The McCloy Fellowships on Global Trends support early-career professionals conducting self-designed research on issues affecting the German-American relationship. The American Council on Germany runs the program, and U.S. fellows travel primarily to Germany while German fellows travel to the United States.
Fellows choose their research locations and meeting partners, then work with the Program Director to prepare a detailed itinerary. The 2026 application cycle is closed.
Benefits & funding
- A $7,000 stipend covers transatlantic and domestic travel, accommodations, and room and board for at least 21 days.
- The initial payment withholds $1,000 until the fellow submits the final report.
- Fellows have one year from selection to complete the fellowship.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be either U.S. citizens residing in the United States or German citizens residing in Germany.
- Applicants must be in the relatively early stages of their careers and have at least five years of relevant work experience.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
- Applicants must show a sincere commitment to strengthening the transatlantic relationship.
- Alumni of ACG Young Leaders programs or study tours must wait three years before applying; previous ACG fellowship recipients may not apply again.
- There is no age limit.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Germany · USA
Residence required
Germany · USA
Education required
Bachelor
Experience required
≥ 5 yrs
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Application process
- 1Complete the official application form when the next cycle opens.
- 2Prepare a cover letter explaining personal and professional fellowship objectives.
- 3Submit a three- to five-page project proposal covering the research focus, objectives, methodology, connection to global trends, and relevance to the German-American partnership.
- 4Include a current resume and two recommendation letters; recommenders may send their letters separately by the same deadline.
Program timeline
Application deadline for the closed 2026 cycle.
Apr 24, 2026
About two months after application
Decisions are issued on average.
Within one year after selection
Fellows complete their research travel and fellowship.
After international travel
Fellows submit a 4,000-word analytical report and present their findings to an ACG audience.