Are you a mid-career professional working on democracy, development, or the rule of law? Here’s an incredible opportunity!

The 2026 Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program is now open for applications. This is a fully funded summer fellowship in the United States, hosted by Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL).

You’ll spend around three weeks at Stanford in California, participating in classes, discussions, and activities that deepen your understanding of democracy and related global challenges — all without worrying about travel or living costs.

Best of all?
👉 No application fee
👉 No IELTS or TOEFL required

Let’s break it all down in a clear, simple way.

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📍 Program Overview

This program used to be known as the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program and is now renamed to honor the Fisher Family’s generous support.

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💸 What the Fellowship Covers

This fellowship is fully funded, meaning Stanford takes care of most of your expenses:

Included Benefits

✔️ Accommodations on the Stanford campus
✔️ Meals during the program
✔️ Transportation costs within the program
✔️ Travel fund for participants who need help getting to California
✔️ Access to Stanford classes and library resources
✔️ A strong peer network and mentorship opportunities

This support makes it possible for talented leaders to attend without worrying about daily costs.

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🌍 What You Will Do

During the fellowship, you will:

🎓 Learn from Stanford Faculty

Take part in seminars and classes led by experts in democracy, development, and rule of law.

🤝 Connect with Global Leaders

Meet peers and professionals from around the world who work on related issues.

📚 Explore New Ideas

Engage with cutting-edge research and discussions in political science, human rights, governance, and public policy.

📍 Live on Campus

Experience life at one of the world’s most respected universities — Stanford University.

This is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge, expand your network, and grow as a leader.

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👥 Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

This fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals who are committed to democratic development, public policy, and related areas.

To be eligible:

✔️ You must come from and currently live in a country where democracy is not well entrenched
— applicants from the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and EU member states are not eligible.
✔️ You must hold at least a bachelor’s degree
✔️ You must be a mid-career professional in fields like:

This program values experience and leadership in real-world work — it’s built for professionals who are already making an impact.

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🛠️ Required Application Materials

When applying, you’ll need to prepare:

📄 Applicant Information
🎓 Academic & Career History
📑 Resume / CV
✍️ Essay Responses
🗣️ English Language Proficiency
📹 Video Submission
💰 Financial Information
📜 Personal Certification
👥 References / Letters of Recommendation

Tip: Focus especially on your professional experience, leadership examples, and your motivation for joining the fellowship.

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📆 Program Timeline

Make sure you submit early and fully complete your application for the best chance of success.

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📝 How to Apply

The application process is fully online.

👉 Apply here:
Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program

Follow the instructions on the official page and upload all required documents before the deadline.

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🌟 Why This Fellowship Is Worth It

The Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program is more than just a summer course — it’s a career-shaping experience that offers:

✅ Deep learning from experts in political development
✅ A global network of peers and mentors
✅ Academic exposure at one of the world’s top universities
✅ Inspiration, insight, and new tools to lead in your community

If your work touches the foundations of democracy or strengthens civic life in your region, this fellowship can help you multiply your impact.

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