Skip to main content
KBS_Icon_questionmark link-ico

Fellowships

Our fellowship programmes and activities have been designed to support our vision of building a community of future leaders, generating cutting edge knowledge in peace, security and development in Africa.

ALC Peace, Security & Development Fellowships and Associate Fellowships for 2026/2027
The African Leadership Centre (ALC) is pleased to announce a call for applications for its Peace, Security & Development Fellowships and Associate Fellowships for the academic year 2026/2027.

Degree awarding fellowships

This award is designed for young African scholars passionate about a career in leadership, security, and development, to impact discourse and practice in these areas.

It includes post-graduate study at King’s on the Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc programme. Applicants will need to create a King's Apply account and apply under the Peace and Security Fellowship Programme while also submitting an application through the ALC-Nairobi application portal.

The deadline to apply is 24 May, 2026.

Learn more about the programme, including the eligibility criteria, phases of the programme, terms and how to apply

This associate fellowship bursary is available to African students applying for the MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding (full-time) for the 2026/27 academic year, who are pursuing careers in leadership, security, and development.

Successful applicants will receive a bursary that covers 25 per cent of their tuition fees in addition to five thousand pounds (£5,000) as a contribution to their living expenses in London. Applicants will need to create a King's Apply account and apply under the Peace and Security Fellowship Programme while also submitting an application through the ALC-Nairobi application portal.

The deadline to apply is 24 May, 2026.

Learn more about the programme, including the eligibility criteria, phases of the programme, terms and how to apply

This associate fellowship bursary is available to students from the Global South applying for the MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding (full-time) for the 2026/27 academic year, who are pursuing careers in leadership, security, and development.

Successful applicants will receive a bursary that covers 25 per cent of their tuition fees in addition to five thousand pounds (£5,000) as a contribution to their living expenses in London. Applicants will need to create a King's Apply account and apply under the Peace and Security Fellowship Programme while also submitting an application through the ALC-Nairobi application portal.

The deadline to apply is 24 May, 2026.

Learn more about the programme, including the eligibility criteria, phases of the programme, terms and how to apply

This award is designed for women who are already engaged in activism or leadership — whether through women’s groups, youth networks, or community initiatives — and who are working to influence conflict dynamics and advance peace efforts in Sudan.

Successful applicants will receive a one-year, fully residential fellowship divided into two six-month phases, with the first six months spent at King’s College London and the University of Nairobi, followed by a six-month placement at an African regional organization or centre of excellence. Applicants will need to create a King's Apply account and apply under the Peace and Security Fellowship for Sudanese Women Programme while also submitting an application through the ALC-Nairobi application portal.

The deadline to apply is 24 May, 2026.

Learn more about the programme, including the eligibility criteria, phases of the programme, terms and how to apply

DJ Cuppy Hardship Fund for African Students

In 2024, there were over 800,000 African students enrolled in higher education institutions outside of the continent, with projections to exceed 1 million by 2030. While studying abroad presents valuable opportunities, it also brings unique financial and economic challenges.

The DJ Cuppy Hardship Fund has been established to provide targeted support that responds to these realities.

The fund offers emergency hardship funding for African students at:
- The African Leadership Centre, King’s College London
- All other faculties & departments at King's

The fund is intended for unexpected financial hardship arising from unforeseen circumstances. Funding may be used for:
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Living costs
- Accommodation costs
- Other essential needs

Please note that the fund cannot be used to cover tuition fees or other expected expenses.

African students experiencing financial hardship during their studies at King's.

We particularly encourage applications from women, who are often less likely to apply despite facing specific and under-recognised challenges.

Submit your application via email to: alc@kcl.ac.uk
Address your application to: Prof Eka Ikpe and Dr Shuvai Nyoni

Include:

A short letter of motivation (maximum 500 words) outlining:
- Your unexpected financial need
- Why this support would be beneficial

Supporting documentation, such as:
- Bank statements
- Evidence of unexpected expenses

Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year must be submitted by 15th June 2026.

 

Practice of Leadership programme

The Practice of Leadership programme ensures our students, fellows and researchers are exposed to the experiences of leaders in the fields of peace, security and development. The programme includes guest lectures, panel discussions and mentorship from practitioners from leading African institutions.

Nairobi, Kenya: Taxi motorcycle and barrels for clean water

Discover the African Leadership Centre

News and events from the King's Global Institutes