Is CEE open now?
No. IREX says the 2026 fellow application is closed.
What does it cover?
Visa support, round-trip travel, housing/meals/living allowance and health benefits.
Can Pakistanis apply?
Not under the current country list.
Who is it for?
Emerging civil-society leaders with at least two years of relevant experience.
What does this scholarship actually cover?
CEE fully supports the core exchange costs, including visa support, travel, living allowance and health benefits.
Other verified benefits
Round-trip travel, monthly housing/meals/living allowance, accident and sickness benefits, three-month U.S. practicum and leadership development.
Costs not confirmed or not covered
No universal discretionary cash stipend amount is published.
Who is eligible to apply?
Emerging civil-society leaders in eligible countries, generally ages 21–27, with at least two years of professional or volunteer civil-society experience and strong English.
Participants must live and work in their home country, qualify for a J-1 visa, return home and implement a community project.
Eligible countries
Selected countries listed by IREX for the current CEE cycle.
Language requirements
High proficiency in spoken and written English.
Which documents were historically required?
This is a historical checklist, not a current application checklist.
- CV or résumé
Which documents may be required conditionally?
- Two reference letters
What should you do next?
- Wait for the next CEE call.
- Check whether your country is on the new eligible list.
- Confirm age, experience and English rules.
- Apply through IREX when the next round opens.
Frequently asked questions
Is CEE fully funded?
Yes for the main exchange costs: visa support, round-trip travel, living allowance and accident/sickness benefits.
Can Pakistani applicants apply?
Not under the current eligible-country list. Recheck when the next call opens because country lists can change.