In spring 2026, 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 1,800 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.

Typically, Fellows range between 32 and 45 years of age at the time of fellowship and are highly proficient in English. We seek Fellows who have the maturity to take advantage of this unique opportunity and represent Eisenhower Fellowships, as well as draw upon this experience to catapult them forward as impactful leaders for years to come.

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 2026 through mid-May 2026.
• 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.

NOTE: Eisenhower Fellows and other members of the EF global network are only permitted to recommend one candidate per application cycle.

Questions? Email us at apply@efworld.org