Yale World Fellows Program 2027 in the USA | Fully Funded Leadership Fellowship

About the programme

The Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program is a four-month, full-time residential leadership fellowship hosted by Yale University's International Leadership Center at the Jackson School of Global Affairs.

The programme brings together accomplished professionals from different countries and sectors to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills and strengthen their ability to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

The 2027 cohort will take part in the programme from mid-August to mid-December 2027. Fellows become part of an international network of leaders and engage with Yale's academic and professional community.

Activities include leadership seminars, personal development coaching, networking, mentoring students, speaking at university events and participating in discussions with distinguished guests.

The fellowship is designed for people who have already made meaningful contributions in their professional fields and are ready to expand their influence.

Who can apply

The programme welcomes accomplished professionals from around the world who demonstrate leadership potential and a record of meaningful achievement.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of a country other than the United States. People with dual citizenship that includes US citizenship are also eligible.
• Professional experience: The programme is designed for people who are generally between five and twenty-five years into their professional careers.
• Leadership experience: Applicants should demonstrate significant professional achievements at the local, regional, national or international level.
• Commitment to public good: Candidates must show a genuine commitment to making a positive contribution to society.
• Leadership potential: Applicants should demonstrate the potential to become influential leaders and create meaningful change.
• Critical thinking: The programme values creative, entrepreneurial, critical and strategic thinking.
• English proficiency: Applicants must be fluent in English and able to participate fully in discussions, presentations and academic activities.
• Full-time participation: Successful applicants must live at Yale University in New Haven for the entire four-month programme.

There is no formal minimum or maximum age limit.

The programme is intended primarily for professional practitioners rather than people whose main occupation is full-time study or academic research. Full-time students and full-time academics are not eligible under the programme's stated criteria.

Applicants should also understand that admission is highly competitive. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

What you get

Successful fellows receive financial and professional benefits that support their participation in the programme.

1. Living stipend

Fellows receive a taxable stipend intended to help cover living expenses in New Haven, Connecticut.

2. Furnished accommodation

The programme provides a modest, furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment for the duration of the fellowship.

3. Medical insurance

Medical insurance is included as part of the fellowship package.

4. Round-trip travel

The programme covers round-trip travel between the fellow's home country and the United States.

5. Leadership development

Fellows participate in individual and group coaching, professional development activities and leadership seminars.

6. Access to Yale's academic community

Participants can audit many courses offered at Yale, engage with faculty and students, conduct independent research and work on individual or collaborative projects.

7. International networking

Fellows connect with accomplished professionals from different countries, industries and backgrounds. These relationships can support future collaboration and professional growth.

8. Opportunities to mentor and speak

Fellows share their knowledge through presentations, panel discussions, university events and mentoring relationships with Yale students.

The programme does not award an academic degree or provide admission to a degree programme at Yale.

How to apply

Applications are submitted entirely online through Yale's official application system.

Step 1: Visit the official programme website

Read the programme description, eligibility requirements, selection criteria and frequently asked questions.

Official programme page:
https://jackson.yale.edu/international-leadership-center/yale-world-fellows/

Step 2: Open the online application portal

Start your application through the official Yale World Fellows application system:

https://apply.worldfellows.yale.edu/apply/

Create an account if you are a new applicant. Follow the instructions provided in the application system.

Step 3: Complete the application form

Provide accurate information about your professional background, achievements, leadership experience and future goals.

Your application should clearly demonstrate the impact of your work and explain how participating in the fellowship could strengthen your future contributions.

Step 4: Upload your application materials

Prepare your CV, personal statement and video statement according to the programme's instructions.

Step 5: Request recommendation letters

Provide the details of three professional referees. The application system will send them instructions for submitting their recommendation letters.

Choose referees who know your work well and can give specific examples of your achievements, character, leadership and potential.

Step 6: Pay the application fee

The published application fee is US$20. Check the official application portal for payment instructions and any applicable payment arrangements.

Step 7: Review and submit

Check all sections carefully and ensure your application is complete before submitting it.

The application deadline is Wednesday, 2 December 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Do not leave your application or recommendation requests until the final day.

Documents required

Applicants should prepare the following:

• CV or résumé: A maximum of three pages.
• Personal statement: A maximum of 600 words explaining your background, achievements, leadership and motivation for applying.
• Three recommendation letters: Letters should come from people who can evaluate your professional achievements and leadership potential.
• Video statement: A brief video recorded directly within the online application platform, following Yale's instructions.
• Completed online application: All required personal, professional and background information must be supplied through the application system.
• Application fee: US$20.

Read the instructions inside the application portal carefully, particularly the requirements for recording and submitting the video statement.

Important dates

• Applications open: The 2027 application cycle is open.
• Application deadline: 2 December 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Programme begins: Mid-August 2027.
• Programme ends: Mid-December 2027.
• Expected final decisions: By the end of April 2027, according to the programme's published information.

Applicants should check the official Yale website for any updates to the application timeline.

Important note for applicants: This is a highly competitive, non-degree leadership fellowship for experienced professionals. It is not a scholarship for undergraduate, master's or PhD studies. Before applying, confirm that your professional experience and leadership achievements match the programme's expectations.

Official application portal: https://apply.worldfellows.yale.edu/apply/

Official programme information: https://jackson.yale.edu/international-leadership-center/yale-world-fellows/