Apply for the United Nations Academic Impact/MCN Millennium Fellowship 2026, a fully funded, semester-long leadership development program for undergraduate changemakers advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Applications Now Open: Join a Global Network of Young Changemakers Driving the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Millennium Campus Network (MCN) have officially opened applications for the Millennium Fellowship Class of 2026 — a semester-long leadership development program that takes place on university campuses across the world.
This fellowship offers undergraduate leaders the opportunity to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through hands-on projects, peer collaboration, and world-class leadership training.
Since its inception, the program has reached over 300 universities in 50+ countries, developing more than 11,000 young leaders committed to making a positive impact on their communities and the planet.
“The Millennium Fellowship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to turn passion into measurable social impact — right from their own campus.”
— Sam Vaghar, Executive Director, Millennium Campus Network (MCN)
About the Millennium Fellowship
The Millennium Fellowship, presented by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Millennium Campus Network (MCN), is a competitive leadership program for undergraduate students.
It runs for one academic semester on selected university campuses, providing participants (known as Millennium Fellows) with the tools, networks, and mentorship they need to scale their social impact projects aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Each selected campus hosts a cohort of 8–20+ Millennium Fellows who work together to improve their local and global communities through initiatives in areas such as:
- Education access and equity
- Gender equality and inclusion
- Climate action and sustainability
- Poverty reduction and social justice
- Health and well-being
- Innovation for sustainable growth
Program Framework: Convene, Challenge, Celebrate
The fellowship model is built around three pillars — Convene, Challenge, and Celebrate — to ensure practical impact and personal growth.
1. Convene
As part of a cohort on your campus, you’ll meet regularly — at least eight times throughout the semester — to share ideas, learn from one another, and design impact projects that align with your goals and the SDGs.
2. Challenge
Develop a collective action plan with your peers. Each Fellow leads or collaborates on a project that addresses a key local or global challenge. Examples include sustainability campaigns, social enterprises, and community education programs.
3. Celebrate
Upon successful completion, your campus cohort earns official certification and recognition from both the United Nations Academic Impact and the Millennium Campus Network.
Graduates join a global alumni community of young leaders committed to lifelong impact.
Global Impact Snapshot United Nations Academic Impact/MCN Millennium Fellowship 2026
In 2024 alone, Millennium Fellows made measurable progress across multiple countries and disciplines:
- 4,362 Fellows from 290+ campuses participated.
- 2,110 unique social impact projects were launched.
- 382,000+ hours were dedicated to SDG-driven initiatives.
- Over 1 million lives were positively impacted through Fellows’ work.
Who Can Apply
The Millennium Fellowship welcomes applications from undergraduate students worldwide who demonstrate:
- A strong passion for social impact and global citizenship.
- Leadership potential and commitment to collaboration.
- Enrollment at a partner or prospective partner university.
- A concrete idea or project addressing one or more SDGs.
Students from any academic background — business, science, social sciences, arts, or technology — are encouraged to apply.
Program Benefits
By joining the Millennium Fellowship Class of 2026, you’ll gain:
- UN-recognized leadership training and development.
- Membership in a global community of changemakers from 50+ countries.
- Mentorship and peer support to strengthen your SDG project.
- Professional exposure through collaboration with the United Nations Academic Impact.
- Certificate of Recognition upon successful completion.
- Access to the MCN Alumni Network, connecting you with 11,000+ graduates — 87% of whom now work in social impact careers.
Program Duration
The Millennium Fellowship runs for one academic semester (August–December 2026).
Each campus cohort meets regularly and follows a structured leadership curriculum facilitated by MCN.
How to Apply
Application Steps
Step 1: Apply online as soon as possible at
👉 https://www.millenniumfellows.org/apply
Step 2: Once accepted, participate in the Fellowship semester — Convene, Challenge, Celebrate with your campus cohort.
Step 3: Upon completion, join the Millennium Fellowship Alumni Network for continued mentorship, networking, and career opportunities.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: October 2025
- Application Deadline: April 2026 (Early submission encouraged)
- Program Duration: August – December 2026
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Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the MCN Admissions Team and evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated leadership potential and community engagement.
- Commitment to advancing the SDGs.
- The potential for collaboration and measurable impact.
- Campus diversity and representation.
Successful candidates will receive official notification and onboarding materials for the Fellowship semester.
Alumni Success Stories
Shantel Marekera, a Millennium Fellow from Arizona State University, shared:
“Through the Fellowship, I worked with like-minded individuals passionate about changing the world, one person at a time.”
Claire Sliney, University of Pennsylvania Fellow, went on to become an Oscar-winning producer for Period. End of Sentence., a documentary on gender equality — a project she developed during her Millennium Fellowship journey.
Today, alumni of the program work with global organizations, startups, and NGOs in fields such as education, climate action, and human rights.
About the Organizers
United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)
UNAI is a global initiative that aligns institutions of higher education with the UN’s mission of promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development through education and research.
Millennium Campus Network (MCN)
MCN is a nonprofit organization that convenes and trains the next generation of leaders to advance social impact in partnership with universities, corporations, and global institutions.
Together, UNAI and MCN empower students to transform their education into action for the Sustainable Development Goals.
Meta Description
Apply for the United Nations Academic Impact/MCN Millennium Fellowship 2026, a fully funded, semester-long leadership development program for undergraduate changemakers advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Millennium Fellowship?
It’s a global leadership program for undergraduate students organized by the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Any undergraduate student enrolled at a university in any country who demonstrates leadership potential and commitment to social impact.
3. Is the Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. There are no program fees — participation is free for all selected Fellows.
4. What is the duration of the program?
The Fellowship runs for one academic semester (August–December 2026).
5. What do Fellows receive after completion?
A Certificate of Recognition from the UN Academic Impact and MCN, and lifetime membership in the MCN Alumni Network.
6. How many students are selected?
Thousands of Fellows are chosen across 300+ universities globally each year.
7. How can I apply?
Visit https://www.millenniumfellows.org/apply and submit your application before the deadline.
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