To all the outstanding mid-career professionals out there, do you want to have a transformative experience this summer in the USA, through a fully funded summer fellows programme? Well, here is an exciting opportunity, the applications for one of the most awaited Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2026 on democracy and development are now open. A fully funded fellowship program in the United States, offered by the Stanford Center on Democracy, Development & Rule of Law, is calling applications from mid-career practitioners from transitioning countries (where democracy is fragile) working in the areas of development, democracy, and the rule of law.
The objective of the program is to bring mid-career professionals, provide them with an on-campus intensive training to gain skills, knowledge, and exchange experience in the field of democracy and development to promote good governance and accountable politics. The duration of the fellowship programme is 3 weeks, during which the paricipants will engage in Academic sessions led by Stanford experts, intensive workshops, Ted”- Style talks, and Guest lectures delivered by renowned public figures.
The host organization offers generous support to the paricipants, covering accommodation, meals, transportation costs, and more. A total of 25-30 applicants will be selected under this program. The last date for the submission of the application is Thursday, January 15, 2026. Read more details below.
Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2026 Overview
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Stanford (CDDRL) |
| Coverage | Funded |
| Location | Stanford University, California |
| Duration | 3 Weeks |
| Awards | 25–30 |
| Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
Also, Check: Georg Arnhold Fellowship Program 2027 in Germany
Fellowship Location & Dates
The fellowship will be held on campus at Stanford University, California, from Sunday, July 19, to Friday, August 7, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be from emerging democratic countries
- Students currently pursuing degree programs are not eligible
- Mid-career practitioners working in the areas of development, democracy & rule of law are invited to apply.
- Applicants can be entrepreneurs, legal professionals, policy makers, academics, media, or business professionals, etc
- Must have demonstrated achievement in the rule of law, development, & Democracy
- No IELTS/TOEFL required; however, candidates must have a solid command of the English Language
- Commit to attending the entire 3-week residential programme in the USA
Fellowship Coverage
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Local transportation
- Participation in classes, guest lectures, workshops, etc, is covered
- A small contribution for the Airfare
Benefits
- Attend lectures and seminars led by Stanford experts
- Experience Intensive workshop based on real-world policies
- Participate in TED talks to share your experiences
- Build valuable connections through networking events
- Experience cutting-edge research in development, democracy
- Have an immersive 3-week experience at Stanford University
Also, Check: Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026 in Germany
How to Apply?
Applicants interested in the fellowship need to fill out an online application on the official portal “Slideroom”. All applications must be submitted by Thursday, January 16, 2026. No late applications will be entertained.
- Applicant Profile & Information
- Career & Academic record
- Resume/CV
- Answers to Essay Questions
- English language proficiency
- Submission of Video
- Your financial information
- Certification (if any)
- Letter of Recommendation
Note: All the application materials need to be submitted in the English language, and make sure you do not exceed the mentioned word count.
To apply, visit the official link mentioned below:
APPLY FOR THE STANFORD SUMMER FELLOW PROGRAMME
