Application Deadline: International Applications are Thursday, January 15, 2026, by 11:30 PM Pacific Time

U.S. Applications are due by Sunday, March 15, 2026, by 11:30 PM Pacific Time

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible to apply for the 2026 Hansen Leadership Institute, you must meet several basic requirements:

You must be 20-25 years old on July 1, 2026

You must have completed at least one year of college or university at the time of application.

If you are not currently enrolled in college or university, you must be a recent graduate (2024 or 2025 to apply)

You do not need a U.S. visa to apply for the program. If you are selected as a participant, the institute will provide all the necessary documentation to assist in your U.S. visa application, including a letter of acceptance, a letter defining our financial support, a DS-2019 issued by the University of San Diego and a receipt for your paid SEVIS fees.

To verify English proficiency, when you submit a name and email address for your academic referee, they will automatically receive an email with instructions to log in and answer a questionnaire to complete to verify your English proficiency. This verification will be submitted with their recommendation form. This is an automatic process; there is no extra information for you to provide.

The next program dates are July 1-22, 2026. ALL FELLOWS MUST ATTEND THE ENTIRE PROGRAM. No participants will be allowed to arrive late or leave early.

The selection committee will begin reviewing international student applications in February, and results will be emailed to all applicants in early March.

References: This is a letter of reference from a person who knows you well and can explain why you are a qualified applicant for the program. All applicants must submit two (2) references:

From an academic adviser or professor. This person should be able to evaluate your English proficiency and;

From an NGO or community organization with whom you have worked.

In order to give your referees ample time to reply, you should request these recommendations as soon as you begin the application.

Click on the “Apply” tab for a link to the International and U.S. application portal.  Log in to create an account and begin completing the online application.

BENEFIT:

The Hansen Leadership Institute is fully funded by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation. This includes international airfare, room and board, and all programmatic costs. If selected, the only cost to participants will be the fees incurred in obtaining a passport and spending money.