Professional Fellows Program 2026 | Fully Funded Exchange in the USA

The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It offers emerging leaders from eligible countries the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the United States through professional placements, cultural immersion, and leadership development.

Whether you’re engaged in civil society, government, or the private sector, this program helps you develop essential leadership skills and build long-lasting global networks—all while working alongside American counterparts to address shared challenges.

Program Overview

Host Country: United States of America
Host Organization: U.S. Department of State (administered by American Councils for International Education)
Duration: 5–6 weeks

Program Benefits

• No application fees
• Round-trip international travel
• U.S. visa sponsorship
• Basic living expenses covered
• Cultural exchange activities
• Leadership and skills training
• Networking with professionals and mentors

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for PFP 2026, applicants must:

• Be citizens and residents of: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, or Turkey
• Be aged between 25–40 years
• Have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in civil society, government, or business
• Be proficient in English (written and spoken)
• Demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and cross-cultural skills
• Be committed to implementing a follow-on project in their home country

Required Documents

• Updated Resume/CV
• Responses to 3 essay questions on leadership, community impact, and future plans
• 2 professional recommendations
• Signed terms and privacy policy documents
• Verified education and work history

Selection Process

• Based on merit and alignment with program goals
• Quality of written application and essays
• Interview (in-person or virtual)

How to Apply

• Visit the official American Councils application portal.
• Create an account and complete your profile.
• Upload your documents and submit your application before the deadline.

Deadline to Apply

July 31, 2025

Stay Informed

Follow CareerOM on LinkedIn,
Instagram, and
X (formerly Twitter)
to stay updated on fellowships, scholarships, and career opportunities.