Prestigious Fully Funded Eisenhower Fellowship 2026 In The U.S. For Mid-Career Professionals: Apply Now! -

About the Fully Funded Eisenhower Fellowship

Applications are now open for the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowships 2026 Global Program in the United States. This fully funded opportunity is designed for outstanding mid-career professionals seeking to expand their leadership skills, deepen their global networks, and launch impactful projects. The Fellowship offers a nearly six-week intensive leadership development experience, combining in-person sessions in the United States with virtual components. Selected Fellows will join an elite global network of over 1,800 distinguished leaders who are driving change in their communities and around the world.

The Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) Program is internationally recognized for its commitment to fostering international understanding through dialogue, collaboration, and the advancement of visionary leadership. The 2026 Global Program will assemble a dynamic, diverse group of changemakers from a variety of professional fields, offering them the opportunity to design and develop innovative projects while engaging with their American counterparts and the broader EF community.

Established in honor of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Eisenhower Fellowships have, for decades, empowered mid-career professionals to take their leadership journey to the next level. In spring 2026, a select group of Fellows from around the world will participate in an immersive program spanning nearly six weeks.

The program includes:

In-person meetings, seminars, and collaborative sessions across multiple cities in the United States.
Virtual sessions to enhance learning and collaboration before, during, and after the program.

Opportunities to develop an individual project aimed at creating positive, lasting impact within the Fellow’s community or professional sector.
Extensive interaction with American professionals, institutions, and the broader Eisenhower Fellowship alumni network.

The 2026 Global Program is specifically designed to connect Fellows with leaders across sectors, allowing them to forge meaningful relationships and initiate collaborative ventures that transcend national boundaries.

Upon completion, Fellows are expected to remain engaged with the EF network, continuing to contribute to the mission of promoting peace, prosperity, and justice through mutual understanding and shared action.

Eligible Fields

The Eisenhower Fellowships 2026 Global Program is open to mid-career professionals across all fields of endeavor. There are no restrictions based on professional background, industry, or sector.

Eligible fields include but are not limited to:

Government and Public Policy
Business and Entrepreneurship
Nonprofit and Civil Society Leadership

Science, Technology, and Innovation
Education
Health and Medicine

Arts and Culture
Environment and Sustainability
Media and Journalism

Law and Human Rights
International Relations and Development

Applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds and emerging fields are highly encouraged to apply, especially if their work demonstrates significant leadership potential and societal impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for the Eisenhower Fellowships 2026 Global Program:

Applicants must hold citizenship or have resided for at least five consecutive years in the country they intend to represent during the Fellowship.
Applicants currently residing in the United States are not eligible for the international programs.

Candidates from countries where EF is not currently active may still apply if they can demonstrate that their work has significant regional impact and provide a letter of recommendation from a member of the EF global network.
Applicants must fall within the preferred age range of 32 to 45 years at the time of the program. Exceptional candidates slightly outside this range may be considered based on the strength of their leadership track record.
A strong command of the English language is required, as the program is conducted entirely in English.

Selected Fellows must obtain full approval from their current employer for a leave of absence for the entire duration of the Fellowship.
Fellows must commit to full-time participation for the entire nearly six-week in-person component of the program, expected to take place from early April 2026 to mid-May 2026.
Children are not permitted to accompany Fellows during the program under any circumstances. Spousal travel is not funded.

Applicants who have completed any fellowship within the previous two years of applying to EF will not be considered eligible.
Fellows must not use the program for business deals, solicitation of funding, or seeking any form of financial support for their projects during their Fellowship experience.
The use of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for writing any part of the EF application essays is strictly prohibited. Applicants must ensure that all sources are properly cited where necessary. Suspected use of AI-generated content will result in immediate disqualification from the selection process.

These eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that the selected cohort is fully committed, capable, and ready to maximize the transformative potential of the Fellowship.

Selection Criteria

Candidates for the Eisenhower Fellowships 2026 Global Program will be evaluated based on the following selection criteria:

Demonstrated track record of leadership in their professional field, community, or country.

Clear evidence of potential for future impact, with an ability to drive meaningful, positive change at the local, regional, or global level.
Commitment to engaging with the Eisenhower Fellowships network long after the formal Fellowship concludes, contributing to its ongoing mission and activities.
Clarity, originality, and feasibility of the proposed project that the candidate intends to develop during the Fellowship.

Ability to think critically, adapt to different environments, and collaborate across cultures and sectors.
Professional excellence, integrity, and a demonstrated commitment to making a difference.
Willingness to embrace new ideas, share knowledge openly, and build lasting relationships across global networks.

Successful candidates will show not only leadership accomplishments but also the vision and dedication needed to use the Fellowship as a launching pad for broader societal impact.

Eligible Countries

Eligibility for the 2026 Global Program extends primarily to candidates from countries where the Eisenhower Fellowships network is currently active.

However, applicants from countries where EF is not active may still apply if:

Their work demonstrates significant regional impact, and
They secure a letter of recommendation from a current member of the EF network.

A full and up-to-date list of eligible countries can be found on the official Eisenhower Fellowships website. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to verify their eligibility early in the process to avoid disappointment.

Documents Required

At the time of application, candidates must submit the following materials through the online application portal:

A completed online application form, providing detailed information about professional background, leadership achievements, and project proposal.
Well-crafted essays responding to prompts about leadership journey, project goals, and motivations for seeking the Fellowship.

A professional resume or curriculum vitae summarizing educational background, professional experiences, awards, and publications if applicable.
Letters of recommendation as specified, particularly if applying from a country without an active EF network presence.
Proof of citizenship or long-term residency, if required.

Applicants should ensure that all parts of the application are original, thoroughly proofread, and fully compliant with the instructions, particularly the prohibition against the use of AI tools for writing application content.

Benefits of the Fully Funded Eisenhower Fellowship

The Eisenhower Fellowships 2026 Global Program offers numerous benefits to selected Fellows, including:

Full funding of the nearly six-week leadership development program in the United States, covering travel, accommodation, and program expenses.

Comprehensive exposure to diverse American institutions, thought leaders, and professional networks.
A personalized program schedule, tailored to the Fellow’s professional interests and project objectives.
Deep engagement with a prestigious global network of over 1,800 Fellows across 115 countries, providing opportunities for collaboration and lifelong connections.

Development of a strategic, actionable project that addresses a significant societal need or professional challenge.
Opportunities for skill-building in leadership, negotiation, collaboration, and project management.
A transformative personal and professional growth experience that extends far beyond the duration of the Fellowship.

Participation in the Eisenhower Fellowship is not just an award; it is a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and the promotion of international understanding.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should take the following steps to apply for the Eisenhower Fellowships 2026 Global Program:

Visit the official Eisenhower Fellowships website and navigate to the 2026 Global Program application portal.

Carefully review all eligibility and selection criteria to ensure alignment with Fellowship expectations.
Complete the online application form with detailed, thoughtful, and original responses.
Prepare and submit all required supporting documents, including essays, resume, and letters of recommendation if applicable.

Ensure that all application materials are submitted before the application deadline of May 16, 2025.
Await notification for the next stages of the selection process if shortlisted, which may include interviews and additional document verification.

Applicants are encouraged to start the application process early to allow sufficient time to reflect on their essays and proposed project ideas. Commitment to authenticity, vision, and impact will be key factors in the selection process.