The Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2027, hosted by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham, offers a specialised opportunity for experienced professionals working in defence, security, government, law enforcement, intelligence, resilience, civil protection, and related international organisations.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and delivered by Cranfield University, the six-week fellowship is designed to strengthen the leadership, strategic decision-making, organisational resilience, cyber resilience, and emerging-technology capabilities of mid-career professionals from across Europe.

The programme brings together professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential and who have the ability to influence policy, strategy, organisational capability, or operational effectiveness within their organisations and countries.

Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2027 at a Glance

• Programme: Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship
• Host institution: Cranfield University
• Host location: Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham
• Funding: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Duration: Six weeks
• Cohort 1: 25 January – 5 March 2027
• Cohort 2: 15 March – 23 April 2027
• Application deadline: 27 September 2026 at 11:00 UTC
• Target applicants: Mid-career European professionals in defence, security, government, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience, and international organisations
• Programme format: Teaching, discussions, practical exercises, site visits, individual research, simulations, workshops, and collaborative learning

About the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship

The Chevening Europe Defence and Security Fellowship is designed for professionals who operate in environments where security and defence challenges are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected.

Modern security challenges can involve traditional defence concerns alongside cyber threats, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, organisational vulnerabilities, governance challenges, and international cooperation.

The fellowship therefore takes an interdisciplinary and applied approach.

Rather than focusing on a single area of defence or security, participants will explore how leadership, organisational culture, governance, technology, resilience, and strategic decision-making interact.

The programme is intended to help fellows become more effective leaders who can operate within rapidly changing security and defence environments.

Participants will engage in:

• Teaching and academic learning
• Group discussions
• Practical exercises
• Workshops
• Simulations
• Practitioner-led sessions
• Site and institutional visits in the United Kingdom
• Individual research
• Collaborative learning
• International professional networking

A major component of the fellowship will be the opportunity to develop a research project addressing a relevant policy, leadership, organisational, or security challenge.

What Is the Aim of the Fellowship?

The programme aims to develop professionals who can operate effectively in complex security and defence environments.

Through the fellowship, participants will strengthen their ability to understand and respond to challenges affecting:

• Governments
• International organisations
• Public institutions
• Defence organisations
• Security institutions
• Civil protection systems
• Resilience structures

The programme places particular emphasis on practical leadership and strategic thinking.

Fellows will be encouraged to examine problems from different perspectives and consider how decisions made under uncertainty can affect organisations, governments, and societies.

Six-Week Fellowship Programme

The fellowship lasts for six weeks and is offered through two cohorts in 2027.

Cohort 1

25 January – 5 March 2027

Cohort 2

15 March – 23 April 2027

Applicants should therefore consider which cohort best fits their professional circumstances when applying.

Key Learning Areas of the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship

The programme is organised around six integrated themes.

1. Global Leadership in an Era of Complexity

The first theme focuses on leadership within an increasingly complex international environment.

Security and defence professionals frequently need to make decisions while dealing with multiple stakeholders, competing interests, uncertainty, and rapidly changing circumstances.

Through this theme, fellows will examine leadership challenges and consider approaches for operating effectively in complex environments.

2. Understanding People, Culture, and Organisations

Security and defence organisations are influenced not only by policies and structures but also by people, organisational culture, behaviour, and governance.

This theme examines how these factors can influence:

• Institutional effectiveness
• Organisational resilience
• Vulnerability
• Decision-making
• Leadership
• Organisational performance

Understanding organisational culture and human behaviour can help leaders identify both strengths and vulnerabilities within their institutions.

3. Cyber Resilience and Information Threats

Cybersecurity and information threats are increasingly important components of national and international security.

The fellowship will provide fellows with an opportunity to explore cyber resilience and understand the challenges associated with information threats.

Participants will consider how organisations can better understand and respond to emerging cyber-related risks.

This theme is particularly relevant to professionals whose responsibilities involve security policy, resilience, defence, intelligence, technology, or organisational risk.

4. Artificial Intelligence, Governance, and Emerging Technology

Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are changing the way organisations operate and make decisions.

At the same time, these technologies create new governance, security, and ethical challenges.

The fellowship will examine both the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

Participants will be encouraged to consider how governments and organisations can respond to technological change while maintaining effective governance and resilience.

5. Strategic Decision-Making Under Pressure

Security and defence professionals may be required to make important decisions in circumstances characterised by:

• Uncertainty
• Incomplete information
• Competing pressures
• Rapidly changing conditions

The fellowship will explore strategic decision-making approaches that can help professionals respond effectively in such environments.

