In spring 2027, Eisenhower Fellowships will assemble a diverse group of visionaries from across the globe and invite them to the United States for a unique nearly six-week program with both in-person and virtual components. Fellows will develop a project, foster professional relationships and launch dynamic, concrete collaborations with their American counterparts, their class and the prestigious EF network of over 1,900 active Fellows.

Fellows are selected based on their track record of leadership, their potential for future impact and their commitment to lifelong engagement with Eisenhower Fellowships to advance our mission of enhancing international understanding through dialogue to build a world more peaceful, prosperous and just.

Eligibility Criteria and Important Considerations:

• Eligible candidates must have citizenship and/or current residence for at least five years in the country that they are applying to represent on fellowship. If an applicant currently resides in the United States, they are not eligible for our international programs
• If an applicant does not reside in or have citizenship in a country where EF is currently active, they must demonstrate that their work has regional impact and obtain a letter of recommendation from a member of the EF global network in order to be considered. Please see here for a list of countries where the EF Network is currently active.
• Priority is given to applicants within our age range of focus: 32-45 years of age at the time of the program. This is one of many criteria we consider. Candidates who are slightly above or below the target range will still be considered if they excel in the other criteria.
• Strong proficiency in the English language is required.
• Selected Fellows must obtain approval from their workplace to go on leave and make a full-time commitment for the duration of the in-person program at the time of acceptance. Breaks from program are only permitted in the event of a dire personal or family emergency. We tentatively anticipate this program taking place over nearly six weeks from early April 2027 through mid-May 2027.
• Children are not permitted on fellowship under any circumstances. EF does not fund spousal travel.
• We will not consider a candidate who has had any fellowship within the previous two years of applying to EF.
• Fellows cannot use the fellowship to make business deals, solicit funds for their projects or seek any sort of financial support. 
• Please note that use of generative AI/ChatGPT in the writing of any essay portion of the EF application is prohibited. All outside sources must be properly cited. An applicant suspected of using generative AI/ChatGPT in their application essays will not advance to the next stage of consideration for the fellowship.

Timeline:

• Apply: April 13 - May 29, 2026

• Review and Virtual Interviews: June - August 2026

• Selection: September 2026

• In-Person Program: Will tentatively take place over five-and-a-half weeks from early April - mid-May 2027, during which selected Fellows will be required to make a full-time commitment to our in-person program in the United States.

For more information please visit https://www.efworld.org/apply-now/.