The Richard and Susan Hayden Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded ten-month international fellowship at Chatham House – the Royal Institute of International Affairs — in London, UK, running from October 2026 to July 2027. Open to early- to mid-career professionals of all nationalities from academia, NGOs, government, business, media, or civil society, the fellowship provides a monthly stipend of £2,365 alongside relocation costs, visa fees, NHS surcharge coverage, and research expenses. No application fee is required. The deadline is 7 April 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded International Research Fellowship |
| Organising Body | Chatham House — Royal Institute of International Affairs |
| Mode | Offline (Full-time, in-person) |
| Duration | 10 Months |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 April 2026 |
About the Program
The Richard and Susan Hayden Fellowship 2026 is hosted by Chatham House, one of the world’s foremost independent policy institutes, whose mission is to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world. The fellowship is structured around three concurrent workstreams — personal research, collaborative contribution to Chatham House’s ongoing programs, and a structured Leadership Masterclass Programme – ensuring fellows develop simultaneously as independent researchers and globally engaged policy professionals.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Must hold a completed Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Must have prior experience conducting research
- Open to applicants from all nationalities worldwide with no age restriction
Experience & Other Conditions
- Applicants must be at early- to mid-career stage in their professional trajectory
- Professional background must be in academia, NGOs, government, media, business, or civil society
- Must demonstrate a strong and sustained interest in international affairs
- Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to global impact
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | £2,365 per month covering accommodation, utilities, food, and transport in London |
| Relocation Costs | Flights, train or other transport to and from the UK, and up to three nights of accommodation covered |
| Visa Costs | Relocation visa expenses reimbursed |
| NHS Surcharge | UK Immigration Healthcare Surcharge paid by Chatham House, granting NHS access |
| Research & Dissemination | Fieldwork, travel, conferences, publications, roundtables, and events covered |
| Leadership Programme | Full access to the structured Leadership Masterclass Programme |
| Personal Coaching | One-on-one personal development and career coaching sessions |
Topics / Themes Covered
The fellowship is structured across three core workstreams with the Leadership Masterclass Programme covering the following areas:
- Independent research project design and completion under expert Chatham House guidance (60% of fellow’s time)
- Contribution to ongoing Chatham House research activities and host team support (20% of fellow’s time)
- Leadership Masterclass Programme comprising thematic sessions, leadership skills workshops, and leadership briefings (20% of fellow’s time)
- Policy impact, stakeholder mapping, crisis management, and negotiation skills workshops
- Media training for TV and radio interviews including mock sessions with feedback
- Personal development coaching and optional career mentoring
Selection Process
- Online application submitted via the official Chatham House Hayden Fellowship portal before 7 April 2026
- Evaluation based on academic excellence, demonstrated research experience, and leadership potential
- Assessment of commitment to global impact and alignment with Chatham House’s international affairs mission
- No application fee is required at any stage
How to Apply
- Visit the official Chatham House Richard and Susan Hayden Fellowship 2026 application portal.
- Complete the online application form with your academic background, professional experience, and research interests.
- Ensure your application clearly demonstrates your research experience, international affairs interest, and leadership potential.
- Submit your completed application before the 7 April 2026 deadline; no application fee is required.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 24 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 April 2026 |
| Fellowship Start | October 2026 |
| Fellowship End | July 2027 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Richard and Susan Hayden Fellowship 2026 Official Application Portal |
| Official Website | Chatham House — Royal Institute of International Affairs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Richard and Susan Hayden Fellowship 2026?
Early- to mid-career professionals of all nationalities holding at least a Bachelor’s degree with research experience, working in academia, NGOs, government, media, business, or civil society are eligible; notably, there is no age restriction.
What does the Richard and Susan Hayden Fellowship 2026 cover financially?
Fellows receive £2,365 monthly, with relocation flights, visa costs, NHS surcharge, and all research and dissemination expenses also fully covered by Chatham House.
How is a fellow’s time structured during the ten months?
Fellows dedicate 60% of their time to an independent research project, 20% to collaborative Chatham House research, and 20% to the structured Leadership Masterclass Programme.
What does the Leadership Masterclass Programme include?
The programme covers policy impact, stakeholder mapping, crisis management, negotiation skills, media training, thematic expert sessions, leadership briefings, personal development coaching, and optional career mentoring.
Is there an application fee for the Richard and Susan Hayden Fellowship 2026?
No – the Richard and Susan Hayden Fellowship 2026 requires no application fee, and all fellowship-related costs are fully covered by Chatham House.