The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme – Climate Resilience Fellowships, delivered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities and inspired by King Charles III, is a one-year fellowship programme for mid-career professionals from Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (CW SIDS). Its goal is to strengthen climate adaptation leadership, build resilience in vulnerable communities, and enable practical action to address climate change challenges.
Key Features & Benefits
- Fully Funded Hybrid Programme: A one-year fellowship combining online/project-based learning with mentorship and guided facilitation. Fellows continue their employment while participating.
- One-week Residential Module: In addition to virtual learning, fellows attend a one-week in-person residential programme for networking, collaborative work, and project development.
- Community of Practice: Fellows gain access to a virtual community for shared problem solving, knowledge exchange, peer support, and mentoring.
- Practical Tools & Skills: The fellowship emphasizes skills that can lead to near-immediate or short-term impact in climate adaptation—such as project design, adaptation planning, cross-sector collaboration, and policy development.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must fulfil a set of requirements:
- Professional Experience: Mid-career level with approximately 5-15 years of direct or related experience in climate adaptation practice (job title is less important than experience)
- Long-term Professional Commitment: Clear plan to continue in climate resilience work for the next 10-20 years in roles of increasing responsibility.
- Employment: Must be currently employed by an organisation registered in a Commonwealth SIDS, with a contract valid at least through February 2027.
- Nationality / Residence: Must be a citizen, refugee, or permanent resident of a Commonwealth SIDS; and permanent home must be one of those SIDS.
- Eligible Countries: The fellowship is open to persons from the list of Commonwealth SIDS, including but not limited to Mauritius, Seychelles, The Maldives, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Fiji, Kiribati, etc.
Application Process & Deadline
- Applications open on 17 October 2025 via the ACU website.
- Fellowship duration is one year, combining online learning, project work, and a residential module.
- The deadline for submitting applications is 7 November 2025.
Why It Matters
- Addressing Urgent Needs: SIDS are among the most vulnerable to climate change (sea level rise, extreme weather, economic disruption). This programme equips resilience actors to respond quickly.
- Building Local Capacity: By supporting professionals already working in their communities, the fellowship helps retain skills, leadership, and institutional memory in SIDS.
- Cross-Sector Impact: Involves the public, civil, and private sectors, fostering collaboration across fields and strengthening collective responses.
Challenges & Considerations
- Work Continuation: Fellows must continue their employment, meaning balancing fellowship commitments with job responsibilities.
- Organizational Contract Duration: The employing organisation must have a contract valid through at least February 2027, which might exclude some flexible or short-term posts.
- Competition & Capacity: Because the programme is new and fully funded, there will likely be many applicants. Strong track record and specific project proposals will be advantageous.
- Logistics of the In-Person Module: Travel, visas, and presence during the in-person week may impose additional logistical/financial challenges (though the fellowship covers those costs).
Conclusion
The King’s Commonwealth Climate Resilience Fellowship 2026–2027 is an excellent opportunity for mid-career professionals from Commonwealth SIDS to acquire the knowledge necessary to more effectively address climate change in their communities. It guarantees to transform education into action by providing comprehensive funding, guidance, and real-world experience. Candidates must submit compelling applications, ensure that they satisfy all eligibility criteria (particularly organizational support and experience), and do so by November 7, 2025.
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