The National Security & Counterterrorism Fellowship is a yearlong, non-residential program run by the McCain Institute in partnership with the Australian National University. It develops a cross-sector network of mid-career professionals working in national security and counterterrorism across the Five Eyes alliance.
Fellows remain in their full-time roles while completing three week-long modules in Washington, D.C., London and Canberra, with additional virtual and in-person cohort engagement between modules. The official application page says the 2026 application is closed and that the 2027 cohort will open in Summer 2026, but it does not publish an exact opening date.
Benefits & funding
- The McCain Institute states that fellowship expenses are covered, with contributions toward travel costs requested from a fellow’s home organization when possible.
- Fellows complete three required one-week international modules in Washington, D.C., London and Canberra.
- Programming includes senior-level briefings, scenario exercises, leadership and executive-management training, journalism and academic engagements, mentorship, and an enduring Five Eyes professional network.
- Additional conference participation and visits outside the three required modules may be offered but are optional.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States.
- Applicants must currently hold a relevant professional role in government, the military, law enforcement, intelligence, a think tank, journalism, academia, or a relevant private or nonprofit organization.
- At least four years of professional experience in national security or counterterrorism is required; the program notes that applicants with five or more years are the most competitive.
- Applicants need a demonstrated record of leadership and public service, commitment to national security or counterterrorism, and potential to contribute to the Five Eyes security community.
- The program publishes no age limit and no degree requirement.
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
Australia · Canada · New Zealand · UK · USA
Experience required
≥ 4 yrs
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Application process
- 1Confirm Five Eyes citizenship, a current relevant role, and at least four years of qualifying experience.
- 2Prepare a resume or CV and a 500-word statement of purpose.
- 3Submit the materials through the official application portal when the next cycle opens.
- 4Check the official application page for the exact 2027 opening and deadline because neither is currently published.
Program timeline
June 30, 2025
Applications opened for the 2026 cohort.
August 31, 2025
Application deadline for the 2026 cohort.
January–December 2026
Fellowship year for the 2026 cohort.
March 8–13, 2026
Washington, D.C. module for the 2026 cohort.
Summer 2026
Published expected opening window for the 2027 cohort; the exact date is not stated and the application remains closed.