Applications are now open for the Fortis Fellowship 2027, an international leadership development programme designed for ambitious individuals from humble beginnings who want to make a significant, positive impact on society. The Fortis Society invites applicants from different professional sectors and geographical backgrounds who have demonstrated initiative, a commitment to helping others and the ambition to create meaningful change.
The five-month fellowship provides mentorship, professional development workshops, peer learning and access to an international network of emerging leaders. The programme culminates in two days of cohort activities in Medellín, Colombia, followed by the Fortis Summit in June 2027. Upon completing the fellowship, participants become lifelong members of the Fortis Society.
The application deadline is 8 November 2026. There is no application fee, and the fellowship’s cohort activities and Summit are funded.
About the Fortis Fellowship
The Fortis Fellowship serves as the entry pathway for new members joining the Fortis Society, a global network connecting individuals committed to making a positive difference in their communities, professions and countries.
The programme aims to support promising individuals who have overcome personal, financial or structural barriers while pursuing their ambitions. Rather than focusing exclusively on academic qualifications or professional titles, the selection process considers applicants’ backgrounds, achievements, future aspirations and willingness to contribute to others.
Participants come from different sectors, including education, healthcare, government, the arts, business, finance, law and entrepreneurship. This cross-sector approach enables fellows to exchange ideas, develop professional relationships and explore solutions to challenges that affect communities around the world.
Fellowship Benefits
The Fortis Fellowship offers selected participants opportunities to strengthen their leadership capacity, expand their professional networks and gain practical support for their ambitions.
Key benefits include:
- Individual mentorship: Each fellow is paired with a Fortis Society member who provides guidance and professional support.
- Professional development: Participants take part in workshops, training sessions and discussions focused on important career and leadership decisions.
- International networking: Fellows gain opportunities to connect with professionals and emerging leaders across sectors and continents.
- Practical learning: Projects and collaborative activities help participants apply lessons from the fellowship to their work.
- Global exposure: The programme concludes with cohort activities and the Fortis Summit in Medellín, Colombia, in June 2027.
- Lifelong membership: Successful fellows become members of the Fortis Society for life after completing the fellowship.
The programme is designed to accommodate people with demanding professional commitments while providing structured opportunities for development and collaboration.
Fellowship Duration and Location
The fellowship runs for five months, with online activities and mentorship from January to June 2027.
The programme includes monthly virtual sessions and mentorship, with an expected commitment of approximately two to four hours per month. Participants should also be prepared to attend four full days of in-person activities in Medellín, including two days of cohort programming followed by the annual Fortis Summit.
- Programme: Fortis Fellowship 2027
- Duration: Five months
- Format: Online mentorship and learning, followed by in-person activities
- Summit location: Medellín, Colombia
- Summit date: June 2027
- Application deadline: 8 November 2026
- Membership decisions: By the end of January 2027
- Language: English
- Cost: No application or fellowship fee; cohort activities and the Summit are funded
Applicants should confirm the arrangements for travel, accommodation and any other expenses directly with the Fortis Society, as the announcement does not provide a detailed breakdown of these provisions.
Eligibility Requirements
The Fortis Fellowship welcomes applicants worldwide who demonstrate ambition, resilience, a commitment to helping others and the potential to make a meaningful contribution.
Applicants are assessed according to four main pillars:
1. Humble beginnings
Candidates should explain the personal, financial or structural barriers they have faced and how they have worked to overcome them. The programme values achievements considered in the context of the resources and opportunities available to each individual.
2. An altruistic focus
Applicants should demonstrate how their work benefits other people. Contributions can occur in any sector and do not need to involve formal nonprofit or humanitarian employment.
3. Ambition at scale
Candidates should communicate their long-term vision and provide evidence of the steps already taken towards achieving their goals.
4. Generosity
Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to support others by sharing knowledge, making introductions and contributing to a collaborative professional network.
There is no formal degree requirement, and candidates from all sectors and career stages may apply. Although cohorts tend to include individuals with one to five years of full-time work experience, this is not a strict eligibility requirement. Applicants from education, healthcare, government and the arts are particularly encouraged to apply.
No nomination or institutional endorsement is required.
Application Requirements
Candidates must prepare the following materials:
- Resume or portfolio: Evidence of professional experience, achievements, projects or other work demonstrating the applicant’s progress.
- Written responses: Three short answers explaining the applicant’s background, experiences and future ambitions.
- Two-minute introduction video: A brief personal introduction recorded using a laptop or mobile phone.
- Virtual interview: Shortlisted applicants will participate in a conversation with the recruitment committee.
The application typically takes two to three hours to complete. Candidates should provide authentic, specific examples rather than relying on general statements about leadership or social impact.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Application: Candidates submit their materials by 8 November 2026. Applications are assessed against the four selection pillars.
- Interview: Shortlisted applicants are invited to virtual interviews during November and December 2026. Interview guidance is provided beforehand.
- Final decision: Membership decisions are communicated by the end of January 2027. Successful applicants are matched with mentors and begin their fellowship journey.
Every candidate is expected to receive a decision, including unsuccessful applicants.
How to Strengthen an Application
Applicants should clearly explain how their personal circumstances shaped their ambitions and demonstrate what they have already accomplished despite the barriers they encountered. Strong applications connect individual achievements to a broader commitment to improving other people’s lives.
The written responses should communicate a clear sense of purpose, while the introduction video should be concise, authentic and confident. Candidates should also explain how they intend to contribute to the Fortis community rather than focusing solely on the benefits they hope to receive.
How to Apply for the Fortis Fellowship 2027
Interested candidates should complete the official online application before the deadline.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026.
Candidates wishing to recommend another individual can use the official nomination portal: https://form.fortissociety.org/nominate. A nomination does not replace the candidate’s own application.
For additional information, applicants can contact the Fortis Society at info@fortissociety.org.
