The Fellowship Scheme has been sending young postgraduate economists to work in the public sectors of developing countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific on two-year contracts since 1963. It has worked in over 30 countries concentrating on those most in need and has helped over 700 economists into careers in development. The Scheme is expanding and 38 awards were made in 2007. Currently, 21 developing country governments and two regional bodies are partners in the Scheme.

The demand-led nature of the Scheme means that it is an attractive way for governments to build capacity in their public sectors and improve the execution of economic policy. Its excellent reputation and unique form of technical assistance means that it is held in high regard by the development community.

The costs of the Scheme are shared between the recipient government and ODI. ODI finances the Scheme primarily under grants provided by the Department for International Development (DFID) in the UK and AusAID.

Applications to the Fellowship Scheme

The deadline to apply for the ODI Fellowship Scheme 2008-10 was December 18th, 2007.

Applications for 2009-2011 placements will be invited towards the end of 2008. For more information on the Scheme please see About the Scheme

2006 - 2008 Fellows

You can download the current ODI Fellowship Scheme booklet 2008 for further information about the Scheme as a pdf by clicking here:

Fellowship Scheme booklet 2008

You can also download speeches by ex-Fellows about their Fellowship experiences. These were originally published for the Fellowship Scheme's ruby anniversary celebrations in 2003.