The Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program is a four-month, full-time residential program for leaders with demonstrated impact, based out of Yale's International Leadership Center and housed within the Jackson School of Global Affairs. Each year, the Program selects a geographically balanced, diverse cohort of World Fellows to spend four months together in residence at Yale University — growing intellectually, sharing knowledge, strengthening skills, and expanding networks.
Established in 2002, the program now counts a network of 450+ World Fellows contributing to their communities in over 100 countries. The program runs annually from mid-August to mid-December. There is no tuition or fee of any kind — Fellows receive a stipend, housing, travel, and medical insurance.
Program details change each cycle. Always verify deadlines and requirements on the official application portal.
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About this opportunity
World Fellows are extraordinary leaders of character, integrity, energy and talent — dynamic, creative, disruptive, and innovative; selfless leaders who serve, inspire, and motivate others. They have demonstrated impact, are on the rise in their careers, and are ambitious to grow to their full potential.
During the program, Fellows:
Contribute to Yale's intellectual life — give talks, participate on panels, and collaborate with peers
Audit classes — from the 2,000+ courses offered at Yale
Mentor students — student liaisons help Fellows put on events and fully immerse in Yale life
Join weekly "Good Society" seminars — Fellows present their vision for a better world — and Salon discussions with distinguished guests
Receive individual and group coaching and skills development training
Work on individual or collaborative projects and conduct independent research
Travel — including multi-day trips scheduled over the course of the fellowship
Financial Benefits
World Fellows do not pay tuition or fees of any kind to Yale University. The compensation package includes:
A taxable stipend to cover the costs of living in New Haven
A modest, furnished one or two-bedroom apartment for the duration of the program (family-compatible housing available; staff assist with school/childcare arrangements and immigration support for eligible family members)
Medical insurance
Round-trip travel from your home country
Beyond the package: access to 2,000+ Yale courses, coaching, a 450+-Fellow global network across 100+ countries, and Yale's International Leadership Center resources.
What's covered
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Flight/travel costs
Documents Required
Résumé / Curriculum Vitae — maximum 3 pages
Personal statement — maximum 600 words
Three letters of recommendation — in English only (recommenders may write in any language and use a translation tool; only substance is evaluated; typical length 1–2 pages)
Brief video statement — recorded within the application platform (Chrome/Firefox on a computer only; you may re-record one additional time)
$20 application fee
Eligibility Criteria
Career stage: Between five and twenty-five years into your professional career, with demonstrated and significant accomplishments at a regional, national, or international level. No minimum or maximum age — the average World Fellow is 39; the youngest ever accepted was 27
Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a country other than the United States. US dual citizens are eligible, but strong preference goes to candidates whose work is focused outside the United States
English: Fluent in English — no TOEFL/IELTS required; fluency is assessed at interview for finalists
Residence: Must be in residence at Yale in New Haven for the entire program (mid-August – mid-December)
Practitioners only: The program does NOT accept full-time students or full-time academics — it is designed for non-academic practitioners
How to Apply
Step 1: Create an account on the online application portal — enter your email and name, receive a temporary PIN by email, and create a secure password. Do not create multiple accounts.
Step 2: Complete the application — upload your CV and personal statement, enter your three recommenders (they receive an automatic email with the submission link), and record your video statement in the platform
Step 3: Submit your application before the deadline, along with the $20 fee
Step 4: Ensure your recommenders submit their letters — letters are due by the application deadline, accepted up to one week after (guaranteed review not promised for late letters)
Step 5: If you progress to final stages, your English fluency is assessed during an interview
Step 6: Decisions are emailed to all applicants (successful and unsuccessful) by the end of April
Step 7: If selected, take up residence at Yale in mid-August for the four-month program
No nomination needed — nominated and self-applying candidates have equal standing; multiple nominations don't help. (Self-nomination is not accepted — just apply directly.)