Fully Funded London-Based Chatham House Leadership Masterclass Programme 2025–26: Shape Global Policy

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The Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership in International Affairs at Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) is now accepting applications for its flagship Leadership Masterclass Programme 2025–26. This esteemed nine‑month, part‑time professional development initiative equips early‑ to mid‑career professionals with the strategic know‑how, network, and confidence to influence global policy and drive meaningful change.

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Table of Contents

Programme Overview

Duration: Early October 2025 to June 2026, with a winter holiday break.
Format: Hybrid, based in London at Chatham House, with in‑person sessions mainly on Thursdays between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Most weeks involve approximately 2.5 hours of programming, with a maximum weekly commitment of 6 hours in intensive weeks.
Eligibility: Designed for government, NGO, business, media, civil society, or academic professionals. Applicants should have a global policy orientation and demonstrate leadership potential and ambition. No formal age limit applies.

What’s in Store for Participants

Induction Day
A dynamic orientation introduces participants to Chatham House’s mission and programme structure, setting the tone for immersive engagement.
Discussion Seminars
Participants engage with subject-matter experts to dissect contemporary international affairs challenges. These sessions are often participant‑led, offering an environment to sharpen critical thinking and peer collaboration.
Leadership Workshops
Through half‑day sessions, fellows explore leadership themes like “Leadership in a New Role” and “Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”
Personal Development Coaching
One‑to‑one coaching enables participants to clarify personal goals and work systematically towards them over the nine‑month period.
Media Training
Participants refine their media presence with mock TV and radio interviews, receiving tailored feedback on communication and presentation skills.
Leadership Briefings
Informal embedments with global leaders from government, business, media, and non‑profit sectors foster thoughtful conversation on leadership experiences.
(Optional) Career Mentoring
For those seeking extra guidance, one-on-one mentoring is available to enrich career direction and strategic decisions.

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Why It Matters

Fully Funded: The programme is cost-free for participants—covering tuition and training.
Membership: Fellows receive Individual Membership of Chatham House during the programme and for two years after completion, granting continued access to the institution’s resources and events.
Professional Support: Ongoing coaching helps fellows grow beyond the classroom.

Eligibility Streams

Asfari Foundation Stream
Open to citizens of Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen, provided they are based in London.
International Strategy Forum Stream
Limited to alumni of the International Strategy Forum Fellowship, now based in London.

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Commitment Expectations

Participants must:

Attend at least 70% of the sessions in person (unless agreed otherwise).
Actively contribute to discussions and network insightfully.
Make use of the programme’s rich coaching, mentorship, and peer structures to maximize their leadership journey.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should:

Be based in London with the availability for in‑person attendance.
Have demonstrated leadership potential and work or aspiration in fields requiring global policy understanding.
Align with Chatham House’s mission—committed to evidence-based solutions to global challenges.
Articulate how this Masterclass fits their career trajectory and amplifies their impact in their sector.
Diversity and cohort balance are key considerations.

Important Dates

Application Window: 15 August 2025 (12 pm) to 26 August 2025 (11:59 pm BST).
Rolling Review: Early applications encouraged—slots may fill before the closing date.

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Final Thought

The Leadership Masterclass Programme 2025–26 is more than leadership training—it’s an incubator for changemakers seeking to navigate the complexities of global affairs with confidence and influence. With world-class coaching, peer networks, and a legacy institution like Chatham House behind it, the programme opens unparalleled doors.