By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The African Leadership Centre (ALC) invites applications for its prestigious Peace, Security & Development Fellowships and Associate Fellowships for the academic year 2025/2026.
The African Leadership Centre (ALC) is committed to cultivating an intergenerational community of transformative leaders with cutting-edge knowledge to drive Africa’s peace, security, and development agenda.
The ALC, which operates from its bases in Kenya and London, spans academic research, policy advocacy, and hands-on leadership training to enhance peace, security, and development within Africa.
For its 2025/2026 academic year, the ALC is offering three types of fellowships:
Fellowships for African Scholars in Peace, Security, and Development (degree-awarding)
This fellowship is designed for young African scholars passionate about pursuing careers in leadership, security, and development.
Duration: 18 months, combining rigorous academic research, policy analysis, and practical leadership training.
The fellowship includes a 6-month attachment at a leading African university, regional organization, or center of excellence.
Fellows will undergo a blended learning experience, integrating the MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London with tailored mentoring (group, one-on-one, and peer-to-peer), simulation practices, and institutional visits.
Upon completion, fellows will emerge with advanced academic knowledge, research expertise, mentorship training, and practical experience. They will join a network of African experts and institutions committed to shaping Africa’s new peace, security, and development agenda.
Fully funded (excluding visa fees), this fellowship is an incredible opportunity for anyone committed to transforming Africa’s security discourse and practice.
Eligibility and Application
The ideal candidate will be affiliated with an academic or research institution in Africa and deeply invested in advancing peace, security, and development on the continent.
Associate Fellowships Bursaries for African Students in Peace, Security, and Development (degree-awarding)
This fellowship bursary supports African students applying for a full-time MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London for the 2025/2026 academic year (starting in September 2025).
Bursary Details: Successful applicants will receive 25% off the MSc tuition fees and a contribution of £5,000 towards living expenses in London.
The program integrates academic research with mentorship, simulation exercises, peer-to-peer mentoring, and practical experience at African institutions.
Upon completion, associate fellows have the opportunity to participate in a paid 6-month attachment at an African university or regional organization.
Eligibility and Application
To apply, candidates must be students from Africa with a demonstrated interest in leadership, security, and development.
Bursaries for Associate Fellowships in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding for the Global South (Degree-Awarding)
This fellowship bursary is available to students from the Global South applying for the MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London, starting in September 2025.
Successful applicants will receive 25% off the MSc tuition fees and £5,000 for living expenses in London.
As with other fellowships, this program combines rigorous academic research, policy analysis, simulation practices, and a mentoring program that prepares candidates for leadership roles in peace and security.
Following the MSc program, fellows may also participate in a short internship with international institutions or regional centers of excellence.
Eligibility and Application
Eligible candidates are students from the Global South with an interest in leadership, security, and development. Specific eligibility criteria are available in the attached documents.
Application Deadline: 18 May 2025
How to Apply
Click here to apply for any of the fellowships, following the steps below:
- Create an account on the King’s College London application portal here.
- Submit your application for the Peace & Security Fellowship on King’s portal.
- Complete the ALC-Nairobi portal application for the fellowship here.
The African Leadership Centre (ALC) is accepting applications for its Peace, Security & Development Fellowships and Associate Fellowships for the academic year 2025/2026. The ALC, operating in Kenya and London, aims to create leaders who will advance Africa’s peace, security, and development. The fellowships offered include:
1. **Fellowships for African Scholars**: An 18-month program for young African scholars focusing on leadership and security, combining academic research, policy analysis, and leadership training, culminating in a degree from King’s College London. It includes a fully-funded African university attachment and membership in a network committed to Africa's development.
2. **Associate Fellowships Bursaries for African Students**: Students pursuing an MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College are eligible for 25% off tuition and £5,000 for living expenses. The program includes academic research, mentoring, and a potential 6-month paid attachment at an African institution.
3. **Bursaries for the Global South**: Similar to the associate fellowships for African students, this bursary is open to students from the Global South, offering a 25% tuition reduction and support for living expenses. It involves rigorous research and hands-on policy analysis, with opportunities for internships at international institutions post-program.
Applications are due by May 18, 2025, and interested candidates should apply through King’s College London and the ALC portal.
