Hansen Leadership Institute (HLI) Scholarship / Exchange Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 28
If you’re a young leader aiming to deepen your skills in peacebuilding, public speaking, and global cooperation — the Hansen Leadership Institute (HLI) Scholarship / Exchange Program 2026 is a golden opportunity to consider. Applications are now open for this fully funded, three-week leadership exchange at the University of San Diego in California. Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of what the program offers, how to qualify, and how to apply
🌍 Program Summary
Location: University of San Diego, California, USA
Organizer: Hansen Leadership Institute, funded by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation
Type: Exchange / Leadership Program (non-degree) — open to undergraduates, recent graduates, and in some cases graduates with relevant interest
Target Group: Young leaders from across the globe, from zones of conflict or with interest in international relations, diplomacy, peacebuilding, social entrepreneurship, etc.
Focus Areas: Leadership, mediation & conflict resolution, intercultural communication, public speaking, peacebuilding & international cooperation
Coverage: Fully funded (airfare, room & board, program costs, visa support, etc.)
Award Duration: 3 weeks (July 1 – July 22, 2026)
Application Deadline:
International applicants: January 15, 2026, by 11:30 PM Pacific Time
U.S. applicants: March 15, 2026, by 11:30 PM Pacific Time
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Eligible To: Citizens of all countries; U.S. and non-U.S. students meeting eligibility criteria
🧭 Program Overview
The Hansen Leadership Institute (HLI) is an immersive, face-to-face leadership training initiative held over three weeks in San Diego, California. Its structure blends intensive workshops, lectures, group exercises, simulations, conflict resolution training, public speaking sessions, and intercultural dialogue.
Key components often include:
Principles & Psychology of Leadership — understanding ethical leadership, vision, decision making, and motivational strategies.
Public Speaking & Communication — training to become a persuasive, confident communicator.
Mediation & Conflict Resolution — frameworks and hands-on practice in resolving disputes, restorative justice, and reconciliation.
Intercultural Dialogue & International Cooperation — group work across nationalities, cross-border problem solving, building solidarity.
Alumni Network & Post-Program Engagement — after the residential phase, participants join a virtual hub for ongoing collaboration, peer support, and project development.
Fellows are expected to participate fully (no late arrivals or early departures) and engage actively across all programming.
💰 Benefits
Full Financial Coverage: airfare (international round trip), accommodation, meals, local transport, program materials, visa support & paperwork (e.g. DS-2019) all covered.
Visa Assistance: selected participants receive supporting documents (acceptance letter, financial support letter, DS-2019, etc.) to help secure the U.S. visa.
No Application or Program Fee: there is no cost to apply or to attend (beyond passport, personal spending)
Immersive Leadership Training: close-knit residential environment fosters deep learning, mentorship, peer exchange, and persistent relationships and networks.
Cross-Cultural Exposure & Collaboration: work in multicultural teams, understand perspectives from conflict-affected zones, build global friendships and cooperation.
Certification & Prestige: fellows receive a certificate of completion, gain prestige from selection, and can leverage the experience in career, academic, or peacebuilding paths.
Lifelong Alumni Community: after the program, fellows join the HLI global network, engage in alumni projects, peer mentorship, and ongoing initiatives.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the 2026 cohort, candidates must satisfy the following conditions:
General / Across All Applicants
Be 20 to 25 years old on July 1, 2026
Must have completed at least one year of college / university at the time of application. If not currently enrolled, you must be a recent graduate (class of 2024 or 2025)
Demonstrate leadership potential — via community service, NGO work, public service, or other leadership engagement outside the classroom
English language ability must be verified (often via your academic adviser’s verification) — formal tests like TOEFL/IELTS are not required.
Valid international passport. (If selected, you’ll get visa-supporting documents)
Applicants are encouraged not to have visited the U.S. before (preference given) though prior travel does not necessarily disqualify.
Non-U.S. Applicants (International)
Must satisfy the above general criteria.
Be an “upper-division” undergraduate (i.e. have completed 2 years of university) or a graduate student with interest in relevant fields (diplomacy, international relations, development)
Preference given to those who have never visited the U.S.
U.S. Applicants
Must likewise be upper-division undergraduate (2+ years) or graduate with interest in relevant fields
Must be 20–25 years old at the start
Must show leadership engagement outside classroom (community/NGO/public service)
Important to Note: All fellows must attend the entire program — late arrivals or early departures are not permitted.
✍🏻 Application Procedure
Visit the official HLI website and navigate to the “Apply” section.
Create an account, log in, and complete the online application form.
Answer pre-qualifying questions and proceed to full application when eligible.
Submit all required documents (see below) before the deadline.
Referees will be automatically contacted via email to submit recommendations (and possibly verify English proficiency).
Once selected, you’ll be provided necessary visa support documents.
🗂️ Documents Typically Required
Completed application form (via portal)
Official transcripts / academic records (university / college)
Two evaluative letters of reference:
One from an academic adviser / professor (who may also verify English ability)
One from a community organization / NGO / public service group where you have worked or volunteered
Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume (highlighting leadership, extracurriculars)
Personal statement / motivation essay
Valid passport scan
Any additional supporting documents (e.g., certificates of leadership or service)
(If required) any translation of documents into English
Note: you do not need TOEFL/IELTS or formal language test scores — English proficiency is verified via your academic referee.
ℹ️ Tips & Additional Insights
Emphasize leadership & impact: Given that selection hinges heavily on demonstrated leadership beyond academics, your application should showcase real initiatives, community service, or NGO work.
Tell a cohesive story: Connect your personal or community challenges to how you want to apply the skills from HLI in your home country or region.
Be authentic about conflict / cooperation: Since HLI values peacebuilding, candid reflections on conflict, reconciliation, or bridging divides will strengthen your application.
Reach out early to referees: Since they’ll receive automatic emails and questionnaires, ensure your referees are ready and aware in advance.
Check time zone & submission time: The deadlines are by 11:30 PM Pacific Time (USA). Do not wait until the last minute.
Prepare visa documents once selected: Gather passport, evidence, financial cover letters etc. early so visa processing does not delay your travel.
Plan personal expenses & visa costs: While the program covers most — passport fees, small personal spending, and visa costs (if any) may fall on you.
