Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Q. Is there a set of criteria that candidates must meet?
A. The Trust aims to recruit high-flying and influential young leaders who will make a substantial impact on the future development of their countries. The Fellowship Programme is open to political leaders, government or local government officials, journalists/media experts, lawyers and influential young leaders from civil society or the NGO sector. The “ideal” candidate will be aged 25-40, with a track record of concern for good governance and promoting democratic values.
Q. What level of English do applicants need in order to be accepted on the Fellowship Programme?
A. Good written and spoken English is essential. A minimum level of IELTS of 6.0 is normally needed for successful candidates. We may require you to take an IELTS test at the final stage of the selection process. This only applies to applicants who have been a) short listed for interview and b) selected by the interview panel for inclusion in our final short list. Not all finalists are required to sit a test. However, the interview panel reserves the right to require a test at their discretion. The costs of testing must be met by the candidate.
Please note that IELTS testing is not an indicator of selection for the John Smith Fellowship Programme. Selection for IELTS testing does not infer that a place on the Fellowship Programme has been secured. Similarly, exemption from IELTS testing does not indicate that the interview has been unsuccessful or that a place on the Fellowship Programme has been secured.
Q. Do you accept candidates from countries outside the Trust’s seven fellowship countries?
A. No. The Trust can only accept applications from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.
Q. My nationality is one of the following: Armenian/Azerbaijani/Georgian/Kyrgyz/Moldovan/Russian/Ukrainian but I currently live and work in another Fellowship country – can I still apply for the Fellowship Programme?
A. Yes, you are eligible to apply as a candidate of your country of residence.
Q. My nationality is one of the following: Armenian/Azerbaijani/Georgian/Kyrgyz/Moldovan/Russian/Ukrainian but I am currently living overseas – can I still apply for the Fellowship Programme?
A. The Trust recruits young leaders who will make a substantial impact on the future development of their countries. Therefore, applicants must be resident in a Fellowship country and in employment in that country.
Q. I am under 25 years old/over 40 years old, can I still apply?
Yes, applicants outside this range can apply. Please note that the Trust aims to recruit influential young leaders who have the experience and potential necessary to make a substantial impact on the future development of their country. Younger applicants may be encouraged to apply again in the future.
Please note that the candidates selected are those who the Trust feel will make the largest long term impact to their country's development and not the development of their own careers.
Submitting your Application
Q. What is the deadline for applications?
A. The application deadline for the 2012 Programme is 31st December 2011.
Q. Do I submit my application to the John Smith Memorial Trust or to the British Council?
A. Applications must be submitted to the John Smith Memorial Trust. For further details see our How To Apply page.
After your application has been submitted
Q. When are candidates notified if there application has been successful?
A. Candidates will be notified in January 2012 if they have been selected for interview. Interviews will take place in January / February 2012. Final selection will take place in mid-February.
Q. Can I apply again if my application has been unsuccessful?
A. Yes, applicants are often encouraged to re-apply again in future years.