The focus is not simply on making decisions, but on understanding the conditions under which strategic decisions are made and the factors that can influence their effectiveness.

6. Building Resilience and Future Leadership

The final theme brings together the fellowship’s emphasis on resilience and leadership.

Participants will explore how organisations can prepare for future challenges while developing leaders who can operate effectively in changing environments.

This theme connects leadership development with organisational resilience and the ability to anticipate and respond to future security challenges.

What Will Fellows Do During the Programme?

The Europe Defence and Security Fellowship uses a variety of learning methods rather than relying exclusively on classroom teaching.

Participants will have opportunities to engage in:

Lectures

Fellows will receive structured academic and professional input covering the programme’s major themes.

Workshops

Workshops will provide opportunities to explore issues in greater depth and apply concepts to practical situations.

Simulations

Practical simulations will allow fellows to engage with scenarios that reflect complex decision-making environments.

Practitioner Speakers

Fellows will hear from practitioners and professionals with relevant experience in defence, security, leadership, policy, and related areas.

Research Activity

Each fellow will work on an individual research project addressing a relevant challenge.

UK Institutional Visits

The programme includes visits to relevant institutions in the United Kingdom, providing participants with additional opportunities to understand institutional practices.

Collaborative Learning

Participants will learn alongside professionals from different European countries and professional backgrounds, creating opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences.

---

Fellowship Research Project

A significant component of the programme is the individual research project.

Throughout the fellowship, participants will work on a research project addressing a relevant:

• Policy challenge
• Leadership challenge
• Organisational challenge
• Security challenge

Fellows will receive academic support while developing their research.

At the conclusion of the programme, participants will have the opportunity to present their findings to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London.

This gives fellows an opportunity to connect their research to real-world policy and institutional challenges.

---

International Networking Opportunities

Another important aspect of the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship is professional networking.

The programme brings together professionals from across Europe and the UK, creating opportunities to establish relationships across:

• Countries
• Professional sectors
• Government institutions
• Security organisations
• Defence communities
• International organisations

The fellowship is designed to create enduring professional networks that can continue beyond the six-week programme.

For professionals working in security and defence, these international relationships can be valuable for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on shared challenges.

---

Who Can Apply for the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship?

The fellowship is specifically intended for mid-career professionals from eligible European countries who demonstrate leadership potential in security and defence.

Applicants must meet the programme’s additional eligibility requirements as well as the standard Chevening eligibility criteria.

Citizenship and Residency Requirement

At the point of application, applicants must be citizens of and residents in one of the following countries:

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Holy See
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Applicants living in a European overseas territory may apply through the relevant Chevening award scheme for the European country of which they are a citizen.

---

Academic and Professional Requirements

In addition to meeting the standard Chevening eligibility criteria, applicants must meet several fellowship-specific requirements.

Postgraduate Qualification

Applicants must hold a postgraduate qualification, or have equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field.

Professional Experience

Applicants must have at least five years of relevant professional experience.

This makes the fellowship particularly suitable for experienced professionals rather than recent graduates or early-career applicants.

Relevant Professional Sector

Applicants must be mid-career professionals employed within areas such as:

• Government
• Defence
• Security
• Law enforcement
• Intelligence
• Civil protection
• Resilience
• International organisations with responsibilities for national or international security

Leadership Potential

Applicants must be able to demonstrate leadership potential.

The fellowship is aimed at professionals who have the potential to contribute to organisational and national security-related priorities through their leadership.

Ability to Influence

Applicants should be working in roles that have the potential to influence:

• Organisational capability
• Policy
• Strategy
• Operational effectiveness

This influence may be within the applicant’s organisation and/or country.

Commitment After the Fellowship

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to applying the knowledge, experience, and professional networks gained through the fellowship after completing the programme.

This means applicants should be able to explain how the fellowship could contribute to their future professional work and wider organisational or national impact.

---

Funding and Benefits

The fellowship provides financial support to successful participants.

According to the provided information, each fellowship includes:

Full Programme Fees

The fellowship covers the full programme fees.

Living Expenses

Fellows receive living expenses for the duration of the fellowship, including pre-arranged accommodation close to Oxford, as stated in the provided programme information.

Return Economy Airfare

The fellowship also includes return economy airfare.

These provisions are intended to support fellows throughout their participation in the six-week programme.

---

Why This Fellowship Is Relevant to Today’s Security Environment

Security and defence professionals increasingly need to understand issues beyond traditional security structures.

