Fully Funded Hansen Peace Leadership Fellowship

The Hansen Leadership Institute, based at the University of San Diego, brings young leaders from the United States and from regions of ongoing conflict around the world together for a three-week, fully funded residential programme in San Diego. Fellows train in ethical leadership, public speaking, mediation and conflict resolution, and human rights, then join a close international alumni network working on peace and community building.

What you get:

• International airfare, room and board, and all programme costs, covered by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation
• Visa paperwork if selected: acceptance letter, financial support letter, a DS-2019 issued by the University of San Diego, and a receipt for your paid SEVIS fee
• Training in leadership, communication and public speaking, mediation and conflict resolution, and human rights
• Lifelong membership of the Hansen Fellows alumni community

What you'll do:

• Live and train with fellows from around the world for three weeks in San Diego, 29 June to 20 July 2027, attending the entire programme with no late arrival or early departure
• Learn to communicate across cultural and political divides, often alongside peers from countries in conflict with your own

Key dates:

• International applications, including references, close 15 January 2027 at 11:55 PM Pacific Time
• U.S. applications close 15 March 2027 at 11:55 PM Pacific Time
• International applications are reviewed from February, with results emailed to all applicants in early March
• Programme runs 29 June to 20 July 2027 in San Diego

More information:

• Programme information and FAQ: https://hansenleadershipinstitute.org/faq/
• Contact: hansenleadershipinstitute@gmail.com

• Open to both international and U.S. applicants, through separate application tracks with separate deadlines
• Aged 20 to 25 on 1 July 2027, meaning at least 20 and not yet 26 on that date
• At least one year of college or university completed at the time of application
• If you are not currently enrolled, you must have graduated in 2025 or 2026
• References are required and are due by the deadline; your academic referee also completes a questionnaire verifying your English
• No U.S. visa is needed to apply
• You must attend the entire three-week programme