The Programme covers the following broad subject areas:

• Representative government in a democracy
• Citizenship, law and rights
• Civil society and the popular voice
• Business and public life
• International institutions.

The main criteria for suitability are:

Age: 25-35 years
Language proficiency: English at IELTS level 6 or above.
Experience: Candidates should have work experience, and MUST be in employment at the time of application.
Professional background: Candidates should be employed in politics, central government, local government or economic development, the media, law (especially the area of Human Rights) or the NGO sector.
Proven leadership and influence now or in the future: Candidates should be people who have real prospects of advancement in their careers and should have the potential to make an impact on society.
Activism in political/social development: Candidates must show evidence of active participation in politics or civil society, and point to accomplishments.
Team players: Successful candidates must be team players with a desire to work with and learn from other Fellows.
Good presentational skills: Candidates should be confident in speaking and able to present their ideas clearly.
Computer literacy: Basic IT skills and an ability to communicate by email are essential.

1. Introductory week in Edinburgh, Scotland
2. Intensive two-week Seminar Series on the political process in an established democracy.
3. Planning and preparation of “individual action plans” setting out how insights gained in the UK can be turned into concrete developments applied at home.
4. Weekend conference providing an opportunity to explore issues of mutual interest and concern with invited guests from the UK.
5. Two weeks of individual placements with suitable organisations or individuals such as NGOs, politicians, central government, local administration or the media.
6. Final week in London with visits to Parliament and other institutions, and opportunities to analyse collective experience.
7. Fellows present their projects to representatives of the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the John Smith Trust and the British Council.

1. Application form
2. A recent passport-sized photograph (in colour)
3. Photocopies of academic certificates (and translations if relevant)
4. Letters from two referees, of which at least one should be professional.

Selection is carried out in three stages:

1. The applications are shortlisted based on an assessment against the published criteria
2. All shortlisted candidates are interviewed in country
3. Selected candidates are invited to the IELTS test.

We strongly advise that you do not bring any family members to the United Kingdom during the period of your fellowship. The period of study is very intense and it is important that you are able to give it your full attention.

There are no additional allowances for partners, spouses, children or other dependants. If any members of your family wish to accompany you, they must have enough funding to meet all their living expenses.