Applications are open for the Millennium Fellowship Class of 2026, a highly competitive, semester-long leadership development programme by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and Millennium Campus Network (MCN). Open to undergraduate students advancing social impact and the SDGs. Apply by December 31, 2025.
Overview: Millennium Fellowship Class of 2026
The Millennium Fellowship, co-led by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Millennium Campus Network (MCN), is one of the world’s leading undergraduate leadership development programmes.
Running from August to November 2026, the Fellowship empowers selected students to lead high-impact social initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Fellows work in campus-based cohorts, receive world-class training, gain global recognition, and join a network of student leaders across more than 100 nations. The programme is free of cost for both students and universities.
Programme Features
Millennium Fellows gain access to:
1. Training
Professional leadership development focused on social impact, systems thinking, project management, ethics, and SDG alignment.
2. Global Connections
Peer networking with thousands of change-driven students from around the world, supported by experienced MCN coaches.
3. Recognition
Official certification from the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and MCN upon successful completion.
4. Campus-Based Cohort Experience
Fellows collaborate with other selected students from their own university to design, implement, or scale impact-driven projects.
5. Social Impact Project Support
Guidance in refining an existing initiative or launching a new SDG-aligned project.
Eligibility Requirements
Individual Eligibility
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old by August 2026
- Academic Status: Must be an enrolled undergraduate student for the entire programme period (Aug–Nov 2026)
- Interest in Social Impact: Demonstrated passion for community development, social impact, sustainability, or SDG-related work
Campus Eligibility
- A campus cohort must include at least 8 Millennium Fellows
- Competitive campuses typically have 15–20+ selected Fellows
- Students apply individually; if enough applicants from the same university succeed, a cohort is established
Selection Rounds
Round 1 — Motivation & Leadership Potential
- Focus: Your motivations, leadership background, and interest in social impact
- Reviewed on a rolling basis
- Priority Deadline: December 31, 2025
- Early applicants have a significantly higher chance of selection
Round 2 — Project & Recommendation
Applicants invited to Round 2 must provide:
- Details of their Social Impact Project (an idea or an existing initiative)
- Explanation of their emotional investment in the cause
- Optional application to serve as Campus Director
- One recommendation letter (academic or professional)
Key Benefits of Becoming a Millennium Fellow
- Leadership and professional development taught by global experts
- Enhanced project design, impact measurement, and SDG alignment
- Global networking and cross-campus collaboration
- Prestigious certification recognized by universities, employers, and NGOs
- Opportunity to scale or refine impactful community solutions
- Increased visibility for your social impact work
How to Apply
Step 1: Submit Round 1 Application
- Complete the online form on the Millennium Fellowship website
- Share your motivations, background, and social impact interests
- Apply by the Priority Deadline: December 31, 2025
Step 2: Complete Round 2 (If Selected)
- Submit details of your SDG-aligned project
- Provide one recommendation letter
- Optional: Apply to be Campus Director
- Await cohort confirmation for your university
Step 3: Begin the Fellowship
- If enough students from your campus qualify, a cohort will be formed
- Programme begins in August 2026 and ends in November 2026
Important: The Millennium Fellowship is fully free. There are no fees at any stage.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Millennium Fellowship Class of 2026 |
| Organizers | UN Academic Impact (UNAI) & MCN |
| Duration | August–November 2026 |
| Cost | Free |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students aged 18+ |
| Campus Cohort | Minimum 8 Fellows required |
| Round 1 Deadline | December 31, 2025 |
| Requirements | Motivation, project idea, recommendation |
| Certification | UNAI & MCN joint recognition |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does the Fellowship cost anything?
No. The programme is entirely free for students and universities.
2. What type of projects qualify?
Any initiative aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, including education, health, climate, gender equality, youth empowerment, economic development, and more.
3. Can first-year or final-year students apply?
Yes—any undergraduate enrolled during Aug–Nov 2026.
4. Can I apply without an existing project?
Yes. You may propose a new project idea in Round 2.
5. Does my campus need to have a cohort already?
No. If at least 8 students are selected from your university, a new cohort will be created.
6. Can international students apply?
Yes. The Fellowship is open to all nationalities.
7. Is the programme online or in-person?
It is held on your campus with online components facilitated by MCN.
Conclusion
The Millennium Fellowship Class of 2026 is a premier opportunity for undergraduates passionate about social impact and the SDGs. With training, global recognition, and direct project support, the Fellowship empowers students to become community leaders and global changemakers.
If you are committed to advancing positive social impact, now is the time to apply.
Priority Deadline: December 31, 2025
