The Yale Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program is one of the university’s most distinguished global leadership initiatives. Held annually at Yale University in the United States, the program offers a four-month, full-time residential fellowship from mid-August to mid-December. It is designed to equip rising and mid-career leaders from across the globe with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to strengthen their leadership impact and drive positive change within their communities and beyond.
Hosted by Yale’s International Leadership Center within the Jackson School of Global Affairs, the program provides fellows with an immersive environment that fosters intellectual growth, cross-cultural exchange, and collaboration. Each year, approximately sixteen accomplished professionals are selected from thousands of applicants worldwide to join this unique experience. The diversity of the cohort spans sectors such as government, business, civil society, media, academia, and the arts, creating a dynamic mix of perspectives that enriches both the fellows and the Yale community.
Program Structure and Activities
Throughout the fellowship, participants engage in a carefully structured program designed to inspire reflection, learning, and transformation. Weekly “Good Society” seminars encourage fellows to explore the meaning of leadership, ethics, and public purpose while reflecting on how their work contributes to building a better world.
The fellowship also includes intimate “Salon” sessions, where fellows host discussions with distinguished guests, experts, and thought leaders. These sessions provide opportunities for deep dialogue on global challenges, innovation, and leadership in complex environments.
Fellows have the opportunity to audit courses across Yale’s departments, pursue individual or group projects, and engage in professional and personal development activities such as coaching and mentoring. They are also encouraged to give lectures, lead workshops, and participate in campus events, sharing their experiences and insights with students and faculty. In addition, each fellow is paired with a Yale student liaison who helps them integrate into campus life and fosters mutual learning.
Eligibility and Selection
The World Fellows Program targets mid-career professionals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and leadership potential in their fields. Ideal candidates typically have between five and twenty years of professional experience, showing a proven commitment to creating meaningful change in society. Applicants must be fluent in English and able to participate fully in the four-month residential program in New Haven, Connecticut.
While the program welcomes applications from all nationalities, it gives preference to individuals whose primary work and influence are based outside the United States. The selection process is highly competitive, focusing on professional excellence, leadership capacity, and the potential to contribute to the global community of fellows.
Program Benefits
Selected fellows receive a comprehensive package of support during their time at Yale. This includes a living stipend to cover expenses, furnished accommodation, health insurance, and round-trip travel from their home country to New Haven. Beyond financial assistance, the most valuable aspect of the program is the opportunity to join a lifelong network of over 400 World Fellows from more than 90 countries. This global alumni community continues to collaborate long after the program ends, building bridges across cultures and sectors to address shared global challenges.
Impact and Legacy
The Yale World Fellows Program serves as a transformative experience for participants, offering them space to reflect, recharge, and reimagine their leadership journey. Fellows leave Yale with renewed energy, sharpened skills, and stronger global connections. The program not only empowers individuals but also strengthens institutions and communities through the ripple effects of their enhanced leadership.
For Yale University, the presence of these global leaders enriches campus life, adding diverse perspectives and experiences to classroom discussions, public dialogues, and collaborative projects. The program embodies Yale’s commitment to nurturing ethical and visionary leaders who can navigate complex global challenges with wisdom, integrity, and compassion.
In essence, the Yale Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program is more than a fellowship—it is a catalyst for global leadership development, a platform for dialogue and learning, and a network of changemakers committed to building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
DEADLINE: December 3, 2025
