Professional Fellows Program (PFP) in USA 2026

The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) 2026, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the American Councils for International Education, is a fully funded exchange program designed for early- to mid-career professionals working in civil society, government, or the private sector.

Participants of the program are placed in intensive 5-6 week fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience.  The program aims to build leadership capacity, foster mutual understanding, and create long-term professional linkages between the U.S. and participating countries.

The Program is divided between two themes: 1. Governance and Society, and 2. Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye, and Ukraine will apply under the Governance and Society theme, and applicants from Belarus will apply under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship theme. 

Program Details

• Fellows will participate in a virtual Pre-Departure Orientation as well as an arrival orientation in Washington, DC 

• Fellows will spend four weeks in an individually tailored fellowship experience working in a U.S. placement host organization

• Fellows will participate in a community service opportunity to engage with a U.S. community and participate in civic engagement

• Fellows will develop a follow-on Reciprocal Project proposal to complete a project that meets a specific objective and builds on their participation in the Professional Fellows Program

• Fellows will have a home hospitality experience with an American host family

• The U.S.-based exchange component will conclude with a closing program in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply:

• Nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey
• Professionals from the government, civil society, or private sector

Requirements:

• Currently employed with at least two years of relevant professional experience at the time of application
• An emerging leader in government, civil society, or the private sector who has demonstrated expertise on the respective theme under which they are applying
• Aged between 25 and 40 at the time of application
• Strong leadership and collaborative skills
• Ability to communicate in English (written and oral proficiency)
• Must identify a community project idea to work on post-program
• Demonstrated commitment to Governance & Society and Innovation & Entrepreneurship themes

Restrictions:

• Open to eligible countries only (as listed above)
• Must not have previously participated in a similar U.S. government-funded exchange program unless specifically allowed

Program Dates

• Program Period: Spring or Fall 2026 (exact dates TBA)
• Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
• Selection Timeline:
  • Shortlisting and Interviews: August–September 2025
  • Final Selection: Late 2025

Program Coverage/ Benefits

• International airfare
• Visa application and processing fees
• Basic living expenses during the stay in the U.S.
• Lodging and meals
• Health insurance
• Leadership and professional training
• Participation in civic, cultural, and educational activities

Required Documents

Submit your application via the American Councils online portal and upload the following documents:

• Eligibility Confirmation
• Education and Work History:
  • Detailed academic background
  • Full employment history
• Resume/CV (in English)
• Three Essay Questions:
  • Motivation for applying
  • Community impact plans
  • Follow-on project details
• One Professional Recommendation Letter
• Signed Agreements:
  • Participant Terms and Conditions Agreement
  • American Councils Privacy Policy Statement

Selection Criteria

• Strong merit-based application
• Demonstrated leadership and community commitment
• Clearly articulated goals and project plan