Hansen Leadership Institute Fellowship 2027 in USA: Fully Funded Leadership Programme for International Students
Overview
The Hansen Leadership Institute Fellowship 2027 is an intensive leadership and international cooperation programme hosted by the University of San Diego in California, USA. It brings together young people from different countries to build skills in leadership, communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and cross-cultural cooperation. The Fred J. Hansen Foundation funds the fellowship in full.
The confirmed programme dates are 29 June to 20 July 2027. Fellows must attend the whole programme and cannot arrive late or leave early. Previous editions included training in team building, public speaking, negotiation, mediation and problem solving, along with cultural activities and meetings with leaders from different sectors.
Who can apply
Applicants must be between 20 and 25 years old on 1 July 2027 and must have completed at least one year of college or university. Recent graduates may also qualify; those no longer enrolled should generally have graduated in 2025 or 2026. Both international and eligible U.S. applicants are welcome, and each group applies through its own online portal.
The programme is especially relevant to students interested in international relations, development, peacebuilding, leadership, public policy, social entrepreneurship and community development.
What you get
The foundation covers international airfare, accommodation, meals, programme costs and necessary programme activities. Selected fellows pay only for items such as a passport and personal spending money.
International fellows receive help with the U.S. visa process, including an acceptance letter, financial-support documentation and a DS-2019 form issued by the University of San Diego. A visa is not needed before applying.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the institute's application portal. Applicants should be ready to supply details about their academic background, leadership activities and community involvement, along with the recommendations the system requests. For international applicants, English proficiency is confirmed through the academic referee, who receives a questionnaire once the applicant provides the referee's name and email address.
Key dates
The programme runs from 29 June to 20 July 2027. A deadline for the 2027 cycle has not yet been published, and earlier editions used separate deadlines for international and U.S. applicants, so older dates should not be relied on.