Applications are now open for the Professional Fellows Program (PFP) 2026 for South and Central Asia, focusing on Governance and Society. This fully funded five to six-week professional exchange is supported by the U.S. Department of State and delivered by World Learning.
The program is designed to foster mutual understanding, strengthen leadership skills and create lasting professional networks between participants from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the United States. This call is specifically for the Spring 2026 cohort, which will run from May to June 2026.
Through hands-on experience with U.S. host organizations, participants will gain practical insights into governance practices, policymaking, civic engagement and community innovation while contributing their expertise to collaborative projects.
Professional Fellows Program 2026 in USA Details
- Host Country: United States of America
- Program Duration: 5–6 weeks
- Dates: Spring 2026 (May–June)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 29 August 2025
Fully Funded Benefits
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- International Airfare: Round-trip flights between home country and the U.S.
- Domestic U.S. Travel: Transportation for program-related activities within the United States
- Accommodation: Fully arranged housing, often shared with other fellows
- Local Transportation: Ground travel for daily activities and events
- Cultural Activities: Costs for organized cultural and networking events
- Living Allowance: Modest stipend to help cover daily expenses
- Visa Support: Assistance in securing a J-1 visa and coverage of all visa-related fees
Two-Way Cultural Exchange
The PFP is structured as a reciprocal exchange program:
- Phase 1 – U.S. Placement: Non-U.S. fellows spend six weeks in the United States, working with a host organization that aligns with their professional background.
- Phase 2 – Regional Engagement: After the U.S. program, selected American Fellows travel to South and Central Asia to collaborate on follow-up projects and community initiatives.
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Professional Fellows Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be a mid-level professional aged between 25–40 years
- Have a minimum of two years’ relevant experience in one or more of the following fields:
- Governance & policymaking
- Public administration
- Journalism & media
- Civic engagement
- Innovation in public service
- Political processes & reform
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential
- Have professional working proficiency in English
- Show commitment to implementing a follow-on project in their home country
- Be open to cross-cultural learning and exchange
How to Apply for Professional Fellows Program?
Applicants must submit an online application via the official program portal. There is no application fee.
