Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 in UK | Fully Funded Leadership Programme

Applications are now open for the prestigious Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 in the United Kingdom. Organized by the Counter Extremism Group (CEG), the fully funded fellowship is designed for students, graduates, and early-career professionals interested in national security, counter-terrorism, public policy, and counter-extremism. The week-long programme will take place in central London from 7–11 September 2026.

The fellowship aims to identify and support future leaders who want to contribute to the UK’s response to terrorism, extremism, and national security challenges. The programme is headed by Lord Carlile of Berriew, former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation in the UK.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Location: London
• Organizer: Counter Extremism Group (CEG)
• Programme Type: Leadership Fellowship
• Duration: One Week
• Programme Dates: 7–11 September 2026
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Application Deadline: 5 June 2026

Financial Benefits

Selected fellows will receive full financial support, including:

• Free participation in the fellowship
• Travel support within the UK
• Six nights accommodation
• Small daily per diem allowance
• Access to high-level experts and policymakers

The fellowship provides participants with direct exposure to leading figures in national security, intelligence, public policy, journalism, and counter-extremism.

Fellowship Topics

Participants will explore several major national security and public policy issues, including:

• Terrorism threats and trends
• Roots of extremist ideologies
• Radicalization and recruitment
• Counter-terrorism policymaking
• National defence strategies
• International security challenges
• Free speech and extremism debates
• Media coverage of terrorism and extremism

Speakers and Learning Opportunities

The fellowship regularly hosts senior policymakers, former intelligence officials, diplomats, journalists, and public intellectuals. Previous speakers have included:

• Former MI6 and GCHQ leaders
• Former UK government ministers
• Counter-terrorism experts
• Journalists and media professionals
• Diplomats and policy advisers
• Academics and researchers

Past fellows have also attended seminars at:

• UK Parliament
• Home Office
• No. 10 Downing Street

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be interested in national security, counter-terrorism, or public policy
• Be students, recent graduates, or early-career professionals
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and leadership potential
• Be motivated to contribute to national security discussions
• Have strong communication and analytical skills

The fellowship welcomes applicants from various academic and professional backgrounds, including policy, media, academia, law, and operational fields.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Updated CV
• Cover letter addressing:
  • Why they want to join the fellowship
  • A book, article, or thinker that influenced their views on extremism (200 words maximum)
  • Their opinion on the biggest extremist threat facing Britain today (300 words maximum)
• Declaration confirming compliance with the CEG Generative AI policy

Applications should be submitted in Word or PDF format via email.

Important AI Policy

The Counter Extremism Group has clearly stated that applicants should not use AI-generated content for their fellowship applications. The organization notes that applications must reflect the applicant’s own ideas, experiences, and writing style. Generic or AI-generated applications may be rejected.

The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical exposure to the UK’s national security landscape. Participants can network with policymakers, intelligence experts, researchers, journalists, and public officials while building a strong foundation for careers in security, diplomacy, public policy, and international affairs.

Former participants have described the fellowship as one of the most informative and intellectually engaging experiences of their careers.