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Q. What is the aim of the Churchill Travelling Fellowships?
A. The Fellowships are to enable men and women, from all walks of life and every corner of the UK to acquire knowledge and experience abroad. In the process they gain a better understanding of the lives and cultures of people overseas and, on their return, their expertise is enhanced greatly, as is their effectiveness at work and their contribution to the community.
Q. What are the conditions of a Churchill Fellowship?
A. Applicants should demonstrate that their project is feasible and worthwhile, and of benefit to their community and the UK on return.
Q. Am I eligible to apply?
A. You may apply if you are a British citizen (British Nationality Act 1981) and resident in the UK. (i.e. Great Britain and Northern Ireland).
Q. Under what circumstances may I not apply?
A. You may not apply if you require a grant to cover the attendance of courses, academic studies, student grants or gap year projects.
Q. Why can I not apply for a grant to cover the attendance of courses, academic studies, student grants or gap year projects?
A. Because the Trust was not set up to fund these projects.
Q. May I re-apply should I be turned down?
A. Yes, you may re-apply.
Q. If I am already a Churchill Fellow, may I re-apply another year?
Q. Are any special qualifications required?
Q. Is there any age limit?
A. The Trust does not accept applications from people under 18.
Q. What kind of people apply?
A. Everyone - no one is excluded as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q. I have an individual project I wish to undertake overseas. What is my next step?
A. You must make sure your project fits into one of the categories announced on the Internet, and then apply via the on-line Application Form.
Q. When do the new categories get announced on the Internet?
A. At the end of March 2010.
Q. How many applications does the Trust receive each year?
A. Depends on the categories, but the average over the past 10 years has been approximately 1,500.
Q. When is the closing date for applications?
A. In the first week of October.
Q. When do applicants get informed whether or not they have been short-listed for interview?
A. By the last week of November.
Q. When do the Interviews take place if I am short-listed?
A. Throughout the whole of January. Each category is allocated a specific day for interview and interviews last 20 minutes. Short listed applicants must attend.
Q. When will I hear whether I have been awarded a Churchill Fellowship?
Q. Will I be asked for references if I am short-listed?
A. Yes, we will send you appropriate forms for two referees to fill in and return to us.
Q. How many Fellowships are awarded each year?
Q. If I am successful, when can I start my Fellowship?
A. Fellows will be expected to begin their travels within a year of being awarded a Fellowship but not before 1 April. If you were awarded a Fellowship you would be issued with clear instructions as to the Trust’s requirements.
Q. What will my grant cover?
A. Your grant covers return airfare, daily living, insurance, travel within the countries being visited and, in exceptional cases, some assistance with home expenses.
Q. If I am awarded a Fellowship, how much will my grant be?
A. Each individual grant is calculated on the project, destination(s) to be visited and the duration of the Fellowship.
Q. Why do I have to travel overseas to do my Fellowship?
A. Because the Trust was set up specifically to fund overseas projects and not those in the UK (i.e. Great Britain and Northern Ireland).
Q. Could I travel to the Irish Republic on my Fellowship?
A. Yes; but travel to Northern Ireland is not covered as it forms part of the UK.
Q. Can people resident in Northern Ireland apply?
A. Yes: Northern Ireland forms part of the UK.
Q. How long can my stay overseas be?
A. Grants usually cover a stay overseas of between 4-8 weeks (minimum of 4 weeks).
Q. Do I have to arrange my own travel insurance?
A. No, the Trust will make sure you are properly insured, but in some cases Fellows may feel it more appropriate to arrange their own.
Q. May I make a joint application?
A. No. Fellowships are awarded to individuals not groups or teams.
Q. How many applications can I send in?
A. You can send in one application only, either via an online application or a printed blue application form. You cannot send in applications to more than one category.
Q. How do I get a blue hard copy of the application form?
A. You send us a stamped self-addressed envelope.
Q. What is expected of me when I return from my Fellowship?
A. You are expected on return to provide the Trust with a brief press release for your local newspapers and within six months of return send in a report on your Fellowship in order to become a fully-fledged Churchill Fellow.
Q. If I am short-listed and can't make the date of my interview, may I come on a different day?
A. Sorry but no. The Trust has a very tight interview programme and must interview all candidates. The particular dates will be posted on the Timetable page of this website as they are confirmed but in the meantime we urge all to avoid commitments in January as much as is possible.
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