Are you a Ukrainian professional ready to shape your country’s future? The McCain Global Leaders Ukraine Fellowship is now open, offering a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, engage with global experts, and contribute to Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. This fully funded, three-month hybrid fellowship combines online learning with an in-person workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing both practical skills and international exposure.
About the Opportunity
The McCain Global Leaders Ukraine Fellowship is a pilot initiative launched by the McCain Institute at Arizona State University. It is designed to support a new generation of Ukrainian leaders committed to rebuilding a democratic, inclusive, and resilient Ukraine.
The fellowship honors the legacy of Senator John McCain, who was a strong advocate for Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic development. Through this program, the McCain Institute aims to equip Ukrainian professionals with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to contribute meaningfully to post-war recovery efforts.
This three-month hybrid program will run from July to September 2026. Participants will engage in a combination of virtual leadership modules, thematic discussions, and collaborative work with peers from diverse sectors.
A key highlight of the fellowship is a fully funded, week-long in-person workshop in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (August 15–22, 2026). This immersive experience allows fellows to connect in person, deepen their learning, and collaborate on solutions for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Throughout the program, fellows will work together to develop recommendations for a democracy-centered and inclusive reconstruction process, while also creating actionable plans to apply their learning within their own communities and sectors.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Ukraine’s reconstruction will require strong, visionary leadership across multiple sectors. Beyond infrastructure rebuilding, the country faces complex challenges related to governance, economic recovery, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.
This fellowship addresses these challenges by investing in people—equipping leaders with the skills and networks necessary to drive meaningful change. By fostering collaboration across sectors, the program encourages holistic solutions that reflect the interconnected nature of reconstruction efforts.
Importantly, the fellowship emphasizes democracy, inclusion, and community-driven approaches, ensuring that rebuilding efforts are not only effective but also equitable. Participants will gain the tools to influence policy, mobilize resources, and implement solutions that benefit their communities.
In a global context, this initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange, bringing together local expertise and global perspectives to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
What You’ll Gain
This fellowship offers a powerful combination of professional development and global exposure:
- Fully funded participation, including travel and accommodation for the international workshop
- Advanced leadership training focused on real-world challenges in post-war reconstruction
- Technical skills development in areas such as communication and proposal writing
- Access to international experts and practitioners in reconstruction and policy
- Networking opportunities within the Washington, D.C. policy space
- Cross-sector collaboration with leaders from diverse backgrounds
- Practical impact, through action plans and policy recommendations
This is an exceptional opportunity for Ukrainian professionals looking to expand their influence, strengthen their expertise, and contribute to national recovery efforts.
Eligibility
To apply for the McCain Global Leaders Ukraine Fellowship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be based in Ukraine
- Have at least six years of relevant professional experience
- Demonstrate working proficiency in English
- Have permission from the Ukrainian government to travel internationally for the August workshop
The program is open to professionals from a wide range of sectors, including:
- Policy
- Veterans
- Civil society
- Business and technology
- Environment and ecology
- Media
- Culture
The fellowship strongly encourages applications from individuals outside the Kyiv region, promoting geographic diversity and inclusion.
Application Process and Deadline
To apply for the fellowship, candidates must prepare and submit the following materials:
- A CV (maximum 2 pages)
- A cover letter (maximum 1 page) explaining your motivation and relevant experience
- An essay (maximum 1 page) addressing:
- Key post-war reconstruction challenges in your sector
- How these challenges connect with other sectors
- How the fellowship will help you create impact
Applications must be submitted through the official application platform. Candidates should ensure all materials are complete, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Deadline: 30 April 2026 (17:00 EST)
Applicants must also be willing to undergo a background check as part of the selection process.
To learn more and apply, visit the official McCain Institute website.
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