Application Deadline: July 3, 2026
About the Programme
The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the sixth edition of the highly regarded Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme. This programme is specifically designed to foster the development of young women who are interested in contributing to global efforts aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, promoting arms control, and advancing disarmament initiatives. Recognizing the importance of gender diversity and inclusion in these critical fields, the programme seeks to empower female students and recent graduates to become active participants in shaping international security policies. The mentorship programme is open to female students at various stages of their academic careers, including undergraduates, graduates, and post-graduates, as well as recent graduates who have recently entered the professional world. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with experts in the field, gaining valuable insights, knowledge, and skills that will prepare them for careers in disarmament, non-proliferation, and related areas. The programme is scheduled to run from 15 September 2026 through 15 May 2027, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience over the course of nearly eight months. The initiative is part of the broader Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), which aims to build a pipeline of talented young women committed to international security issues. As an integral component of the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference (EUNPDC), the programme emphasizes engaging the next generation of policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. It seeks to promote awareness about the importance of non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament, while encouraging young women to take on leadership roles within these domains. Throughout the programme, participants will have access to mentorship from experienced professionals, participate in expert-led workshops and seminars, and benefit from opportunities to network with peers and senior figures in the field. By fostering mentorship, collaboration, and ongoing dialogue, the VCDNP aims to inspire a new generation of informed and motivated women who will contribute to creating a safer, more secure world. The programme’s ultimate goal is to support the development of future leaders who understand the complexities of international security and are committed to promoting peace through non-proliferation and disarmament efforts.
Programme Structure
With well-known experts, successful applicants will be paired to establish a mentoring relationship, which envisions regular videoconferencing sessions and other forms of communication between mentees and mentors. Selected conferences, including the EUNPD Consortium Annual Conference on 08-11 November 2026 in Brussels, are also expected to be attended by participants. Through seminars, workshops, and other activities, networking and career and skills development opportunities will be offered additionally. At the end of the programme, a deliverable is encouraged to be produced by participants. Individually with the organizers, the form of the deliverable will be agreed and might be a paper, a presentation, a video, a blog post, or a similar output. Optional, producing a deliverable is while mandatory, participation in other programme activities is. Therefore, only from candidates who can commit to attending one- to two-hour long virtual events once a month, we encourage applications.
Eligibility Requirements
The following individuals are open to the mentorship programme:
- Female students currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programmes, as well as recent graduates (graduated within the last two years and no earlier than June 2024)
- From all regions of the world, candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply, though for applicants from Europe, a portion of the spots will be reserved
- In English, the programme will be conducted; therefore, good English language skills are essential
Why This Programme Matters
In the fields of non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament, women remain underrepresented. In senior policy and technical roles, this underrepresentation is particularly pronounced, despite the fact that women are disproportionately affected by armed conflict and have unique perspectives to contribute to peace and security. By pairing young women with well-known experts to establish a mentoring relationship, providing regular videoconferencing sessions and other forms of communication between mentees and mentors, offering opportunities to attend international conferences, including the EUNPD Consortium Annual Conference in Brussels, providing networking and career development through seminars, workshops, and other activities, building a pipeline of young women with expertise in non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament, and engaging the next generation in critical global security issues, the Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme addresses this gap. For female students and recent graduates interested in nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament, a unique opportunity to learn from experts, build professional networks, and contribute to peace and security is offered by this mentorship programme.
Application Requirements
Using the online application form, applications should be submitted in English. To upload the following documents, applicants will be asked:
- A 1-2 minute (maximum) video providing the top reasons for applying to the Mentorship Programme
- A résumé (maximum 2 pages)
- A transcript of courses taken to date and grades received
- One recommendation letter tailored to the programme
Important Notes on Documents:
- Should you have issues uploading the video, please contact apply@vcdnp.org
- Directly by the recommender to apply@vcdnp.org, the letter of recommendation may also be submitted, should they prefer to do so. In this case, please upload a statement indicating that the letter will be sent directly by the recommender.
- By the deadline of 3 July 2026, it is your responsibility to ensure that the letter is received. After this date, letters received will not be considered.
Selection Timeline
- Application Deadline: July 3, 2026
- Of the final decision, successful applicants will be informed by July 30, 2026 at the latest
- Programme Duration: September 15, 2026 – May 15, 2027
Your email inbox and spam folder are recommended to be monitored.
Contact Information
To: apply@vcdnp.org , all inquiries about the programme should be directed.
To apply for Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme 2026-2027 Click here
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