Deadline: March 15, 2026
Applications are open for the McCain Global Leaders Program 2026. The McCain Global Leaders Program supports character-driven leaders from around the world who embody Senator John McCain’s legacy of serving a cause greater than oneself.
Structured as a 12-month fellowship and experiential learning experience, each cohort will include a diverse group of leaders from around the world who are working “in the arena” to advance democracy and protect human rights and freedom. The program is designed to advance each Leader’s personal and professional leadership journey and impact by providing training, resources, and access to highly relevant regional and global networks with goal of preparing today’s leaders to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Benefits
- Participants will receive a stipend meant to cover incidental expenses incurred throughout the program. However, the direct costs of participation in the program (economy class travel, hotels, visas) will be fully covered by the McCain Institute. There will be no cost of participation other than the time commitment that MGLs make to participate in programming.
Eligibility
- Applicants should be mid- to senior-career professionals with strong working proficiency in English who are actively engaged in issue areas related to the program’s global and regional themes.
- Candidates should hold leadership roles, be actively working to create positive change in their communities and demonstrate a commitment to serving a cause greater than themselves.
- Applicants should have at least five years of professional experience.
- There is no age requirement and no minimum educational requirement.
- Individuals from all countries and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Selection is based on leadership capacity, vision, service orientation, and fulfillment of eligibility requirements.
Application
The application period runs from January 26, 2026, through March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Eastern Standard Time. All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed materials will not be considered.
For more information, see FAQ and visit McCain Global Leaders Program.
