Every year, young leaders, activists, and changemakers search for opportunities to sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and make a tangible impact in their communities. One of the most respected and impactful opportunities is the Oxfam Fellowship.
Although the official announcement for the 2025 Oxfam Fellowship has not yet been released, past editions of the fellowship give us a clear idea of what to expect. If you are considering applying, now is the perfect time to prepare.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the fellowship’s vision and benefits to eligibility criteria, past structures, and practical tips on getting ready for when the 2025 call is finally open.
What Is the Oxfam Fellowship
The Oxfam Fellowship is a prestigious leadership and development programme designed to empower young leaders, social innovators, and activists across the globe.
Supported by Oxfam International, a confederation of NGOs working to fight poverty, inequality, and injustice, the fellowship provides fellows with resources, mentorship, and a platform to amplify their voices.
Over the years, Oxfam has run different fellowship models across regions. For example:
- The Oxfam Young Leaders Fellowship (Asia) – focusing on youth activism, leadership, and civic participation.
- The Oxfam Feminist Fellowship (Southern Africa) – focusing on feminist leadership, advocacy, and transformative community action.
Each programme has its unique focus, but all share the same goal: to nurture young changemakers and prepare them to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Why the Fellowship Matters in 2025
The year 2025 will come at a critical moment for the world. With climate change intensifying, economic inequality widening, and human rights being challenged in many regions, the need for strong voices of leadership and innovation is more urgent than ever.
Oxfam’s fellowship provides:
- A platform for young leaders to share ideas and push for social justice.
- Training in leadership and advocacy, ensuring fellows can transform their passion into tangible action.
- An international network of peers and mentors to collaborate on solutions that cut across borders.
This makes the Oxfam Fellowship one of the most impactful opportunities for emerging leaders who want to make change in 2025 and beyond.
Who Can Apply? (Expected Eligibility for 2025)
While exact details for the 2025 cycle are not yet published, past editions give us a strong guide. Applicants are usually:
- Young leaders or activists: Most fellowships target people under 30, with some setting the cut-off age at 27.
- Residents or citizens of eligible regions: Depending on the cycle, eligibility has been limited to Asia, Africa, or other focus regions.
- Community-focused: Applicants must show they are actively working on projects or advocacy related to issues like climate change, gender justice, poverty alleviation, civic participation, or digital rights.
- Committed to the full programme: Fellows are expected to commit several hours a month, attend workshops (sometimes in-person), and engage in training and mentorship.
- Fluent in English: Since Oxfam works globally, English has been a required language of instruction in past cycles.
If you are active in any of these areas and meet the age criteria, you are likely to be eligible for the 2025 cycle.
What Do Fellows Receive?
Past cycles of the fellowship show that Oxfam invests heavily in its fellows. While benefits vary by region, here’s what you can expect from the Oxfam Fellowship 2025:
1. Financial Support
- In past editions, fellows received stipends to support their time and commitment. For example, the 2024 Young Leaders Fellowship offered USD 3,600 across nine months.
2. Training & Mentorship
- Fellows receive world-class training on leadership, project management, advocacy, feminist theory, media engagement, and more.
- Mentorship is provided by seasoned activists, professionals, and Oxfam staff.
3. Global Networking
- Fellows connect with peers from across the world, building networks that last long after the programme ends.
4. Project Development
- Many cycles encourage fellows to design or scale up community projects, offering seed funding or institutional support.
5. Visibility & Influence
- Fellows often get opportunities to write, speak, or showcase their work on Oxfam platforms, gaining international recognition.
How Is the Programme Structured?
Past Oxfam fellowships have followed a structure similar to this:
- In-Person Induction: Fellows gather for a week of workshops, orientation, and networking (often held in a regional hub like Bangkok or Johannesburg).
- Monthly Online Sessions: Fellows meet virtually for training on advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement.
- Mentorship Period: Each fellow is paired with mentors who help guide their projects and personal development.
- Community Building: Fellows are tasked with building networks of young leaders or activists in their home countries.
- Project Delivery: Fellows implement or refine a project during the fellowship period.
- Closing Convening: At the end of the fellowship, fellows present their work, share lessons, and plan next steps.
The 2025 edition is expected to maintain a similar structure, with adjustments depending on global events and Oxfam’s focus areas.
Key Focus Areas Likely in 2025
Oxfam’s work revolves around fighting inequality, climate justice, and promoting rights. Based on global trends and Oxfam’s priorities, the 2025 fellowship may focus on:
- Climate Justice & Environmental Sustainability: Supporting young climate leaders.
- Gender Equality & Feminist Leadership: Promoting feminist voices in advocacy and community action.
- Digital Rights & Artificial Intelligence: Addressing how technology affects inequality and civic space.
- Economic Justice & Livelihoods: Empowering communities against poverty and exploitation.
- Civic Participation & Youth Leadership: Strengthening youth voices in governance and policy.
Applicants should keep these themes in mind when preparing their application.
How to Prepare for the Oxfam Fellowship 2025
Since the programme hasn’t opened yet, the best thing you can do now is prepare early. Here are the steps to take:
1. Strengthen Your Profile
- Get actively involved in community projects, campaigns, or organizations.
- Documenting your achievements, photos, reports, or media coverage can strengthen your application.
2. Sharpen Your Story
- Oxfam looks for people with authentic stories of change. Think about your journey: What challenges have you faced? What motivates you? How has your work made an impact?
3. Build Networks
- Connect with other activists, NGOs, or social change groups. Being part of a network shows that you can amplify your impact.
4. Follow Oxfam Updates
- Regularly check Oxfam International’s Website and regional Oxfam offices.
- Follow Oxfam on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook; announcements are often posted there first.
5. Prepare Documents
- Update your CV.
- Draft a personal statement outlining your vision and goals.
- Prepare references from mentors or colleagues.
Why You Should Apply
The Oxfam Fellowship is more than just a training programme, it’s a life-changing journey. Past fellows have gone on to lead national campaigns, launch NGOs, and influence global policy discussions.
By joining the fellowship, you:
- Gain tools to fight inequality more effectively.
- Build friendships and collaborations across borders.
- Receive recognition for your work.
- Become part of Oxfam’s global movement for justice.
If you are passionate about creating change, the Oxfam Fellowship 2025 could be your platform to shine.
Conclusion
The Oxfam Fellowship 2025 is not yet open, but history shows it will be one of the most exciting opportunities for young leaders in the coming year. By preparing early, sharpening your story, building your network, and staying engaged with Oxfam’s platforms, you can position yourself as a strong candidate when the call finally arrives.
Whether you are working on climate action, gender justice, digital rights, or economic equality, this fellowship can provide the mentorship, resources, and visibility you need to take your impact to the next level.
Stay alert, stay prepared, and when the announcement comes, step forward boldly. The world is waiting for your leadership.
What’s your take on this? We believe this article was helpful. If so, don’t hesitate to share this information with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and other social platforms.