By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Applications are now open for the 2026 Eisenhower Fellowships program, an opportunity for accomplished leaders, entrepreneurs, and technocrats from around the world.
The Eisenhower Fellowships is a private, non-profit organisation established to honour the leadership legacy of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The fellowship brings together a diverse group of changemakers for a transformative experience combining both in-person and virtual engagement.
Fellows are chosen based on their demonstrated leadership, potential for future impact, and commitment to long-term involvement with the Eisenhower Fellowships network.
The 2026 program will run for approximately six weeks, from early April through mid-May.
Program Benefits
Participants will:
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Design and advance a high-impact project
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Build lasting professional relationships
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Collaborate with U.S. counterparts, fellow participants, and members of the EF network, which includes over 1,800 active Fellows worldwide
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be between 32 and 45 years old at the time of the fellowship
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Demonstrate strong leadership qualities
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Be highly proficient in English
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Have citizenship and/or have resided in their country of application for at least five years
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Not be residing in the U.S. at the time of application (international programs only)
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If residing outside EF-partner countries, demonstrate regional impact and provide a recommendation from an EF network member
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Commit full-time to the fellowship during the in-person program period
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Secure workplace approval for the fellowship leave
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Note that breaks are only allowed for serious personal or family emergencies
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Be aware that children and spouses are not allowed to accompany Fellows, and EF does not cover spousal travel
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Not have participated in any fellowship within two years of applying
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Not use the fellowship for business deals, fundraising, or seeking financial support
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Not use generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) to write any part of the application essays; all sources must be cited. Suspected use of AI will disqualify applicants from moving forward in the process.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply via the official EF website: https://www.efworld.org/apply-now/
Application Deadline: May 16, 2025
The 2026 Eisenhower Fellowships program is open for applications, targeting accomplished leaders, entrepreneurs, and technocrats globally. As a private, non-profit organization, the fellowship honors former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower's leadership legacy and offers a transformative experience through both in-person and virtual engagement. The fellowship will run for about six weeks from early April to mid-May, 2026.
Benefits for participants include designing and advancing high-impact projects, building lasting professional relationships, and collaborating with U.S. counterparts and an extensive network of over 1,800 active fellows worldwide. Key eligibility criteria include being aged between 32 and 45, demonstrating strong leadership qualities, proficiency in English, and having resided in their country of application for at least five years, among others.
Applicants must commit full-time to the fellowship during the in-person program and secure approval for fellowship leave from their workplace. Restrictions apply, such as not accompanying family during the fellowship and not using the program to secure business deals or financial support. Applying through the official EF website by May 16, 2025, is essential, and the use of AI for application essays will disqualify candidates.