A contemporary security environment can involve interconnected challenges relating to:

• Cybersecurity
• Artificial intelligence
• Emerging technologies
• Organisational resilience
• Governance
• Human behaviour
• Leadership
• Information threats
• International cooperation
• Strategic decision-making

The fellowship’s interdisciplinary structure reflects this broader environment.

By bringing these subjects together, the programme aims to help professionals develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by modern governments, organisations, and institutions.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship are open until:

27 September 2026 at 11:00 UTC

Applicants should ensure that their application is submitted before the stated deadline.

Late applications may not be considered, so prospective applicants should allow sufficient time to review the eligibility criteria and prepare their application.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants can apply through the official Chevening application system.

Apply for the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship

Before applying, prospective candidates should carefully review both the standard Chevening eligibility requirements and the additional requirements for the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship.

What Makes a Strong Candidate for This Fellowship?

Based on the requirements provided, a strong candidate would be someone who can demonstrate several important characteristics.

1. Relevant Professional Experience

The applicant should have substantial experience in a relevant security, defence, government, resilience, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, or international organisation environment.

2. Leadership Potential

Applicants should demonstrate that they have the potential to become or continue developing as influential leaders within their professional environment.

3. Strategic Responsibilities

The applicant’s current position should provide opportunities to influence policy, strategy, organisational capability, or operational effectiveness.

4. Understanding of Security Challenges

Applicants should be able to demonstrate an understanding of contemporary security and defence challenges relevant to their work.

5. Future Application of Knowledge

Candidates should clearly demonstrate how they intend to apply the knowledge and networks gained during the fellowship after returning to their organisation or country.

Important Information for Applicants

The Europe Defence and Security Fellowship is a specialised programme with specific professional requirements.

It is therefore important for applicants to distinguish between simply having an interest in defence or security and actually meeting the programme’s professional eligibility requirements.

The fellowship specifically targets mid-career professionals whose current employment and responsibilities are connected to security, defence, resilience, government, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, or relevant international organisations.

Applicants should also pay attention to the requirement concerning the ability to influence organisational capability, policy, strategy, or operational effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship?

The Europe Defence and Security Fellowship is a six-week Chevening fellowship funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and delivered by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship lasts for six weeks.

When are the 2027 cohorts?

There are two cohorts:

• Cohort 1: 25 January – 5 March 2027
• Cohort 2: 15 March – 23 April 2027

Who is the fellowship designed for?

It is designed for mid-career professionals from eligible European countries who have demonstrated leadership potential in defence and security.

Do I need a postgraduate qualification?

Yes. Applicants must hold a postgraduate qualification or have equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field.

How much professional experience is required?

Applicants must have at least five years of relevant professional experience.

Can professionals working in law enforcement apply?

Yes. Law enforcement is among the professional sectors specifically identified in the eligibility requirements.

Can intelligence professionals apply?

Yes. Intelligence professionals are included among the eligible professional profiles.

Can government employees apply?

Yes. Government professionals working in relevant security and defence contexts can apply, subject to meeting all other eligibility requirements.

Is the fellowship funded?

Yes. The provided information states that the fellowship includes full programme fees, living expenses including pre-arranged accommodation close to Oxford, and return economy airfare.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 27 September 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

Is the fellowship open worldwide?

No. The provided eligibility requirements specify citizenship and residency in particular European countries. Applicants must also meet the programme’s professional and academic requirements.

Visit HERE for more information about the Europe Defence and Security Fellowship.

Conclusion

The Europe Defence and Security Fellowship 2027 offers a specialised six-week professional development experience for mid-career European professionals working in defence, security, government, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection, resilience, and relevant international organisations.

Delivered by Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the programme combines academic learning with practical exercises, simulations, workshops, institutional visits, research, practitioner engagement, and international networking.

Its six core themes cover global leadership, organisational culture, cyber resilience, artificial intelligence and emerging technology, strategic decision-making, and future leadership and resilience. Fellows will also undertake an individual research project and present their findings to the FCDO in London at the end of the fellowship.

The opportunity is particularly suited to professionals who already have substantial experience and responsibilities within the defence and security environment and who can demonstrate the potential to influence policy, strategy, organisational capability, or operational effectiveness.

Eligible professionals should take note of the 27 September 2026 at 11:00 UTC application deadline and carefully assess the programme’s citizenship, residency, academic, professional, and leadership requirements before submitting an application.

For more information click HERE