Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Thank you for your interest in the Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship. We receive a high volume of inquiries and have compiled this FAQ to address the most common questions. Please browse the FAQ before contacting us. Due to high interest in the program, we are only able to respond to inquiries not addressed in the FAQ.

Program Overview

Where can I find more information about the fellowship?
Full program details are available on our website:
🔗 Program Overview

Where do I apply?
The application portal is available here:
🔗 How to Apply

What are the costs associated with the program?
There are no direct costs associated with the program. Travel, lodging, and meals during the two in-person weeks (in New Haven and Paris) are covered by the program.

I cannot participate in the in-person components of the program. Can I still be a Fellow?
Participation in and availability for all parts of the program (in-person and virtual) is required. The in-person components cannot be completed online.

Eligibility & Qualifications

I’m from [insert country]. Am I eligible to apply?
The fellowship is designed to build networks among emerging leaders from the Global South. While we do not maintain a strict list of eligible countries, we focus on candidates who hold citizenship from and currently work in a so-called “developing or emerging country”.

I’m a dual citizen with citizenship from a “Global North” country. Am I eligible to apply?
Dual citizens are eligible, as long as their current residence and work is based in an emerging or developing country.

Do I need a specific number of years of experience?
We typically look for candidates with a minimum of 5 years of significant professional experience, particularly in fields related to climate leadership, policy, or innovation. This is a guideline to ensure a similar level of professional experience within the cohort. If you have less experience than that but think that it is highly relevant to the program, we encourage you to apply.

Do internships count as professional experience?
High-level, full-time internships that demonstrate leadership and responsibility may count toward your experience, particularly if they are clearly relevant to the program’s objectives.

Can you advise me on my chances of acceptance?
Due to the volume of inquiries, we are unable to offer personalized feedback on eligibility or competitiveness. We recommend reviewing the profiles of past fellows to assess alignment with the program’s objectives.

How can I best position my application?
Due to the volume of inquiries, we are unable to offer personalized feedback on eligibility or competitiveness. We encourage you to use the essay and video submission as ways to clearly demonstrate your unique contribution to the program.

Letters of Recommendation

Can I submit more than one letter of recommendation?
No. Only one letter of recommendation is accepted per applicant. This policy ensures a consistent and equitable review process.

Can I view my recommendation letter?
Recommendation letters are confidential and cannot be shared with applicants.

What does a status of “in progress” mean?
This indicates that your recommender has accessed the submission link but has not yet uploaded their letter.

Can I change my recommender?
Yes. To do so, use the “Recommendations” link at the bottom of your application status page. Please make all changes in a single session and follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

My recommender is having trouble uploading their letter. What should they do?
If technical issues persist, your recommender may email the letter directly to us, referencing the email address associated with your application. Be sure the email matches what you listed in the application to ensure proper processing.

My recommender no longer sees their submission link. Can you help?
Please ask your recommender to check their spam or junk folder. If necessary, they may contact us directly or send the letter by email as noted above.

What happens if my recommender submits their letter after the deadline?
We will accept late recommendation letters; however, we strongly encourage submission by the deadline. While we make every effort to include all materials, we cannot guarantee that late letters will be reviewed.

Application Process

Can I edit my application after submitting?
No. Once your application has been submitted, no further edits are permitted.

Can I submit updated materials after the deadline?
No. We are unable to accept additional or revised materials after the application deadline. If the selection committee requires further information, we will contact you directly.

Can I request an extension to the application deadline?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer extensions and highly encourage all applicants to submit their application well before the deadline.

I submitted my application but received a message saying it wasn’t submitted. Why?
This often occurs when multiple applications are started under the same account. If you receive this message but have submitted an application, we will review and retain the submitted version and disregard the duplicate.

What documents will I need to submit?
You will need to submit a resume or curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages), a personal statement, a 90-second video statement (to be recorded in the system) and a recommendation letter. You can start, pause and return to your application at any time to complete submission of all required materials.

Technical Support

I’m experiencing technical issues with the application system. Can you help?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual technical support. If you experience technical difficulties, we recommend using a different browser or a different device.

I have used up my two video recording attempts but am not happy with the result. Can I get another try?
Every applicant receives two attempts to record their video in the system. We highly recommend timing your response to 90 seconds before you attempt to record it for the first time. The recording will stop promptly at the 90-second mark. If you are not happy with your first attempt, you can record it a second time. The second -and final – attempt is what will be reviewed by the selection committee and no further attempts are permitted.

We hope this FAQ has been helpful. If your question is not addressed here, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Good luck with your application!

— The International Leadership Center Team