Yale World Fellows Program 2027

The Yale University in the United States is accepting applications for the 2027 Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program, an international leadership development fellowship for accomplished professionals from around the world.

Established in 2002, the programme is hosted by Yale's International Leadership Center within the Jackson School of Global Affairs. It brings together a small, diverse group of professionals who have demonstrated significant achievements and leadership potential in their respective fields.

The fellowship is designed for individuals who are already making a meaningful impact and wish to strengthen their leadership capabilities, broaden their global perspectives and develop international professional connections.

During the four-month residential programme, selected fellows participate in weekly seminars, leadership coaching, skills development sessions, academic discussions and networking activities. They can also audit selected Yale University courses, collaborate on projects and conduct independent research.

A central component is the Good Society Seminar, where fellows share their professional experiences and discuss approaches to building stronger communities and institutions. Fellows also engage with distinguished guests, participate in campus discussions and mentor Yale students.

The programme has developed an international alumni network of more than 450 World Fellows across over 100 countries.

Unlike a traditional scholarship, the World Fellows Program is intended for non-academic practitioners rather than students seeking admission to a degree programme. Participants receive financial and residential support during their fellowship but do not earn an academic degree or university credits.

Applicants should meet the following conditions:

• Nationality: Applicants must hold citizenship of a country other than the United States. Dual US citizens who also hold another nationality are eligible.

• Professional experience: Applicants should generally be between five and twenty-five years into their professional careers.

• Professional achievements: Candidates should demonstrate significant accomplishments at a regional, national or international level.

• English proficiency: Applicants must be fluent in English.

• Residency commitment: Selected fellows must reside at Yale University in New Haven throughout the programme, from mid-August to mid-December 2027.

• Leadership background: Applicants must demonstrate an established record of achievement and integrity, with the potential for future global leadership.

• Professional status: Full-time students and full-time academics are not eligible. The programme is intended for non-academic professionals.

• Programme commitment: Candidates must be willing to participate fully in seminars, workshops, campus discussions, mentoring and other fellowship activities.

Selected Yale World Fellows receive the following support:

• Living stipend: A taxable stipend intended to cover living expenses in New Haven during the fellowship.

• Furnished accommodation: A modest, furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment for the programme's duration.

• Round-trip travel: Travel between the fellow's home country and the United States.

• Medical insurance: Health insurance coverage during the fellowship.

• No programme tuition: Fellows do not pay tuition or participation fees to Yale University.

• Leadership coaching: Individual and group coaching, together with skills development training.

• Academic engagement: Opportunities to audit selected Yale courses and engage with university faculty.

• Professional networking: Access to fellow participants, Yale academics, students, distinguished guests and the international World Fellows community.

• Mentoring opportunities: Opportunities to mentor Yale students and contribute to university activities.

Applicants must prepare the following:

• CV/Résumé: An updated professional CV or résumé, maximum three pages.

• Personal Statement: A written statement of no more than 600 words.

• Letters of Recommendation: Three confidential recommendation letters submitted through the online application system.

• Video Statement: A brief video statement recorded directly within the official application platform.

• Application Fee: Payment of USD $20 as part of the application submission.

Applicants must also provide the personal and professional details requested through the online portal.

Important document instructions:

• Recommendation letters must be submitted in English.

• Recommenders receive an electronic submission link through the application system.

• Video statements cannot be recorded separately and uploaded as files; they must be recorded inside the platform.

• Yale recommends using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for recording the video.

• Previous applicants must submit updated materials rather than reuse an earlier application.

Yale evaluates candidates using the following officially published criteria:

• Professional achievement and integrity: An established record of extraordinary accomplishments and ethical leadership.

• Positive social impact: Commitment to making a meaningful contribution at the local, national or international level.

• Future leadership potential: Evidence of the ability to pursue a career with significant leadership and global impact.

• Critical and creative thinking: Capacity for analytical, innovative, entrepreneurial and strategic thinking.

• Contribution to Yale: Potential to contribute diverse perspectives and experiences to the university community.

• Programme engagement: Willingness to participate fully in the fellowship, mentor students and contribute to campus discussions.

• Personal and professional development: Potential to benefit meaningfully from the fellowship experience.

• Leadership development: Strengthen professional leadership, strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.

• Yale University experience: Engage with the academic environment of one of the world's leading universities.

• International exposure: Exchange experiences and perspectives with accomplished professionals from different countries.

• Professional networking: Connect with Yale faculty, international leaders, guest speakers and fellow participants.

• Personal development: Benefit from coaching, professional development sessions and collaborative discussions.

• Long-term connections: Become part of an established international network of World Fellows.

• Social impact: Develop new perspectives and approaches for addressing challenges in communities and professional fields.