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Summary

• Programme: Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program on Democracy and Development
• Host institution: Stanford University, USA
• Organiser: Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL)
• Programme dates: 18 July – 6 August 2027
• Duration: Three weeks
• Target applicants: Mid-career professionals and leaders working in democracy, development and the rule of law
• Minimum age: 28 years by July 2027
• Professional experience: At least 10–12 years
• Application deadline: 12 January 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
• Funding: Limited financial assistance may be available; applicants should not assume all expenses are covered.

About the Scholarship/Programme

The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027 is a three-week professional training programme hosted by Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), within the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.

Previously known as the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program, the initiative brings together experienced professionals from countries where democratic institutions, economic development and the rule of law face significant challenges.

The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of leaders working to promote democratic governance, accountability, legal reform and sustainable development in their home countries. Approximately 28–30 practitioners are selected annually from a competitive pool of applicants.

The 2027 programme will run from 18 July to 6 August 2027 at Stanford University in California, USA. Participants will engage with Stanford faculty, exchange experiences with international peers and explore practical approaches to advancing democratic development.

This is a professional fellowship rather than a conventional academic scholarship. It is intended for experienced practitioners already making meaningful contributions in their fields, not applicants seeking funding for an ordinary university degree.

Scholarship Benefits

The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program offers professional development and international networking opportunities. However, it should not be advertised as automatically fully funded.

The official programme information highlights the following benefits:

• Academic and policy training: Participate in intensive sessions on democracy, political development, economic reform, public administration and the rule of law.
• Learning from Stanford faculty: Engage with experts in political science, law, economics and democratic development.
• International networking: Connect with experienced practitioners working on governance and development challenges in different countries.
• Practical knowledge exchange: Share professional experiences and examine approaches to strengthening institutions and promoting accountability.
• Professional development: Develop perspectives and tools that can support your ongoing work in your home country.
• Campus experience: Fellows participate in the programme at Stanford University for its full duration.

Is the programme fully funded?

The official application guidelines state that applicants should be prepared to contribute towards the cost of participation if selected. A limited travel fund may be available for fellows who cannot afford their travel or need partial assistance. Priority depends on financial need and the cost of travelling to California.

The programme does not guarantee that every participant will receive full financial support. Applicants should therefore budget for travel and other expenses and confirm what assistance, if any, is available to them. Funding for accompanying family members is not provided.

Who Can Apply?

The programme targets experienced professionals who are actively contributing to democracy, development or the rule of law.

According to the official selection criteria, applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Relevant professional role

Applicants should be active practitioners in fields such as public policy, government, law, civil society, journalism, economic development, entrepreneurship or related areas. They should hold influential positions and demonstrate meaningful contributions to their countries’ political, economic or social development.

2. Professional experience

Candidates must generally have at least 10–12 years of professional experience. Applicants with more extensive relevant experience may be more competitive.

3. Age requirement

Applicants must be at least 28 years old when the programme begins in July 2027.

4. Country of origin and residence

Candidates must come from and currently reside in a country where democracy is not firmly established. Exceptions may be considered for people living outside their home countries because of war or conflict. The programme excludes applicants from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and European Union member states.

5. English proficiency

Applicants need a strong command of written and spoken English because the programme’s sessions and materials are in English.

6. Full-time commitment

Selected fellows must be available for the entire programme. Applicants currently enrolled in full-time university degree programmes are not eligible under the published criteria.

A bachelor’s degree is common among previous fellows but is not an absolute admission requirement. Practical experience and leadership in relevant fields are central to selection.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Review the official eligibility criteria.

Read the full application guidelines to determine whether your age, professional experience, current role and country of residence meet the programme’s requirements.

Step 2: Create an application account.

Access the official application portal through Stanford’s Fisher Family Summer Fellows website. The programme uses SlideRoom to receive and manage applications.

Step 3: Prepare your CV.

Upload an English-language CV of one to three pages in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Include your professional experience, education, relevant awards and selected publications where applicable.

Step 4: Complete the application questions.

Provide your professional and academic information and answer the essay questions. The application also includes sections on English proficiency, financial information and personal certification.

Step 5: Prepare your video submission.

Applicants must submit a video of no more than two minutes explaining why they should be selected as a 2027 fellow and why the programme is relevant to their work.

Step 6: Request recommendation letters.

Arrange two or three professional recommendation letters. At least one should come from your current supervisor. If you are a founder without a direct supervisor, the programme permits a recommendation from an appropriate co-founder, board member or professional oversight authority.

All recommendation letters must be submitted in English and received by the application deadline.

Step 7: Submit before the deadline.

Review every section carefully before submitting. Once submitted, the application cannot be edited. The complete application, including the required recommendations, must reach Stanford by 12 January 2027.

Important Deadline

The deadline for the 2027 Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program is Tuesday, 12 January 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

The programme is scheduled to run from 18 July to 6 August 2027. Stanford expects to notify applicants of selection decisions by April 2027.

Applicants should request recommendation letters early because incomplete applications will not be considered.

Official Application Link

Read the complete eligibility criteria and application instructions on the official Stanford website:

Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027 — Official Application Guidelines

Applicants should rely on Stanford’s official information for application requirements and any updates.

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027 may suit experienced professionals working to strengthen democracy, governance, economic development and the rule of law.

It is highly selective and requires substantial professional experience. Importantly, Stanford does not guarantee full funding for every fellow, so applicants should assess the financial requirements before applying.

For more international fellowships, scholarships and verified opportunities, visit www.aktravelsltd.com.