Applications are open for the McCain Global Leaders Program 2026. If you are an international student then you must apply for the McCain Global Leaders Program 2026. MGLs are required to participate in all in-person and virtual program components. The global leaders 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.
Similarly, throughout the 12 months of this funded leadership program, the Leaders will participate in programming that is both regional and global, to connect them to a highly relevant and targeted professional peer group in their home region, as well as to a broader, diverse network of global peers. The program is scheduled to be conducted in different sections. Throughout the Summer 2026 program, leaders follow a curriculum both online and in person. This curriculum includes lessons and experiences from Senator McCain’s life. It also strengthens in-person activities and focuses on building community and solving problems in groups.
Moreover, in Fall 2026, the program starts its first in-person event, the Leadership Experience, in Athens, Greece, the home of democracy. The seven-day program introduces leaders to the principles that guided Senator McCain’s leadership. Next, they meet experts in their core areas and key decision-makers. Leaders work together and with experts to create their own leadership philosophy, set career goals, and design impact projects to carry out during the program.
The Winter 2026 of this international leadership program is the second in-person event of the program that convenes each regional cohort and members of the Global Advisory Council for five-day regional study tours that provide exposure to the global theme of defending democracy in a host country and focuses on developing targeted regional connections and networks, while providing the opportunity to discuss solutions and ideas related to the theme.
Moreover, Spring 2026 is the capstone program. It lasts 10 months and brings all the leaders together. Next, leaders travel to a country important to Senator McCain’s leadership journey. This year, the program takes place in Vietnam, where leaders explore the journey and relationship between Senator McCain and the people of Vietnam. During the seven-day trip, leaders, MGL alumni, and Global Advisory Council members meet to reflect on their experiences. They share their leadership philosophies and ideas. Finally, this experience strengthens leadership skills and global understanding.
