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2026 Global Program
Application Open
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
2026 Global Program
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
2026 Global Scholars Program
Applications closed
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
2026 Global Scholars Program
The Eisenhower Global Scholars Program sends four American university graduates abroad annually for an academic year of postgraduate studies at two prestigious European universities, the University of Oxford and IE University in Madrid, Spain, leading to a master’s degree and immersion in the EF global network of Fellows.
Eisenhower Global Scholars, typically 20 to 30 years old, will spend a full academic year of intensive postgraduate study and hands-on work experience, leading to the following degrees:
- Master in Public Policy from the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford in England, for students focused on public service and effective governance.
- Master in International Relations from the School of Global Public Affairs at IE University in Spain, for students focused on the global economy, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Questions? Email us at scholars@efworld.org
2025 USA Program
Applications closed
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
2025 USA Program
In fall 2025, Eisenhower Fellowships will assemble a diverse group of visionaries from across the country and invite them for a unique four- or five-week program with both in-person and virtual components. The USA Program sends 10 – 12 outstanding mid-career American leaders abroad each year for meetings with leaders and experts in their respective fields in a relevant region of the world. Fellows will develop a project, foster professional relationships and launch dynamic, concrete collaborations with their international counterparts, their cohort and the prestigious EF network.
Since the fellowship focuses on ascendent mid-career professionals, applicants must be U.S. citizens and generally fall within the age range of 32 – 45 years old. Candidates are recruited from all sectors and professional backgrounds. Successful candidates have a track record of achievement and demonstrate high potential for growth and broader impact. Candidates must identify a project or initiative they intend to develop during the fellowship and articulate how it will create positive impact.
Upon completion of fellowship travel, Fellows join the EF Global Network which is comprised of over 2,500 Fellows from 115 countries. EF’s board of trustees is composed of a distinguished group of senior international leaders in business and public affairs and chaired by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates.
Eligibility Criteria and Important Considerations:
- Must be U.S. citizens and/or permanent resident. If an applicant currently resides outside of the U.S., they are not eligible for our USA programs.
- 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.
- 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 the program are only permitted in the event of a dire personal or family emergency.
- Children are not permitted on fellowship under any circumstances. EF does not currently 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. EF already covers their expenses while on fellowship.
- 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
