Call for Applications: African Leadership Centre (ALC) Associate Fellowship 2026

Application Deadline: May 24, 2026

About the Fellowship

Applications for the 2026 cohort of the ALC Associate Fellowship in Global Leadership & Peacebuilding are being accepted by King’s College London. Through world-class postgraduate education, this academic bursary enables students from the Global South to amplify their impact. By working directly with leading academics, selected scholars are enabled to implement peacebuilding frameworks within their home regions. Access to the MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding programme, which commences in September 2026, is provided through this fellowship. An academic fellowship and leadership enablement program, it is particularly suited to future policymakers requiring advanced peacebuilding training to serve developing regions.

A pioneering institution dedicated to cultivating the next generation of African leaders in peace, security, and development, the African Leadership Centre (ALC) has trained hundreds of fellows since its establishment as a joint initiative of King’s College London and the University of Nairobi. Policy makers, academics, and civil society leaders across Africa and the Global South are numbered among these alumni.

Fellowship Benefits

High-value academic and financial support is received by participants, including:

• Funding: A dedicated bursary applied toward the MSc at King’s College London for the 2026/27 academic year
• Education: World-class academic training in global leadership, security, and peacebuilding
• Network: Integration into the African Leadership Centre’s elite network of Global South leaders

Eligibility Criteria

A prospective postgraduate student from a country within the Global South must be the applicant.

• Geography: Citizenship and residency within a Global South nation is required
• Academics: Entry requirements for the MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London must be met, and an application must be submitted
• Focus: A profound commitment to peace, security, and institutional development must be demonstrated

Additional Considerations:

• Candidates with professional experience in peacebuilding, governance, or development are strongly encouraged to apply
• A clear vision for how the fellowship will enhance their ability to contribute to peace and security in their home region should be articulated by applicants

Programme Overview

A rigorous academic programme that equips students with the following is the MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London:

• Advanced theoretical frameworks in leadership, peace, and security studies
• Practical skills for peacebuilding and conflict transformation
• Research methodologies for policy-relevant analysis
• Access to leading academics and practitioners in the field

Through the African Leadership Centre, which maintains a distinctive focus on African perspectives and Global South knowledge production, the programme is delivered.

Application Process

Submission: Through the King’s College London portal, applications must be submitted

Requirements:

• University application for the MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding
• Academic transcripts from previous degrees
• Personal statement outlining your commitment to peace, security, and development

Application Link:  Click here to apply

Why This Fellowship Matters

Persistent challenges related to conflict, governance, and institutional fragility are faced by the Global South. Leaders who combine academic rigour with practical peacebuilding skills and a deep understanding of local contexts are required to address these challenges.

This need is addressed by the ALC Associate Fellowship through several means:

• Access to world-class postgraduate education at King’s College London is provided
• Global South perspectives are focused on – centring knowledge and experiences from developing regions
• A network of peacebuilders who can collaborate across borders is built
• Financial barriers to advanced study are removed through scholar support
• Leaders are equipped to return home and contribute to peace, security, and development

Since its founding, the African Leadership Centre has trained fellows who have gone on to serve in government ministries, international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society across Africa. By investing in the next generation of Global South leaders, this fellowship continues that legacy.

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of ALC Associate Fellowship 2026