Fully-funded 2026 Franco-British Young Leaders Programme

The Franco-British Young Leaders Programme was launched in 2017 by The Prince and Princess of Wales (then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). It was first announced at the 2016 Franco-British Summit by former French President François Hollande and former UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

The programme’s mission is to:

• Deepen understanding and collaboration between France and the UK.
• Create lasting bilateral dialogue at the highest level.
• Build a generation of 21st-century leaders who will keep Franco-British relations at heart.
• Shape the future across all sectors of society and the economy.

The initiative is delivered by the Franco-British Council, with support from:

• The French Foreign Ministry.
• The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
• A number of private sponsors.

The Young Leaders Network

Since its creation, the network has grown to include 176 personalities from diverse fields. Members represent a wide range of professions and achievements, including:

• Politicians and policymakers.
• Journalists and media professionals.
• Scientists and academics.
• Military officers.
• Business entrepreneurs.
• Artists, musicians, and critics.
• Explorers and cultural figures.

All Young Leaders are required to accept the Franco-British Young Leaders Charter as part of their membership.

Jersey Partnership (2025–2030)

In 2025, the Franco-British Council and the Government of Jersey announced a five-year partnership running until 2030.

Key points of this partnership:

• Two annual places on the Young Leaders Programme will be reserved for young professionals with connections to Jersey.
• The selection process will follow the same criteria as the main programme.
• Oversight will be managed by the Franco-British Council secretariat.

Applications for 2026

Applications for the 2026 Young Leaders Programme are open from:

• Monday 15 December 2025
• Until Friday 20 February 2026 at 23:59 GMT

Important notes:

• Applications submitted after the closing date will not be processed.
• The application form can be downloaded directly from the Franco-British Council website.

Criteria for Selection

Applicants should carefully assess their eligibility before applying. The programme encourages re-applications from previously unsuccessful candidates.

Selection criteria include:

1. Exceptional and demonstrable professional qualities.
2. Age under 40, with citizenship or residency in France or the UK.
3. Proven track record of leadership.
4. Conversational level of English, as seminar sessions are conducted in English.

Programme Legacy

• Since 2017, the Young Leaders Programme has become a prestigious platform for fostering Franco-British cooperation.
• It has created a lasting network of professionals committed to strengthening ties between the two nations.
• The initiative continues to evolve, with new partnerships (such as Jersey) and annual recruitment cycles ensuring fresh perspectives.

The Franco-British Young Leaders Programme is more than a fellowship, it is a strategic investment in the future of Franco-British relations. By bringing together exceptional individuals under 40 from diverse sectors, the programme ensures that dialogue, collaboration, and innovation remain central to the partnership between France and the UK.

Learn more and apply HERE.