Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme 2026/2028 for young professionals (Monthly Stipend )

Application Deadline: March 31st, 2026

The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme for the 2026/2028 cycle is now accepting applications. Established in 1963, the ODI Fellowship Scheme has successfully placed over 1,300 emerging professionals within government institutions worldwide. These placements span a diverse range of countries, including Colombia, the Solomon Islands, Uganda, and Uzbekistan, among others. ODI Fellows collaborate closely with their host agencies to advance key government priorities while fostering enduring relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

This fellowship represents a mutually beneficial partnership. Participants gain invaluable exposure by living and working in a foreign environment, enriching their professional and personal development. Many alumni leverage the skills and insights gained through the fellowship to pursue rewarding careers in development finance organizations, public sector roles, or advisory and investment firms.

ODI Fellows play a crucial role in bridging capacity gaps within their host institutions. They often bring specialized expertise or technical skills that might otherwise be scarce. Additionally, fellows help enhance collaboration networks involving governments, investors, and research bodies, facilitating stronger ties across these sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

The scheme welcomes applications from candidates of all nationalities who hold a master’s degree or PhD in economics, statistics, or closely related disciplines. Relevant postgraduate qualifications may include, but are not limited to, agricultural economics, environmental economics, international economics, health economics, development economics, as well as econometrics and statistics. Applicants currently pursuing postgraduate degrees may apply; however, final fellowship offers are contingent upon successful degree completion.

What the Fellowship Offers

• Monthly Stipend: Fellows are officially employed and remunerated by their host government agencies, with their work programs managed by local civil service personnel. In addition to this, ODI provides a monthly top-up allowance and housing support to the fellows.
• Professional Growth: The fellowship provides hands-on experience in public sector roles, deepening understanding of the host country’s policy environment, public service delivery challenges in low- and middle-income settings, and the dynamics of development aid from bilateral and multilateral donors. Through collaboration with local colleagues, fellows develop new technical competencies that fill organizational skills shortages. The practical nature of the program is highly valued by participants and future employers alike.
• International Exchange: Beyond technical work, the fellowship promotes cross-cultural and professional exchange among civil servants. Some ODI Fellows bring prior civil service experiences from other countries, and many transition to roles in large bureaucracies domestically or abroad after their fellowship.
• Career Advancement: The ODI Fellowship Scheme enjoys a prestigious reputation globally. Past fellows have built successful careers across multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations, as well as in academia, private sector firms, NGOs, and government agencies. A significant number also choose to continue their careers within their fellowship host countries.

Application and Selection Process Timeline

For additional details and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme.