and dates there before applying.