Young people, age 25 to 40, from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine, are invited to apply for the John Smith Fellowship Programme. The aim of the Fellowship is to enable individuals to study political, judicial, constitutional, and other relative institutions and procedures in the United Kingdom (UK) and to share experiences of their own institutions with their peers and with British hosts. The intention of the Fellowship is to foster leadership qualities in an outstanding group of individuals who, on the completion of their Fellowship, will return home to apply what they have learnt during their time in the UK in order to foster better relations and understanding between the Fellowship countries and the UK and between the Fellowship countries and each other. The Fellowship Programme is open to political leaders, government or local government officials, journalists/media experts, lawyers, and influential young leaders from civil society or the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector. Candidates must demonstrate concern for good government and democratic values. Good written and English skills are necessary.

The fellowship covers all travel, lodging, meals, and other costs associated with participation in the programme. Please note that no provision is made for spouses or family.

The five-week Fellowship Programme combines a seminar series, placements, and visits designed to give an insight into democratic practice. Core themes include the rule of law, social justice, tolerance, and the need to extend democratic access to economically poor and disadvantaged groups. Fellows produce a project at the end of their stay indicating how lessons learned can be applied in their own countries.

Click here for more information on the programme.

Click here for more information on the application process.

To access a list of previous Fellows, click here.

The John Smith Fellowship Programme website on September 8 2009.