African Leadership Centre Associate Fellowship: A Path to Peace and Security Leadership

The African Leadership Centre (ALC) offers a valuable opportunity for African students interested in peace, security, and development. The Associate Fellowship in Peace, Security and Development is designed for those pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London. This program aims to cultivate a new generation of African leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to address complex challenges on the continent. By combining academic study with practical experience and mentorship, the fellowship provides a solid foundation for a career dedicated to positive change.

Understanding the ALC Associate Fellowship

Established in 2010, the African Leadership Centre is dedicated to building a community of transformative leaders and generating research that supports a new agenda for peace, security, and development in Africa. The Associate Fellowship is a key part of this mission. It is available to African students who are pursuing the full-time MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding program at King’s College London for the 2026/27 academic year. The fellowship is specifically for young Africans who aspire to careers in leadership, security, and development.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Successful applicants to the ALC Associate Fellowship receive significant support. The fellowship provides a bursary that covers 25 percent of the MSc tuition fees at King’s College London. Additionally, fellows receive £5,000 to help with living expenses while in London. The program itself is a blend of intensive academic learning and practical application. It includes rigorous research, impactful writing, and policy analysis focused on leadership, security, and development issues.

The learning experience is further enriched through a tailored mentoring program. This includes group mentoring sessions, simulation exercises, one-on-one guidance, peer-to-peer learning, institutional visits, and attachments. After completing the MSc program, fellows have the option to undertake a paid six-month attachment at a leading African university, regional organization, or center of excellence. This comprehensive approach ensures that associate fellows graduate with strong academic knowledge, research skills, mentorship training, and practical experience, all while building connections within a network of distinguished African experts.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the African Leadership Centre Associate Fellowship, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to certain values. These include promoting African-led ideas and processes of change, independent thinking, integrity, striving for excellence, recognizing youth agency, and respecting diversity. Applicants must be citizens of an African country and possess valid travel documents. A strong interest in pursuing a career in peace, security, and development is essential.

Securing an unconditional offer for the MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London is a prerequisite for fellowship confirmation. For many students from the global south, passing an English Language Proficiency Test is mandatory for admission to the MSc program. Furthermore, successful candidates must obtain a student visa to study in the UK.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply for both the Associate Fellowship and the MSc program separately. The application for the fellowship requires several key documents. Applicants need to complete an application questionnaire through the online system. A supporting statement of 500 to 750 words is required, detailing the applicant’s motivation for joining the program, their unique contributions, and their vision for contributing to change in their community or area of work.

Two letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by the referees before the deadline of May 24, 2026, at 23:59 EAT. A recent curriculum vitae, not exceeding two pages, is also necessary. Applicants should ensure all required documents are submitted to complete their application for this valuable fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the African Leadership Centre (ALC) Associate Fellowship?

It’s a program for African students at King’s College London focused on peace, security, and development, aiming to develop future leaders for the continent.

What financial support does the fellowship provide?

Fellows receive a bursary covering 25% of MSc tuition fees and £5,000 for living expenses in London.

Who is eligible for the ALC Associate Fellowship?

African citizens committed to promoting African-led change, with a strong interest in peace, security, and development, who have secured an offer for the MSc program.

How do I apply for the fellowship?

You need to apply separately for both the fellowship and the MSc program, submitting an application questionnaire, a supporting statement, two recommendation letters, and a CV.