Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program 2026 — Yale University, USA

Yale University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, is now accepting applications for the Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program 2026, a four-month, fully funded residential leadership programme hosted at the Jackson School of Global Affairs in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

Running annually from mid-August to mid-December, this fellowship brings together emerging and mid-career leaders from across the globe who have already demonstrated significant professional achievements and social impact. Through an immersive blend of leadership training, academic exploration, and community engagement, the program is designed to sharpen leadership capacity and equip fellows to tackle complex global challenges with creativity, collaboration, and purpose.

A Transformative Experience at Yale

At its core, the World Fellows Program is not just about studying leadership; it’s about living it. Each year, up to 16 exceptional individuals are selected to spend a semester at Yale, engaging deeply with peers, faculty, and students while reflecting on their leadership journeys and developing strategies for the future.

During the program, fellows:

• Audit Yale courses of their choice to expand their knowledge and skills across disciplines.
• Participate in seminars, leadership workshops, and discussions with distinguished global guests and experts.
• Receive personalised coaching and mentorship, refining their vision and professional growth plans.
• Deliver public talks and panel discussions, sharing insights from their fields with Yale’s academic community.
• Mentor Yale students, serving as real-world guides and role models for the next generation of leaders.
• Collaborate with other fellows on cross-cutting issues, fostering interdisciplinary and global exchange.

This blend of academic engagement, reflection, and action enables participants to reimagine leadership in a global context, grounded in ethics, inclusion, and impact.

What Fellows Receive

The Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program is fully funded, ensuring that participants can focus fully on their growth and learning. Benefits include:

• A taxable stipend that covers living expenses in New Haven.
• A furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment for the duration of the program.
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage during the stay at Yale.
• Round-trip travel from the fellow’s home country to New Haven, Connecticut.
• Full access to Yale University’s facilities, including libraries, lecture halls, and student events.

These provisions ensure that fellows have the financial and logistical support needed to fully engage with the program and community.

Who Should Apply

The World Fellows Program targets professionals who are already making waves in their fields and are ready to expand their influence globally.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have 5–25 years of professional experience, with a proven record of achievement and integrity.
• Be citizens of countries outside the United States (dual citizens are eligible, but preference is given to those working outside the U.S.).
• Demonstrate strong leadership potential and a clear commitment to improving their societies.
• Be fluent in English (the primary language of instruction and interaction).
• Commit to full-time residence at Yale from mid-August to mid-December 2026.

The fellowship seeks individuals from all sectors, including public service, business, media, academia, arts, science, technology, and social entrepreneurship who are united by a shared goal: to advance the good of society.

What the Selection Committee Looks For

The selection process is rigorous and competitive, with candidates evaluated on the following key criteria:

• A record of professional excellence, integrity, and social impact.
• Evidence of commitment to improving communities locally, nationally, or globally.
• Demonstrated capacity for leadership and global influence in the years ahead.
• Strong analytical, creative, and strategic thinking abilities.
• The potential to benefit from Yale’s environment and to contribute meaningfully to its global community.
• A willingness to fully engage in the programme’s activities and mentor others.

Each cohort is geographically and professionally diverse, ensuring a rich mix of perspectives and experiences. Fellows are drawn from a wide range of industries from technology and governance to social innovation and the arts all contributing to Yale’s vibrant intellectual life.

Why It Matters

Over the years, the Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program has built a powerful global network of more than 400 alumni from 100+ countries. These leaders continue to collaborate on critical global issues — from peacebuilding and climate resilience to digital inclusion and gender equity.

For Nigerian and African professionals, this fellowship represents more than an academic opportunity; it is a gateway to global networks, mentorship, and strategic visibility. Participants return home empowered with new tools, ideas, and collaborations to strengthen governance, innovation, and social transformation across the continent.

Application Details

• Application Deadline: 3 December 2025
• Programme Duration: Mid-August to Mid-December 2026
• Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
• Funding Type: Fully Funded

Applicants are encouraged to begin early, as the process involves preparing a personal statement, detailed CV, reference letters, and evidence of professional achievements.

The Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program stands out as one of the most respected leadership opportunities in the world, a place where impact-driven professionals gather to learn, lead, and reimagine global change.

For those with the courage to question the status quo, the humility to learn, and the drive to lead responsibly, this is not just a fellowship, it is a life-shaping experience.