McCain Global Leaders Fellowship Program (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the 2026 McCain Global Leaders Program, a prestigious 12-month fellowship offered by the McCain Institute at Arizona State University. It is ideal for mid- to senior-career professionals in fields related to global challenges like governance, human rights advocacy, international relations, or community development. The application deadline is March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

This fellowship is fully funded, covering all direct costs such as economy-class travel, accommodations, visas, and providing a stipend for incidental expenses—ensuring no financial burden on participants beyond their time commitment. It is open to applicants from all nationalities and professional backgrounds, with no age or minimum education requirements, though at least five years of professional experience is needed. There is no application fee, making it accessible. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host Countries: Three Countries, including Greece and Vietnam
• Program Type: 12-month non-residential fellowship combining virtual sessions, in-person study tours, and impact projects focused on global and regional themes.
• Host Organization: McCain Institute at Arizona State University (USA)
• Global Theme for 2026: “Advancing Freedom, Defending Rights, Creating Opportunity” — emphasizing solutions to global challenges in democracy and human rights.
• Nationality Eligibility: Open to all nationalities worldwide.
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST).

What This Fellowship Offers

• Full funding for program costs — All travel (economy class), hotels, visas, and other direct program expenses are completely covered — no out-of-pocket costs.
• Stipend for personal expenses — Extra money provided to cover incidental costs during the fellowship.
• Hands-on impact projects — Real-world experience where you work on projects that create positive change in your community or cause.
• Stronger leadership for the future — You finish the program as a more confident, skilled, and connected leader ready to tackle challenges in democracy, human rights, and freedom.

Also Check: Dubai Business Associates (DBA) Program 2026 (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria

• Professional Experience: At least five years in a mid- to senior-career role, demonstrating active engagement in creating positive change.
• Language Proficiency: Strong working proficiency in English, sufficient for reading complex materials, delivering presentations, and participating in in-depth discussions.
• Leadership and Commitment: Must hold a leadership position and show a dedication to serving a cause greater than oneself, with experience or strong interest in the program’s global and regional themes (e.g., democracy, human rights, freedom).
• Background: Open to all professional fields, with no minimum education requirement or age limit.
• Selection Focus: Based on leadership potential, vision for impact, service orientation, and alignment with eligibility rules—priority given to those “in the arena” advancing positive global change.

Also Check: UNHCR Internship Programme 2026 (Fully Funded)

How to Apply:

1. Go to official website and click Apply.
2. Log in (top right) or Register (free).
3. Search “2026 MGL Application” or click the link again.
4. Click Apply → fill the form (saves by itself).
5. Submit before March 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST).

Also Check: NIMS Internship Program, Japan 2026 (Fully Funded)