Deadline: August 31, 2025
Applications are open for the McCain Institute National Security & Counterterrorism (NSCT) Fellowship 2026. The McCain Institute’s National Security & Counterterrorism (NSCT) Fellowship is a yearlong, non-residential program that brings together 14–15 rising national security professionals from across the Five Eyes (FVEY) alliance. Designed for early- to mid-career leaders with demonstrated commitment to public service, the fellowship offers unparalleled access to senior decision-makers, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic leadership development. Fellows remain in their full-time roles while participating in the program.
Over the course of the calendar year, Fellows engage in three immersive, week-long training modules hosted in Washington, D.C., London, and Canberra—in partnership with the Australian National University. Program activities include high-level briefings with government agencies, law enforcement, and leading journalists; scenario-based exercises; leadership training; and collaborative exploration of shared national security challenges across the FVEY community. The NSCT Fellowship is uniquely international in scope and builds enduring professional networks across allied nations.
Programming for the 2026 cohort will include in-person engagements in Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be citizens of a Five Eyes (FVEY) country—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
- They should be early-to-mid-career professionals with a demonstrated track record of leadership and public service in national security and/or counterterrorism.
- Applicants must have a minimum of four years of professional experience in the national security and/or counterterrorism fields and must currently serve in a professional role relevant to these sectors.
- Hold a position of responsibility within government, military, law enforcement, intelligence, think tanks, journalism, academia, or relevant private or nonprofit sectors.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing national security and counterterrorism objectives in their home country or through allied cooperation.
- Show leadership potential and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the broader FVEY security community.
Application
Apply now to be part of the 2026 NSCT Cohort—an opportunity to grow your leadership, connect with peers across the country, and gain the tools to drive real change in your community. They are looking for passionate, purpose-driven individuals ready to take the next step.
For more information, visit McCain Institute NSCT Fellowship.
