Hansen Leadership Institute 2027 | Fully Funded Leadership Program in USA

The Hansen Leadership Institute 2027 is a fully funded, non-degree leadership program at the University of San Diego in the USA, run by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation. It brings international students and emerging leaders together for three weeks of intensive training in leadership, communication, mediation and international cooperation.

It is open to young leaders from around the world, especially those working in international relations, diplomacy, peacebuilding and development. The award covers airfare, room and board, and program costs. The international deadline is January 15, 2027. Read the sections below for eligibility, benefits and how to apply.

The Hansen Leadership Institute 2027 is a fully funded program.

Selected international Hansen Fellows receive:

• International airfare
• Room and board
• Program-related costs
• Leadership training
• Communication and public-speaking training
• Mediation and conflict-resolution training
• International cooperation activities
• Cross-cultural learning
• Opportunities to build an international network
• Participation in an intensive three-week leadership community
• Support for U.S. visa documentation after selection

The official FAQ states that the Fred J. Hansen Foundation covers international airfare, room and board, and all programmatic costs. Participants are generally responsible only for passport expenses and personal spending money.

Fully Funded Coverage

Unlike scholarships that only cover tuition, the Hansen Leadership Institute is a fully funded summer program with substantial participation costs covered.

According to the official HLI information, funding includes:

• International round-trip airfare
• Accommodation
• Meals/room and board
• Program costs
• Required program activities

Selected participants do not need a U.S. visa at the time of application. If selected, HLI provides documentation to assist with the U.S. visa process, including an acceptance letter, financial-support letter, DS-2019 issued by the University of San Diego, and proof of paid SEVIS fees.

The Hansen Leadership Institute is a summer leadership program, rather than a degree program.

It is designed for:

• Upper-division undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Recent graduates who meet the current eligibility requirements

The program is particularly relevant to students with academic or professional interests in international relations, diplomacy, international economic development, and related fields.

The Hansen Leadership Institute is particularly suitable for students interested in:

• International Relations
• Diplomacy
• International Development
• International Economic Development
• Leadership
• Peacebuilding
• Conflict Resolution
• Mediation
• Human Rights
• Public Service
• International Cooperation
• Community Development
• Related Social Sciences

The program's curriculum focuses on leadership, communication, mediation and conflict resolution, and international cooperation rather than a conventional academic degree.

To apply for the 2027 Hansen Leadership Institute, international applicants must meet the current basic requirements published by HLI.

Applicants must:

• Be 20–25 years old on July 1, 2027.
• Have completed at least one year of college or university at the time of application.
• If no longer enrolled in college or university, be a recent graduate from 2025 or 2026.
• Demonstrate leadership potential outside the classroom.
• Have experience or involvement in community service, public service, or a non-governmental organization.
• Have an academic referee verify English proficiency.
• Be able to obtain a valid international passport and any required U.S. visa by the time the program begins.

HLI's program information also describes international candidates as upper-division undergraduate or graduate students with a professional interest in international relations, diplomacy, international economic development, or related fields.

Leadership Experience

Leadership experience is an important part of the Hansen Leadership Institute selection process.

Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership potential through activities outside the classroom. This can include involvement in:

• Community service
• Public service
• NGOs
• Volunteer organizations
• Youth organizations
• Community development projects
• Other activities demonstrating leadership and service

A reference from a community, public-service, or NGO organization with which the applicant has worked is required.

English Language Requirement

Applicants do not necessarily need to submit a separate IELTS or TOEFL score according to the current HLI application information.

Instead, an academic adviser or professor verifies the applicant's English proficiency through the recommendation process. The referee receives instructions to complete the English-proficiency verification as part of the application.

Applicants should follow these steps to apply for the Hansen Leadership Institute 2027:

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements

Confirm that you meet the age, education, leadership, and field-of-interest requirements for the international program.

Step 2: Create an Online Application

Visit the official Hansen Leadership Institute application page and create an account through the online application portal.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Provide the information requested in the application, including your academic and leadership background.

Step 4: Request References

Applicants need references as part of the application process. HLI's application information requires an academic reference and a reference from an NGO, community, or public-service organization with which the applicant has worked.

Step 5: Complete All Application Sections

The application must be fully completed, including required transcripts and recommendation forms, before it can be reviewed by the selection committee.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

International applicants must submit all application materials, including references, by the official deadline.

Application Deadline

The Hansen Leadership Institute 2027 international application deadline is:

January 15, 2027, at 11:55 PM Pacific Time.

For U.S. applicants, the deadline is March 15, 2027, at 11:55 PM Pacific Time.

International applicants should request their references well before the deadline because recommendation forms are part of the completed application.

Program Dates

The Hansen Leadership Institute 2027 will take place from:

June 29 to July 20, 2027

HLI states that all Fellows must attend the entire program. Participants cannot arrive late or leave early.

Selected international Fellows may need to travel to the United States before the official start date to complete the required arrival arrangements.

Selection Process

The Hansen Leadership Institute evaluates applicants based on their overall suitability for the program.

Important factors include:

• Leadership potential
• Community or public-service involvement
• Academic background
• Interest in international relations or related fields
• English communication ability
• Commitment to service and international cooperation
• Quality of references
• Overall application

For international applications, HLI states that the selection committee begins reviewing applications in February and results are emailed to applicants in early March.

What Will Fellows Learn?

The Hansen Leadership Institute provides intensive training in several areas.

Leadership

Fellows receive training in effective, ethical, and visionary leadership, including communication and public speaking.

Mediation and Conflict Resolution

Participants learn about mediation, conflict resolution, reconciliation, restorative justice, and communication across cultural and political differences.

International Cooperation

The program brings together young people from different countries and backgrounds to develop cross-cultural understanding and international cooperation.

Human Rights

Human rights issues are incorporated into the Institute's conflict-resolution and leadership training.

Why Apply for the Hansen Leadership Institute?

The Hansen Leadership Institute offers an intensive international leadership experience rather than a traditional academic scholarship.

Participants spend several weeks living and learning with young people from different countries while developing leadership, communication, mediation, and international cooperation skills.

The Institute also maintains an international alumni community through which former Fellows continue to connect and support projects related to peace, community development, and international cooperation.