Introduction
Applications are now open for the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) programme for social-change leaders who are working to tackle inequality. Policymakers, researchers, activists, practitioners, artists, and movement-builders from around the world are invited to apply to the innovative, fully-funded, and inequalities-focused fellowship programme based at the International Inequalities Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Currently recruiting for its tenth cohort, the AFSEE Fellowship is aimed at mid-career social-change leaders who have at least seven years of experience in challenging inequalities. Applications are accepted from individuals working on any field of social and economic equity, including, but not limited to economic and social rights; sustainability and environmental justice; tax justice and economic alternatives; women’s, minority, and disability rights; rights to education; public policy; housing and urban inequalities; labour rights; community organising; arts and culture; and peacebuilding and transitional justice.
Launched in 2016, the AFSEE Programme aims to build a 400-strong inspiring community of Fellows over two decades. In its first nine cohorts, the programme has brought together over 150 change-makers from over 60 countries across the globe.
AFSEE Fellowship: A Catalyst for Change
The AFSEE Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for change-makers to pause, reflect, and revitalize their efforts in tackling social and economic inequalities. The program provides a platform for participants to:
In the words of Professor Armine Ishkanian, the AFSEE Executive Director, the fellowship aims to empower social-change leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive significant change in the future.
Areas of Focus
The AFSEE Fellowship is open to individuals working in various fields related to social and economic equity. These fields include, but are not limited to:
Two Distinct Tracks
The AFSEE Fellowship offers two tracks to accommodate the diverse needs and circumstances of applicants:
Lifelong Fellowship Community
Upon completing the AFSEE Fellowship, all Fellows join a lifelong fellowship community comprising members from all seven Atlantic Fellows programs worldwide. This network continues to provide support, opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connection to like-minded individuals committed to creating a more equitable world.
Program Impact and Vision
The AFSEE Fellowship provides participants with a holistic perspective on addressing today’s inequalities and driving systemic change. Fellows engage with leading scholars and practitioners, sharing their experiences and insights. Together, they work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive world for everyone.
The Atlantic Fellows Initiative
Launched in 2017, Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity is generously supported by a £64 million grant over 20 years from The Atlantic Philanthropies. The program aims to create a vibrant community of 400 Fellows over two decades. To date, the AFSEE program has brought together 116 change-makers from 49 countries, uniting individuals from Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, North and South America. As part of the broader Atlantic Fellows network, AFSEE fosters collaboration among changemakers to advance fairer, healthier, and more inclusive societies globally.
Application Timeline
2026–27 Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity application timeline:
13 October 2025: Applications open
20 October 2025: Information Webinar
Mid-November 2025: Application Tips Webinar
16 January 2026: Applications close
23 January 2026: Reference submission deadline
Mid-March 2026: Interview invitations sent
Mid-April 2026: Final decisions announced
Mid-June 2026: 2026–27 Cohort announced
Learn More and Apply
After the active fellowship year, Fellows start their Senior Fellowship journeys, where they have access to a variety of funding, initiatives, and collaborative projects to support their professional development, learning, and knowledge exchange, and to expand their networks. They also join the wider Atlantic Fellows community made up of members of all seven Atlantic Fellows programmes worldwide.
🔗 Register for our Information Webinar (Monday 20 October, 2-3:30 pm UK time): https://lse.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UcOIN0u6TfqNT1G0NkepFw#/registration
Deadline: Applications for the 2024-25 programme will close at 5pm (UK time) on 11 January 2024.
How to Apply: https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/apply
Learn more: https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/apply
Can I apply if I don’t have an undergraduate degree?
Applicants applying to the Residential track of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme, must qualify for admission to the London School of Economics’ MSc in Inequalities and Social Science, which means that all applicants must have an undergraduate degree.
However, we aim to be inclusive and to encourage applications from non-traditional applicants to the Non-Residential track of the AFSEE Programme. We are therefore open to applications from applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree.
If you do not hold an undergraduate degree and are applying for the Non-Residential track, please note the following:
Are there any exceptions to the minimum English-language requirement?
All applicants to LSE degree courses must comply with UK Visa guidance regarding minimum English-language requirements, which is why we unfortunately cannot make any exceptions for Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity candidates.
Please note: Applicants are not required to sit an English-language test before they submit their application. However, successful applicants who have not met the English-language requirements can only take their place in the programme once they have achieved the required test score. The AFSEE Programme will reimburse the cost of any English language tests taken by offer holders who need to complete the test to meet the conditions of entry.
For more information, please see the English Language Requirement section of LSE website.
Is there an application fee for this fellowship?
There is no application fee for either track of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme. However, if you are planning to apply for the Residential track of the AFSEE Programme and you also wish to apply for another LSE degree programme with the same application, you will have to pay the standard LSE application fee of £95.
What kind of references do I need to provide, and when do I need to provide references?
LSE’s Admission Requirements state that two references, written in English, must be provided in support of an application for it to be considered. You must nominate two referees by providing their contact details in your online application and your nominated referees must then submit their references via LSE’s online system.
If you have completed all mandatory sections of the application form, you may submit your application before your referees have submitted their references. Please note, however, that all references must be submitted by the references deadline for your application to be considered for the fellowship.
Residential Fellows are usually required to provide two academic references. However, depending on when you completed your previous degree and which programme(s) you are applying to, you may be permitted to submit one professional and one academic reference, or two professional references, instead of two academic references.
Non-Residential Fellows are permitted to submit one professional and one academic reference, or two professional references, instead of two academic references.
Please see further information on references here.
What will happen after the fellowship year?
The Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity is a lifelong fellowship programme, meaning that both Residential and Non-Residential Fellows become Senior Fellows upon successful completion of their active fellowship year.
As Senior Fellows, they will be members of a global community that is committed to fighting inequalities and collaborating with each other. They will also receive coaching support, and access to a range of collaboration, learning, and funding opportunities.
AFSEE Senior Fellows also become part of a wider global community of Atlantic Fellows drawn from the seven Atlantic Fellows programmes, all working to challenge inequality in their regions and contexts. This global community is supported by the Atlantic Institute, which offers ongoing opportunities for connection, collaboration, and community to Senior Fellows.
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