Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2027 in USA & France (Fully Funded)

Applications are expected to open soon for the Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2027, a prestigious fully funded international fellowship hosted by the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs. The five-month hybrid programme brings together 16 outstanding climate and clean energy professionals from the Global South to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and collaborate on solutions to the world’s most pressing climate and energy challenges.

The fellowship combines in-person sessions at Yale University (USA) and Paris (France) with interactive virtual learning journeys led by world-renowned scholars, policymakers, industry experts, and international organizations.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Institution: Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs
• Organizer: Yale International Leadership Center
• Host Countries: United States & France
• Programme Format: Hybrid
• Duration: Five Months
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Number of Fellows: Approximately 16
• Eligible Applicants: Climate and clean energy professionals from the Global South

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Full participation in the five-month fellowship
• Round-trip international airfare
• Hotel accommodation during in-person sessions
• Airport transfers
• Daily per diem during programme weeks
• Access to Yale faculty and international climate experts
• Networking opportunities with global policymakers and industry leaders
• Leadership development and policy training
• Membership in the Yale Climate Fellows alumni network

There is no application fee, and all programme costs associated with the in-person components are covered by Yale.

Programme Structure

The fellowship consists of three major components:

1. Yale Orientation Week

Participants begin the programme with an intensive one-week residency at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where they engage with leading academics and practitioners on climate policy, clean energy, and sustainability.

2. Remote Learning Journeys

Between the in-person sessions, fellows participate in virtual seminars, collaborative projects, mentoring, and discussions on topics such as:

• Global climate governance
• Renewable energy
• Climate finance
• Carbon markets
• Clean technology
• Nature-based solutions
• Energy security
• Climate communication
• Innovation for sustainable development

3. Paris Closing Week

The programme concludes with an in-person week in Paris, where fellows present collaborative policy recommendations and engage with organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), alongside government officials and private-sector leaders.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should:

• Be professionals working in climate change, clean energy, sustainability, environmental policy, finance, journalism, research, entrepreneurship, government, or related fields.
• Have approximately 5–10 years of professional experience with demonstrated accomplishments.
• Be citizens or residents of countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America and the Caribbean (Global South).
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to advancing climate solutions.
• Be fluent in English.
• Be available to participate in all in-person and virtual components of the fellowship.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Professional achievements
• Leadership potential
• Commitment to climate action
• Potential for future impact
• Diversity of professional background
• Willingness to collaborate across sectors and cultures

Required Application Materials

Applicants are required to submit:

• Online application
• Résumé/CV (maximum three pages)
• Personal statement (maximum 600 words)
• Brief video statement
• One letter of recommendation

Why Apply?

The Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship offers participants the opportunity to:

• Learn from leading Yale faculty and international experts.
• Build a global network of climate professionals.
• Develop practical leadership and policy skills.
• Collaborate on real-world climate challenges.
• Engage with influential organizations working on clean energy and climate policy.
• Join an international alumni community of emerging climate leaders.

Application Process

Applications are submitted entirely online through the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs application portal. Applicants can save their progress, upload documents, and request recommendation letters before the deadline. There is no cost to apply.

The Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship is one of the world’s premier leadership programmes for professionals committed to advancing clean energy and climate solutions. With fully funded participation, world-class academic engagement, and direct access to leading policymakers and international organizations, the fellowship provides an exceptional platform for rising leaders from the Global South to strengthen their expertise and expand their global impact. If you are passionate about shaping the future of climate policy and sustainable development, this fellowship is an outstanding opportunity to accelerate your leadership journey.