The 2026 Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program, formerly the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program, is currently accepting applications. The Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) at Stanford University hosts this fully paid fellowship every year in the United States.
Emerging leaders, academics, and professionals from all over the world will be brought together by the program to hone their leadership skills and get a thorough understanding of the most recent findings, theories, and advancements in the fields of democracy, development, and the rule of law. It gives fellows the chance to network professionally, interact with top academics and decision-makers, and exchange experiences.
For a limited number of fellows, Stanford University offers complete financial support, which includes lodging, meals, local transportation, and international travel costs to and from California. Access to Stanford’s academic resources and a thriving global changemaker community are also provided to participants.
Stanford’s longstanding dedication to promoting leadership and governance globally includes this program. To advance their academic and professional development, prospective students might also look into various fellowship and exchange programs in the United States.
Host Country: USA
University: Stanford University
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Subject: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Eligibility by Country: Candidates must be citizens of nations with weak democracies and be residing there at the moment.
- Ineligible Countries: Applicants are not permitted to apply from highly democratic countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and EU member states.
- Application Fee: To apply for the Summer Fellowship, there is no cost involved.
- Target Group: Professionals in their mid-career who work in the domains of democracy, development, and the rule of law are the intended recipients of the fellowship.
- Professional Backgrounds: Applicants may have backgrounds in industry, academia, law, government, social entrepreneurship, or civil society groups including trade unions, NGOs, media outlets, or professional associations.
- Professional Experience: Candidates should possess a track record of accomplishment and leadership in fields pertaining to governance, development, or democracy.
- Language Requirement: Applications do not require scores from the TOEFL or IELTS.
- The minimum educational requirement for applicants is a Bachelor’s degree from an approved university.
- Student Status: Those who are enrolled full-time at a university are not permitted to apply.
Benefits:
- Accommodations: Stanford University will organize and fully fund the provision of comfortable lodging for the chosen fellows for the duration of the program.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided every day, guaranteeing that participants have access to these meals during their stay.
- Transportation: The institution will plan and provide funding for local transportation associated with program activities and events.
- Travel Assistance: Depending on financial need, participants who are unable to pay for their travel expenses to California may be eligible for partial or full support from a limited travel fund.
Required Documents
- Applicant Information: Contact information, country of residence, and other basic personal information.
- Academic and Career Information: Details about one’s present position, professional experience, and educational background.
- Resume/CV: A thorough synopsis emphasizing leadership positions, employment background, academic accomplishments, and pertinent abilities.
- Essay Questions: Written answers that highlight the applicant’s background, driving forces, and objectives in relation to democracy, progress, and the rule of law.
- English language proficiency is the ability to communicate effectively in English; official test results are not necessary.
- Video Submission: A brief recorded video that serves as an introduction to the candidate and details their career background or motivation for applying.
- Financial Information: Specifics about the applicant’s financial status or need for assistance with travel.
- Personal Certification: A statement attesting to the veracity and correctness of all data submitted.
- References/Letters of Recommendation: Academic or professional references who may vouch for the candidate’s credentials, moral fiber, and capacity for leadership.
Deadline: 15th January 2026
