McCain Global Leaders: FAQs
Have a question about the McCain Global Leaders program? Please take a look at these commonly asked questions and our responses. If you can’t find your answer here, please email [email protected] and we will get you a response as soon as possible.
Applicants should be mid- to senior-career professionals with strong working proficiency in English who are actively engaged in issue areas related to the program’s global and regional themes. Candidates should hold leadership roles, be actively working to create positive change in their communities, and demonstrate a commitment to serving a cause greater than themselves.
Applicants should have at least five years of professional experience. There is no age requirement and no minimum educational requirement. Individuals from all countries and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Selection is based on leadership capacity, vision, service orientation, and fulfillment of eligibility requirements.
Yes. Each cohort is organized around a global theme, and each region is organized around a regional specific theme. Applicants should demonstrate experience or interest in both the global and regional themes, as study tours and impact projects are designed with these themes in mind. The 2026 global and regional themes are available on the McCain Global Leaders program page.
The application period runs from January 26, 2026, through March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Eastern Standard Time. All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed materials will not be considered.
MGLs are required to participate in all in-person and virtual program components. The program includes approximately 25 days of in-person programming across three travel experiences and an estimated 6–8 hours per month of virtual engagement. Some additional work and reflection are expected outside of scheduled sessions, with consideration given to participants’ professional and personal responsibilities.
All participants must sign and adhere to a code of conduct emphasizing respect, professionalism, and integrity. MGLs are responsible for understanding entry requirements for host countries and securing any required visas. Failure to meet program expectations or uphold the code of conduct may result in removal from the program.
Participation in individual or collaborative projects inspired by the program is encouraged but not required. Graduates join an active alumni community upon completion of the program.
The program runs for 12 months and runs from June 2026 through May 2027. Participants are expected to fully engage throughout the program year. A detailed calendar will be shared with applicants who advance to the second round of interviews. Travel locations and dates are not shared publicly before then. Virtual sessions are held on Zoom during Eastern Standard Time and most often take place at 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time.
Yes, participants will receive a stipend meant to cover incidental expenses incurred throughout the program. However, the direct costs of participation in the program (economy class travel, hotels, visas) will be fully covered by the McCain Institute. There will be no cost of participation other than the time commitment that MGLs make to participate in programming.
The review process may take up to 3 months from the close of the application window.
Yes. Many selected leaders are repeat applicants. You are encouraged to reapply if your leadership experience, impact, or project vision has grown since your last application.
Graduates join the McCain Global Leaders Alumni Network, gaining ongoing access to global peers, collaboration opportunities, alumni events, mentorship, and continued leadership support.
ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants should be mid-career professionals, possess working proficiency in English, and actively work on the focus issue areas of the program. Aspiring McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) should work in a leadership role in their field, and actively be “in the arena” striving to enact change in their home communities. Applicants should be committed to serving a cause greater than oneself and should be invested in full participation in virtual engagements, in-person programs and post program alumni activities. There is no minimum educational requirement.
What is considered mid-career? Is there a specific age requirement?
Participants should have at least 5 years or more of career experience. There is no specific age requirement, however, typical MGLs range from 25 to 40 years old.
Do I have to be fluent in English?
Yes, applicants must be fluent in English. Leaders must be able to read and understand complex texts; give oral presentations in front of small and large audiences, and participate in in-depth discussions about complex topics.
Does the program accept students?
Although the McCain Institute is part of Arizona State University, the MGL program does not accept full-time students. The NGL program is designed for leader-practitioners who seek to implement a high-impact vision for leadership in their home environments.
Is the McCain Institute looking for individuals with a specific professional background or from a specific country?
The McCain Institute selects target sectors and issues that are specific to each program year. Applicants from all countries and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The key criteria for acceptance into the program are leadership capacity and vision, a commitment to serving a cause greater than oneself, and fulfillment of all other eligibility requirements.
On an annual basis, the McCain Institute will select thematic areas of focus for each region of the world. Please refer to the Program Overview page for information on this year’s thematic areas of focus. Applicants should have a demonstrated record working with their regional theme but may come from any background or career path.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
What is the application deadline?
The application period is from October 12, 2021 through December 31st, 2021 at midnight Eastern Standard Time. Applications must be received during this period in order to be considered.
When will I learn of the final decision on my application?
Final decisions will be sent to all applicants, both successful and unsuccessful, via email within 6-8 weeks following the close of the application window. The program cannot release information or talk about the status of your application on an individual basis before this time.
If I am not selected, may I solicit feedback on my application?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide feedback on individual applications due to the large number of applications. We receive a large number of applications for a limited number of slots every year. Not being selected is in no way a negative reflection on the accomplishments of our many highly skilled applicants and candidates who are unsuccessful in one year are encouraged to apply again in future years.
How many applicants will be selected?
25 total applicants will be selected for the program. The McCain Institute, in an effort to promote equity amongst regions and to have a diverse global cohort that is representative of a number of different backgrounds and cultures, will attempt to include five participants from each region of the world (Western Hemisphere, Europe/Eurasia, Africa, MENA, and Asia/Oceania). An additional five applicants, one from each region, will be selected as alternates for the program and would participate in the program if a selected applicant cannot participate in the program.
PROGRAMMATIC QUESTIONS
How long is the program? What are the start and end dates?
The program is 10 months long and begins in early February and runs through late October. Participants are expected to participate in all virtual and in-person programs for the entire program year. Please note that the program start and end dates may shift in 2022 due to ongoing COVID-19 global travel restrictions. Please refer to our Covid-19 policy here for more information.
What are the expectations of a MGL for the program year?
MGLs are required to be present during all program modules that occur in-person and virtually. We anticipate a total of 25 days of in-person programming, spread out through three different travel experiences. We also anticipate having a 2-4 hour time commitment each month for virtual programs. There will be some work and reflection required outside of the in-person and virtual programs, but we are mindful of the fact that MGLs will be active professionals and we will make all efforts to ensure that the program can been done while maintaining an active professional and personal life.
MGLs will be welcome to but not required to pursue individual or collaborative professional projects inspired by their participation in the program. The McCain Institute will offer support to help any projects or collaborations that participants create. Upon completion of the program, MGLs will be welcomed into an active and responsive alumni community.
Will I receive a stipend?
No, participants will not receive a stipend, but the direct costs of their participation in the program (economy class travel, hotels, and meals and incidentals) will be fully covered by the McCain Institute. There will be no cost of participation other than the time commitment that MGLs make to participate in programming.
May I bring my family?
Unfortunately, family will not be permitted to travel during in-person programs. Those programs are specifically designed for the cohort and are meant to be an impactful and intensive opportunity to grow your professional global network, reflect on your own leadership journey and engage with your fellow cohort leaders.
DONOR QUESTIONS
How can I support the McCain Global Leaders Program?
We welcome new sponsors of our program and are very grateful for the support of our current donors. Please contact Anna Voloshin, the McCain Institute’s Senior Director for Development, at [email protected] to discuss sponsorship opportunities.