✦ Fully Funded
🇬🇧 London, UK
National Security · CEG
⏰ Deadline: Jun 5
Young Leaders in
National Security
Fellowship 2026 — London
📅 Sep 7–11, 2026
📍 Central London, UK
🏛 Counter Extremism Group (CEG)
✍️ LeapLearn Academy
📅
Sep 7–11, 2026
1 Week in London
⏰
June 5, 2026
Deadline 5pm
💸
Free + Funded
No Fee
The CEG Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, week-long programme in central London run by the Counter Extremism Group (CEG). It is headed by Lord Carlile of Berriew — one of the UK’s most eminent national security experts — and offers unparalleled access to former intelligence chiefs, policymakers, journalists, and academics. The course is completely free, with travel, accommodation, and a daily per diem all covered.
This fellowship is designed for those at the beginning of their careers — students, recent graduates, and early-stage professionals — who are seriously considering a future in counter-terrorism, national security, or counter-extremism in the UK. It is not a theoretical seminar; it is a direct, immersive conversation with the people who shape national security policy.
💰 What Is Covered?
The fellowship is entirely free. CEG covers all essential costs so you can focus entirely on learning:
🚂
UK Travel CostsTravel costs within the UK to and from London fully reimbursed
🏨
6 Nights AccommodationSix nights of hotel accommodation in central London
💷
Daily Per DiemA small daily allowance provided throughout the programme
🎓
Free ProgrammeZero course fees — the entire fellowship is completely free of charge
🏛️
Expert AccessDirect access to top intelligence officials, policymakers, and academics
🤝
Professional NetworkA lifelong network of peers and mentors in UK national security
✅ No application fee. The entire programme is free. CEG covers travel within the UK, accommodation, and a daily per diem for all selected fellows.
📚 What Will You Learn?
The curriculum is delivered by leading voices in UK national security and covers:
🎯
The Terrorism Threat
The nature and evolution of terrorism in the UK and globally today
🧠
Roots of Extremism
Why people join extremist groups and what drives radical ideology
🗣️
Free Speech & Security
How counter-terrorism intersects with civil liberties and free expression
⚖️
Policy in Practice
How counter-terrorism and counter-extremism policies actually get made
📰
Media & Extremism
How journalists approach and cover extremism and terrorism stories
🔍
Intelligence & Operations
Insight from former intelligence chiefs on real-world security operations
📋 Who Can Apply?
CEG is looking for exceptional early-career individuals who are serious about a future in UK national security. The fellowship welcomes applicants from policy, academic, operational, and media pathways:
✓Students, recent graduates, or those in the first few years of professional life
✓Interested in a career in counter-terrorism, national security, or counter-extremism in the UK
✓Strong intellectual curiosity and willingness to take clear, well-reasoned positions
✓Motivated to engage critically with extremism challenges and contribute to real-world responses
✓Open to all backgrounds: policy, academic, operational, or media pathways welcome
⚠️ Important: CEG explicitly states that AI tools must NOT be used to generate your application. All submissions must reflect your own thinking, voice, and experience. Applications that appear generic or AI-generated may be rejected.
🎓
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🚨
Application Deadline: June 5, 2026 at 5pm
Interviews will take place online in the last two weeks of June. Start your application early — this is highly competitive.
📝 How to Apply — Step by Step
1
Visit the official CEG fellowship pageRead all requirements carefully at counterextremism.org.uk
2
Prepare your CV and cover letterYour cover letter must explain (a) why you want to join, and (b) which article, book, or thinker has most shaped your views on terrorism or extremism
3
Write a 500-word essay on the set topicCheck the official page for the current essay question — answer in your own authentic voice
4
Include a GenAI compliance declarationA written declaration confirming you have NOT used AI tools to write your application
5
Email all documents before June 5, 2026 at 5pmSend as a Word or PDF attachment to: mail@counterextremism.org.uk
Ready to Apply?
Deadline: June 5, 2026 at 5pm · Fully free · Central London · Sep 7–11, 2026
🚀 Apply Now — Official CEG Page
Counter Extremism Group · London, UK · September 2026
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a UK citizen to apply?›
The fellowship is focused on careers in UK national security, but CEG welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. What matters most is your genuine interest in and commitment to pursuing a career in counter-terrorism or national security in the UK. Check the official CEG page for the most current nationality requirements.
Why can’t I use AI to write my application?›
CEG is specifically selecting for intellectual curiosity, personal voice, and authentic thinking. Applications that appear generic or AI-generated will be rejected. The selection panel is looking for how YOU think about national security — not how a language model does. Your own perspective is your greatest asset here.
What format should I submit my application in?›
All documents should be sent as attached Word (.docx) or PDF files by email to mail@counterextremism.org.uk before the deadline of 5pm on June 5, 2026. Do not use online submission portals — email your documents directly to CEG.
When will I know if I have been selected?›
Online interviews will take place in the last two weeks of June 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the June 5 deadline to arrange their interview time.
Do I need experience in national security to apply?›
No prior professional experience in national security is required. The fellowship is specifically designed for those at the beginning of their careers. CEG welcomes applicants from policy, academic, operational, and media pathways. What matters most is your drive, intellectual honesty, and genuine commitment to this field.
🎓
Need Professional Application Support?
LeapLearn Academy Consulting Service is ready to help you craft an authentic, compelling cover letter and essay that truly reflects your own thinking.
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Published by LeapLearn Academy · Bringing global opportunities to you
Information sourced from counterextremism.org.uk · Last updated April 2026
