The Hansen Leadership Institute (HLI) 2026 is now inviting applications from international students eager to develop their leadership skills and engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchange. This fully funded summer program, hosted at the University of San Diego, California, provides an exceptional opportunity for young leaders to expand their knowledge, strengthen their conflict resolution abilities, and build lifelong networks with peers from around the world.
About the Program
Funded by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation, the Hansen Leadership Institute is designed to equip future leaders with tools for promoting peace and understanding in their home countries. Each year, a select group of international students and U.S. participants come together in San Diego for an immersive three-week program that blends classroom learning with experiential activities.
The curriculum focuses on leadership training, international cooperation, mediation, and public speaking, while the program also emphasizes practical skill development through team projects, workshops, and community engagement. Beyond academics, participants enjoy cultural excursions, networking sessions, and opportunities to explore Southern California.
Eligibility for International Applicants
To be considered for US Hansen institute scholarship the 2026 cohort, applicants must:
- Be aged 20 to 25 years old at the start of the program.
- Be an upper-division undergraduate student (having completed at least two years of university studies) or a graduate student.
- Show evidence of leadership potential through academic, extracurricular, or community involvement.
- Possess good academic standing in their current institution.
- Have a valid passport and be eligible to obtain a U.S. visa.
- Demonstrate English proficiency, which is verified through a recommendation letter from a professor or academic adviser.
Preference is often given to applicants from regions experiencing conflict or social divisions, as the program places strong emphasis on peacebuilding and dialogue.
What this Hansen 2026 Scholarship Covers?
The Hansen Leadership Institute is a fully funded program. Selected participants will receive:
- Round-trip international airfare from their home country to San Diego.
- Accommodation and meals throughout the three-week program.
- All program costs, including materials, activities, and excursions.
- Visa support documentation to facilitate the travel process.
The only personal responsibility for applicants is obtaining a passport and carrying personal spending money.
Why You Should Apply?
The Hansen Leadership Institute is not just a scholarship—it’s a life-changing experience. Participants join a diverse global network of alumni who are actively contributing to social change in their communities. By engaging in leadership sessions, cultural immersion, and collaborative projects, scholars gain the confidence and skills necessary to become effective agents of peace and cooperation in today’s interconnected world.
Graduates of the program consistently highlight the long-lasting friendships, professional connections, and expanded worldview they gained during their time in San Diego.
Apply: https://hansenleadershipinstitute.org/
Application Deadlines
The Hansen Leadership Institute Scholarship 2026 has two separate application timelines depending on the applicant’s location. For international applicants, the last date to submit applications is January 15, 2026. For U.S. applicants, the deadline is set for March 15, 2026.
Selection results for international candidates are generally released in March, giving successful applicants enough time to prepare for travel and visa arrangements. It is important to note that all selected participants must be available for the entire program duration from July 1 to July 22, 2026, as the Hansen Leadership Institute does not allow late arrivals or early departures.