Apply for WACA Student Scholars Program 2026 – Fully Funded National Conference Opportunity for Undergraduate Students

Application Deadline: September 25, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)

About the Program

The World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) 2026 Student Scholars Program offers undergraduate students an excellent opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to international affairs, global policy, diplomacy, and careers in the world affairs field. The program aims to open career pathways in world affairs for students while encouraging them to develop a lifelong interest in international issues. Through the program, 25 undergraduate students from WACA Council member communities will have the opportunity to attend the WACA National Conference at no cost. In addition to covering conference participation fees, WACA also provides travel, lodging, and meal support for selected scholars, enabling them to participate without bearing the full financial burden themselves. The program also includes Scholar Day, a unique Washington, DC experience that allows participating students to explore international affairs beyond the conference setting. Students may visit think tanks, embassies, international organizations, and other institutions involved in global affairs. For students considering careers in diplomacy, international relations, public policy, government, international development, economics, security, nonprofit work, journalism, or related fields, the WACA Student Scholars Program offers valuable practical exposure, professional networking, and a clearer understanding of potential career paths.

What the Program Offers

1. Attendance at the National Conference: WACA selects 25 undergraduate students from Council member communities to attend the National Conference at no cost. The conference provides opportunities to learn from professionals working across the international affairs field.

2. Travel and Lodging Support: WACA provides $1,250 to the nominating Council to help defray the Scholar’s travel and lodging expenses, including double-occupancy accommodation. The participating Council is responsible for arranging transportation and hotel reservations, which must cover all three days of the National Conference.

3. Scholar Day in Washington, DC: Scholar Day is an exclusive excursion designed specifically for Student Scholars. Students have the opportunity to explore Washington, DC institutions connected to international affairs, including think tanks, embassies, international organizations, and other institutions involved in global affairs and policy.

4. Career and Academic Exploration: The program helps students “map their global futures” by meeting professionals and visiting organizations involved in international affairs. The experience is particularly valuable for students interested in international relations, diplomacy, foreign policy, global development, international economics, public policy, government, international organizations, nonprofit and civil society work, global security, international journalism, and research.

Eligibility Requirements

Basic Eligibility

• Be an undergraduate student
• Be at least 18 years old
• Attend a local college or university within an eligible WACA Council community
• Be selected and nominated by their local WACA Council
• Complete the national application process after being informed that they are the Council’s local nominee

Important Note: Students cannot simply submit an application independently and expect WACA to forward it to a local Council. The Council first conducts its own local selection process. Once a student has been selected as the Council’s nominee, that student can proceed with the national application.

Who Is Not Eligible

• High school students
• Graduate students
• College students in Greater Washington, DC (the DMV)
• Prior nominees who were not selected

Nomination and Application Process

The WACA Student Scholars Program uses a two-stage nomination and application process. Students cannot bypass the local Council selection stage.

Stage 1: Local Council Selection: The local WACA Council identifies and selects its Student Scholar nominee. Each Council can nominate only one undergraduate student. Multiple nominees from the same Council will not be considered.

WACA encourages local Councils to promote the opportunity broadly among nearby colleges and universities. Among applicants who are equally qualified and show promise, preference is given to nominees who may not yet have significant local Council involvement.

Stage 2: National Application: After the local Council has selected its nominee, the nominated student must complete the national application process. The Council and the student have separate submission requirements.

Documents Required From the Nominating Council:

1. Online Council Nomination Form
2. Professor’s Letter of Recommendation (the student is responsible for ensuring the professor sends the recommendation to the Council in sufficient time)

Documents Required From the Nominated Student:

1. Online Student Application Form
2. Current Resume
3. Letter of Intent (1–2 pages explaining interests, goals, aspirations, and reasons for wanting to participate)

Application Deadline: September 25, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)

Selection and Participation

After applications are submitted, nominated students are reviewed by the WACA national office in consultation with the WACA Board of Directors. Final selections are expected to be announced within two weeks after the application deadline.

Participation Requirements:

Selected Student Scholars must submit:

• A brief evaluation of their experience
• A report about their experience

These materials must be submitted no later than two weeks after the National Conference.

Why Should Undergraduate Students Apply?

• Exposure to the World Affairs Community: Gain familiarity with organizations and professionals shaping conversations around international affairs
• Washington, DC Experience: Visit think tanks, embassies, international organizations, and other institutions
• Career Exploration: Investigate potential career paths and understand how academic interests connect with professional opportunities
• Networking: Develop relationships with other Student Scholars and the wider WACA community
• Professional Development: Prepare a resume, write a Letter of Intent, and participate in a national program
• Global Perspective: Engage with broader international questions and institutions beyond the local academic environment

Tips for Prospective Applicants

• Start With Your Local Council: Do not begin by completing the national application form. First determine which WACA Council serves your area and ask about its local nomination process
• Prepare Your Resume Early: Ensure your resume is current and clearly presents your education, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, research, volunteer work, internships, awards, and relevant interests
• Give Your Professor Enough Time: Contact your professor early and clearly communicate the Council’s deadline
• Make Your Letter of Intent Personal: Explain why you are interested in world affairs and how the Student Scholars experience connects with your academic and career goals
• Do Not Assume Previous Council Involvement Is Required: Among equally qualified applicants of promise, preference may be given to students who do not yet have significant local Council involvement
• Confirm the Deadline and Time Zone: Submit materials before the final hours to avoid technical or document-related problems

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here to apply