Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants for the Western Union Global Fellowship. This Fellowship is targeted at equipping courageous leaders and entrepreneurs supporting highly marginalized, or displaced communities in the world.
Supported by Western Union and powered by Watson Institute, this fully-funded 16-week program provides training, committed mentorship, financial literacy skills, and financial stipends, long-term Alumni support, and a host of other benefits.
SUMMARY:
- Fellowship Sponsor(s): Hubert H. Humphrey, USA
- Fellowship Type: Graduate Fellowships
- Host Institution(s): Institute of International Education, Washington, D.C.
- Number of Awards: Several
- Study Level: Graduate Students
- Nationality: International Students
See Also: Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany 2026-2027 [Fully Funded]
Western Union Global Fellowships | Eligibility Criteria
Interested applicants for the Western Union Global Fellowship 2026 are to meet the following requirements:
- Must an entrepreneur or community leader who have experienced the challenges of highly marginalized, refugee, or forcibly displaced communities, or who is actively working to support these populations.
- The Fellowship particularly value proximate leaders—those who come from these communities or work closely with them, bringing lived experience and close connection to the challenges at hand
- Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees. You have engaged customers, measurable results, and have secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue, and you’re ready to grow to the next level. (All legal business structures welcome: for-profit, nonprofit, social enterprise, etc.).
- Must be able to commit to the full 16-week program, including the mandatory virtual immersive and weekly workshops.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the Western Union Global Fellowship 2026 are to complete an online application in approximately 30 minutes and submit by the priority deadline for early consideration.
Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview to share their entrepreneurial journey, discuss their venture’s vision for growth, and explore how the Fellowship aligns with their goals.
Application Deadline: June 28, 2026