Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) Fall 2026 Innovative Entrepreneurs Program for International Leaders (Fully Funded to the United States)

Application Deadline: February 14, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) Innovative Entrepreneurs Program. This prestigious fellowship targets rising international entrepreneurs, aged between 32 and 45 years, who have demonstrated notable achievements in steering profitable businesses that simultaneously create meaningful social impact. Selected Fellows will engage in an immersive experience lasting nearly six weeks across the United States during October and November of 2026.

A hallmark of the Fall 2026 program is the unique collaboration between international Fellows and their American counterparts from the 2026 USA Program. This combined group will gather in Austin, Texas—recognized as one of the nation’s foremost entrepreneurial ecosystems—for several days of residential workshops, collaborative meetings, and networking events. During this period, Fellows will participate in one-on-one exchanges, work within small teams, and attend joint sessions alongside innovators from related industries who offer diverse perspectives on common challenges.

Following the shared residency in Austin, the international Fellows will embark on customized travel itineraries throughout the United States. This phase is designed to facilitate face-to-face meetings with leading figures in their respective sectors, further advancing the objectives of their fellowship projects.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold citizenship and/or have maintained residency for at least five consecutive years in the country they wish to represent in the fellowship.
• If an applicant does not reside in or hold citizenship in a country currently engaged with the EF Network, they must demonstrate the regional influence of their work and secure a recommendation letter from a member of the EF global network to be eligible for consideration. A comprehensive list of countries where EF operates can be found here.
• Applicants must be eligible for a J-1 visa to participate.
• Priority is given to individuals within the target age bracket of 32 to 45 years at the time of the program. However, candidates slightly older or younger may still be considered if they meet other key criteria exceptionally well.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory, as strong communication skills are essential for meaningful engagement during the program.
• Selected Fellows are required to obtain approval from their employers to take leave for the full duration of the fellowship’s in-person segment, committing full-time to the program. Absences are only allowed for serious emergencies.
• The 2026 program is tentatively scheduled to run from early October through mid-November, encompassing nearly six weeks of in-person activities.
• All Fellows must be available to attend the initial intensive residency in Austin for several consecutive days in early October.
• Children are not permitted to accompany Fellows during the program under any circumstances.
• EF does not cover or fund travel expenses for spouses or partners.
• Applicants who have participated in any EF fellowship within the last two years are ineligible to apply.
• The fellowship’s purpose is strictly educational and developmental; Fellows are prohibited from using the program to conduct business deals, solicit funding, or seek financial support. All expenses related to the fellowship are fully covered by EF.
• Use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT in the application writing process is strictly forbidden. Applicants must properly cite all external sources, and any suspicion of AI-generated content will result in disqualification from further consideration.

Application Timeline

For detailed information and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) Innovative Entrepreneurs Program.