Admission to the World Fellows program is highly competitive. We receive thousands of applications from around the globe for an extremely limited number of fellowships. Each cohort of Fellows is geographically balanced and represents a wide range of professions, talents, experience, cultures, people, and perspectives.
The application for the 2026 World Fellows program is now open
Click here to open the application
The application deadline is December 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM EST.
Submitted applicants may check their status here.
| APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS | |
|---|---|
|  | Applicants should be between five and twenty-five years into their professional careers, with demonstrated and significant accomplishments at a regional, national, or international level. The average age of a World Fellow is 39, though there is no minimum or maximum age limit. |
|  | Applicants must be citizens of a country other than the United States. While applicants who hold dual citizenship with the United States are eligible, strong preference is given to candidates whose work is focused outside the United States. |
|  | Applicants must be fluent in English. An excellent command of the English language is essential to successfully participating in the program. |
|  | World Fellows are required to be in residence at Yale University in New Haven for the entirety of the program which runs from mid-August through mid-December. |
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| SELECTION CRITERIA: Applicants Must Have | |
|---|---|
|  | An established record of extraordinary achievement and integrity. |
|  | A commitment to the good society and to making a positive impact at the local, national, or international level. |
|  | A promise of a future career in leadership and notable global impact. |
|  | A special capacity for critical, creative, entrepreneurial, and strategic thinking. |
|  | A likelihood to benefit from participation in the program and to contribute to the global perspective on Yale’s campus. |
| Â | A commitment to a rigorous program of activities, to full-time residence at Yale for the entire duration of the program, and to mentoring students and speaking frequently on campus. |
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| APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW: | |
|---|---|
|  | The application process for admission to the World Fellows Program is done entirely online. There are no paper forms to complete or mail. |
| Â | There is no application fee or other cost to apply. |
|  | Prior to the deadline, you may work on your application at any time and submit it when you are ready. After creating an account and accessing the online application, you can upload materials and request your letters of recommendation. |
|  | Applicants are required to submit a résumé/curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages), a personal statement (maximum 600 words), and three letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit a brief video statement. Comprehensive instructions can be found within the online application once you create an account. |
