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The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027 at Stanford University gives you a fully funded stay. It pays for your accommodation, meals and local transport for a three-week leadership program on the Stanford campus in California, USA. Fellows usually pay their own round-trip airfare, and a small travel fund helps those who cannot afford it.
The program is run by Stanford’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL). It is for mid-career practitioners aged 28 or older with 10 to 12 years of experience in democracy, development or the rule of law, from countries where democracy is not well established. About 28 to 30 fellows are chosen each year. Africa and Eurasia make up almost half of the alumni network.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | United States (Stanford University, California) |
| Organisation | Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), Stanford |
| Dates | 18 July to 6 August 2027 (3 weeks) |
| Funding | Accommodation, meals and local transport covered. Fellows usually pay airfare, small travel fund by need. |
| Who can apply | Mid-career leaders aged 28+, with 10 to 12+ years of experience, from countries where democracy is not well established |
| Application fee | None mentioned |
| Deadline | 12 January 2027, 11:59 PM PST |
What is the Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program?
Launched in 2005 and formerly called the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program, this is a three-week training program for leaders working for democratic, economic and legal reform in places where freedom and good governance are fragile. Past fellows include presidential advisers, members of parliament, judges, lawyers, journalists, activists and entrepreneurs from more than 95 countries.
Fellows live on campus and take daily seminars with Stanford faculty, including Larry Diamond, Francis Fukuyama, Erik Jensen, Michael McFaul and Kathryn Stoner. The program mixes academic sessions, case study workshops, guest lectures and short TED-style talks where each fellow shares their story.
What you get
- Accommodation on the Stanford campus for the full program
- Meals during the program
- Transportation costs during the program
- Three weeks of seminars with Stanford faculty
- A place in a global network of more than 500 alumni
- A small travel fund for fellows who cannot afford their flight, given by need
Fellows are usually asked to cover their round-trip airfare. Many ask their employers to pay, and fellows can fundraise after selection in April 2027. Priority for the travel fund goes to fellows with financial need and those flying from places where fares to California are very high. Family members cannot be funded or housed on campus.
Who can apply
- At least 28 years old by July 2027 (the average fellow is 38)
- 10 to 12 years or more of professional experience
- Working actively in democracy, development or the rule of law: government, policy, civil society, law, media, trade unions, business or social enterprise
- In a leadership role in your field
- From and living in a country where democracy is not well established (exceptions possible for people displaced by war or conflict)
- Strong written and spoken English
- Not enrolled in a full-time university degree
- Free to attend the entire program
Applicants from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and EU member states are not accepted.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, a minimum age of 28 at the start of the program in July 2027. There is no upper limit, and more experienced applicants are more competitive.
Do I need a degree?
No. Almost all alumni held a Bachelor’s degree, but it is not a requirement. Stanford values practical experience over academic credentials.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No test score is named. The application has an English language proficiency section, and you must have a solid command of written and spoken English. All sessions and readings are in English.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is mentioned on the official page.
Required documents
- A resume or CV in English, one to three pages, as a Word or PDF file
- Answers to the essay questions
- A video submission
- English language proficiency information
- Financial information
- Two letters of recommendation
How to write your application
- Lead your CV with your current role and your most recent results. List awards and a few key publications only.
- In your essays, show your influence. What have you changed in your country, and who did it help? Use numbers and names of laws, policies or projects.
- Explain what you will do with three weeks at Stanford when you return home.
- Keep to the character limits. The portal cuts off anything longer.
- Practise your video. You will also give a seven-minute talk during the program, so show you can speak clearly in English.
How to apply, step by step
- Read the full guidelines and FAQ on the CDDRL website.
- Create an account on the Slideroom application portal.
- Fill in each section. Your work saves automatically.
- Ask two referees to submit letters of recommendation through the portal.
- Review everything, then submit by 12 January 2027, 11:59 PM Pacific Time. You cannot edit after submitting.
Selection process
Stanford receives hundreds of applications and reviews only those that meet the selection criteria. Applicants hear the result by April 2027. The 2027 program runs from 18 July to 6 August 2027.
Deadline
Deadline: 12 January 2027, 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Stanford suggests submitting the form as early as you can, and your referees need time to send their letters too.
Have a question?
Ask in the comments and we’ll help you check your eligibility.
Related reading
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- Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027/28 in the USA (Fully Funded)
- Hansen Leadership Institute 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)
- ACC New York Fellowship 2028 in the USA ($38,000 Grant)
- Human Rights Summit Canada 2027 in Vancouver (20 Fully Sponsored Seats)
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