Fortis Fellowship 2027: Applications Open for Emerging Global Leaders
The Fortis Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications from emerging leaders who want to make a significant, positive impact in their communities and across the world. The programme offers a five-month fellowship combining mentorship, professional development, networking and opportunities to connect with an international community of changemakers.
Successful applicants will join a global cohort, receive one-to-one mentorship from a Fortis Society member and participate in professional learning workshops. The fellowship culminates in a two-day Fellows Retreat in Medellín, Colombia, followed by the Fortis Summit in June 2027.
After completing the fellowship, participants become lifetime members of the Fortis Society.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026.
About the Fortis Fellowship
The Fortis Fellowship is the entry pathway for new members joining the Fortis Society. It is designed for individuals from humble beginnings who demonstrate ambition, generosity and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
The programme welcomes applicants from different professional backgrounds and sectors. You do not need to be nominated, have institutional endorsement or hold a university degree to apply.
The fellowship aims to help emerging leaders strengthen their professional networks, develop their leadership capabilities and increase the impact of their work.
Fellowship Structure and Benefits
The fellowship runs for five months, from January to June 2027, and includes:
- One-to-one mentorship: Fellows are paired with an existing Fortis Society member.
- Professional development: Participate in training sessions and workshops addressing real professional challenges.
- Brain trusts: Engage with other fellows and members to exchange ideas and perspectives.
- International networking: Build relationships with professionals across sectors and continents.
- Fellows Retreat: Participate in two days of cohort activities and training in Medellín, Colombia.
- Fortis Summit: Attend the annual gathering of the wider Fortis Society in June 2027.
- Lifetime membership: Become a member of the Fortis Society after completing the fellowship.
The fellowship, cohort programming and Summit are funded. There is no application fee.
Eligibility Criteria
The Fortis Fellowship welcomes applicants from all countries and professional sectors. It is particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate the following four qualities:
1. Humble beginnings
Applicants should come from low-income backgrounds and have demonstrated initiative in creating opportunities for themselves, particularly where they have had limited access to support or resources.
2. An altruistic focus
Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others. Their impact may come through professional work, business, government, healthcare, education, the arts or other sectors.
3. Ambition at scale
Applicants should have a clear vision of the change they want to create and evidence that they have already started working towards it.
4. Generosity
The Society values people who are willing to support others by sharing knowledge, making introductions and contributing to the success of fellow members.
There is no formal education requirement, and applicants from different career stages are welcome. However, new cohorts typically include individuals with one to five years of full-time work experience.
The programme particularly encourages applications from people working in the arts, education, government and healthcare.
Application Requirements
Applicants will be asked to submit the following:
- Resume or portfolio: A document demonstrating your professional experience, achievements and work.
- Written responses: Three short answers explaining your background, ambitions and future direction.
- Short introductory video: A two-minute video introducing yourself, recorded using a phone or laptop.
- Virtual interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to speak with the recruitment committee.
Most applicants spend approximately two to three hours completing the application.
Selection Process
The selection process has three stages:
Stage 1: Application
Applications are evaluated by members of the Fortis Society against the four selection pillars: humble beginnings, altruistic focus, ambition at scale and generosity.
Stage 2: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will participate in virtual interviews with the recruitment committee between November and December 2026.
Stage 3: Final decision
Membership decisions will be communicated by the end of January 2027. Successful candidates will be matched with mentors and begin their fellowship journey.
Fellowship Location and Time Commitment
The five-month fellowship includes virtual mentorship, learning sessions and professional activities from January to June 2027.
Participants should expect approximately two to four hours of monthly virtual sessions and mentorship, followed by four full days in Medellín, Colombia, for the Fellows Retreat and Fortis Summit.
The programme is conducted in English.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 8 November 2026
- Interview period: November–December 2026
- Membership decisions: By the end of January 2027
- Fellowship period: January–June 2027
- Fortis Summit: June 2027, Medellín, Colombia
How to Apply for the Fortis Fellowship 2027
Interested candidates can apply directly through the official Fortis Society application portal. A nomination is not required, and nominated candidates must still complete the standard application process.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026.
