Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 (UK): Fully Funded Policy & Security Programme

The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 by the Counter Extremism Group is now open, offering a highly competitive and fully funded opportunity for individuals interested in counter-terrorism, national security, and policy leadership.

This intensive programme brings together future leaders to gain direct exposure to how national security decisions are made in the United Kingdom.

About the Fellowship

The fellowship is designed to:

• Identify and develop future leaders in national security
• Provide deep understanding of extremism and terrorism
• Build critical thinking and policy analysis skills

It is led by Lord Carlile of Berriew, a leading figure in UK counter-terrorism policy.

Programme Overview

• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Duration: 1 week
• Dates: September 7–11, 2026
• Format: In-person intensive training

Participants will engage with top experts and institutions, gaining insights into real-world national security challenges.

Financial Benefits

The fellowship is fully funded, including:

• No participation fee
• Accommodation (6 nights)
• Travel support within the UK
• Daily stipend (per diem)

What You Will Learn

Participants will explore key areas such as:

• Nature of modern terrorism threats
• Roots of extremist ideologies
• Radicalization pathways
• Counter-terrorism policy design
• National security vs free speech
• Media and journalism in security contexts

You will also interact with:

• Intelligence professionals
• Policymakers
• Journalists
• Academics and former practitioners

Who Should Apply

This fellowship targets:

• Students and recent graduates
• Early-career professionals
• Individuals interested in:
  • National security
  • Counter-terrorism
  • Policy and international relations

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Strong intellectual curiosity
• Critical thinking ability
• Motivation to work in security-related fields

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• CV
• Cover letter answering:
  1. Motivation for applying
  2. Influential book/article/thinker (200 words)
  3. Biggest extremist threat facing the UK (300 words)
• Declaration confirming compliance with AI policy

Important: Applications must reflect original thinking (no AI-generated content).

Application Deadline

• Deadline: June 5, 2026 (5 PM)
• Interviews: Late June 2026 (online)

Why This Fellowship Matters

This program stands out because it:

• Provides direct access to top national security experts
• Offers real-world understanding of policy-making
• Builds strong professional networks in the UK security sector
• Enhances career pathways in:
  • Government
  • Intelligence
  • Policy research
  • International relations

Important Insight

This opportunity is UK-focused.

• Strong interest in UK national security issues is essential
• Applicants should be comfortable engaging in policy debates and critical analysis

Also, the AI restriction means your application must be highly personal and original—generic answers will likely be rejected.

Final Insight

The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 is a high-impact, niche programme for those serious about careers in security and policy.

If you are aiming for roles in government, intelligence, or international security, this fellowship can provide rare access, insight, and networks at an early stage of your career.