The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship is a week-long, in-person course run by the Counter Extremism Group (CEG) in central London. It aims to identify and support young people drawn to counter-terrorism and counter-extremism, and to guide them toward careers in national security and related fields in the UK. The 2026 cohort runs 7–11 September. Sessions are led by CEG experts, including Lord Carlile of Berriew, a former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.
Benefits & funding
- The course is free to attend.
- CEG covers travel costs within the UK.
- Six nights of accommodation are provided.
- A small daily per diem is paid.
- A week of teaching on the terrorism threat, extremist ideology, why people radicalise, counter-terrorism policy, national defence, and how journalism covers extremism.
- Direct contact with senior counter-terrorism practitioners and a peer network.
Eligibility
- Aimed at people at the start of their careers — typically students, recent graduates, or those in the first few years of professional life.
- No stated nationality, residency, age, or degree requirement.
- Financial support covers UK travel, so the course is oriented to applicants who can attend in London.
- CEG looks for intellectual curiosity and a serious motivation to engage with the challenges of extremism and terrorism.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Submit an application to CEG during the annual application window (the 2026 window closed on 5 June).
- 2Shortlisted applicants are interviewed online, during the last two weeks of June.
- 3Selected fellows attend the course in London in September.
Program timeline
Application deadline (2026 cycle)
Jun 5, 2026
Online interviews (last two weeks)
June 2026
Course begins (central London)
Sep 7, 2026
Course ends
Sep 11, 2026