- Fully funded participation (no fee)Cost to fellow
- 10-month programmeDuration
- 2 tracks: VV Venture & VV EngageProgramme structure
- Travel & convening costs covered (~$3,000 est.)In-person support
- Women, all nationalitiesEligibility
- 18+ years at applicationMinimum age
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Apr 21, 2027
Deadline
All countries (women of all nationalities)
Country
Vital Voices Global Partnership
Provider
The Vital Voices Global Fellowship is a fully funded, 10-month leadership programme based in the United States and run by Vital Voices Global Partnership. It brings together women leaders from around the world who are working to create systemic change, and runs across two tracks: VV Venture, for women who run social enterprises, and VV Engage, for women in public leadership, policy, and advocacy. The 2026 cohort follows a programme that runs roughly from October 2026 to July 2027, combining online learning with at least 1 in-person convening. Participation is fully funded, so there is no programme fee, and selected fellows receive structured leadership training, pillar-specific skill building, global networking, access to the Vital Voices community hub, and a certificate of completion; travel and accommodation for the in-person convening are covered by the programme. The fellowship is open to women of all nationalities who are at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Study areas span social entrepreneurship, public relations, public leadership, and sustainable development. Applicants apply online, may be invited for a follow-up call, and decisions are issued before the programme begins. Because the exact dates, convening location, and any stipend or travel terms are confirmed each cycle, verify the current 2026/2027 details and deadline on the official Vital Voices page before you apply.
What's covered
- Fully funded participation — There is no programme fee; the full cost of participating in the 10-month fellowship is covered by Vital Voices.
- In-person convening costs — Travel, accommodation, and related costs for the in-person convening are covered by the programme, an in-kind benefit worth roughly $3,000 (est.) per fellow.
- Leadership training — Structured leadership training plus pillar-specific skill building tailored to either the VV Venture or VV Engage track.
- Global networking — Access to a global network of women leaders and the Vital Voices community hub for ongoing connection and collaboration.
- Certificate of completion — A certificate of completion is awarded to fellows who fully engage in and complete the programme.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the official Vital Voices website, where you select the track that matches your leadership work.
- Choose your track — Decide whether VV Venture (social entrepreneurship) or VV Engage (public leadership and policy) best fits your work and goals.
- Prepare your application materials — Gather your personal information, professional background, a motivation letter, evidence of your commitment to the SDGs, and any references and English proficiency proof if requested.
- Complete the online application — Fill in and submit the online application form on the official Vital Voices website before the deadline around 21 April 2026 (est.).
- Take part in a follow-up call — If selected for the next stage, take part in a follow-up call or interview about your application and goals.
- Receive your decision — Final decision notifications are issued around May 2026, before the fellowship begins in October 2026.
Eligibility
Gender and ageMust identify as a woman and be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
LanguageMust be proficient in English, the working language of the programme.
Commitment to the SDGsMust demonstrate a strong commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to creating positive systemic change.
Track-specific criteriaMust meet the criteria of either VV Venture (women leading social enterprises) or VV Engage (women in public leadership, policy, or advocacy) and be willing to engage fully in all activities.
Applicants choose the track that fits their work: VV Venture for social entrepreneurs and VV Engage for public leaders. A follow-up call may be requested after the written application is submitted.
Eligible countries
All countries (women of all nationalities)
Deadlines
2026/2027 cohort~21 April 2026 (est.)
Selection
Vital Voices reviews applications against the eligibility criteria and the goals of each track, looking for women with a clear commitment to systemic change and to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Strong applicants may be invited for a follow-up call before final decisions are made. Notifications are issued around May 2026, ahead of the programme start in October 2026; only women who can fully engage in all activities are selected.
Verified sources
- Vital Voices Global Partnershipvitalvoices.orgofficial
About the provider
Vital Voices Global Partnership is a US-based non-profit organisation that invests in women leaders solving the world's greatest challenges, from gender-based violence to economic inequality and climate change. Through programmes such as the Global Fellowship, it provides leadership training, mentorship, and a worldwide network to women working in social enterprise, public leadership, and advocacy.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Vital Voices Global Fellowship?
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Women of all nationalities who are at least 18 years old at application, proficient in English, committed to the UN SDGs, and who meet the criteria of either the VV Venture or VV Engage track.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
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Yes; participation is fully funded with no programme fee, and travel and accommodation for the in-person convening are covered.
How long does the programme last?
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It is a 10-month leadership programme, running roughly from October 2026 to July 2027 for the upcoming cohort.
What are the two tracks?
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VV Venture is for women leading impactful social enterprises, and VV Engage is for women in public leadership, policy, and advocacy roles.
Is there a stipend?
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The programme covers participation and in-person convening costs (an in-kind benefit worth roughly $3,000 (est.)); confirm any cash stipend terms on the official page.
Can men apply?
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No; the fellowship is specifically for women leaders committed to systemic change.
What is the minimum age?
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Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Where does the in-person convening take place?
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An in-person convening is held in the United States; the exact location for the cycle is confirmed by Vital Voices (around Q3 2026 (est.)).
What documents do I need to apply?
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Personal information, a motivation letter, your professional background, a statement of commitment to the SDGs, and references and English-proficiency proof if requested.
Will there be an interview?
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You may be invited for a follow-up call after submitting your application.
When is the application deadline?
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The deadline falls around 21 April 2026 (est.), with decisions in May 2026; confirm exact dates officially.
Where can I verify the latest details?
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On the official Vital Voices Global Partnership website linked in the sources section.