McCain Institute 2026 National Security and Counterterrorism Fellowship
The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) is now accepting applications for the sixth cohort of its National Security & Counterterrorism (NSCT) Fellowship.
๐ About the Fellowship
The NSCT Fellowship brings together the most promising young leaders in the national security communities of the Five Eyes (FVEY) nationsโAustralia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Delivered in partnership with the National Security College of the Australian National University (ANU), the program provides:
- Leadership training
- Skill development
- Professional mentorship
Key Highlights:
- Established in 2019 as part of the McCain Instituteโs mission to advance democracy, human dignity, and security.
- Serves as a network of national security professionals connected across the Five Eyes partner nations.
- Designed by Nicholas Rasmussen, a seasoned national security expert with extensive experience, including roles such as:
- Former Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)
- Counterterrorism Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2022โ2024)
Programming Locations:
- Washington, D.C.
- United Kingdom
- Australia
๐ Benefits
The NSCT Fellowship offers:
- Leadership training
- Skill development
- Professional mentorship
โ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship:
- Must be citizens of a Five Eyes (FVEY) country:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States
Professional Experience:
- Minimum of four years of professional experience in national security and/or counterterrorism fields.
Career Stage:
- Early-to-mid-career professionals with a demonstrated track record of leadership and public service in national security and/or counterterrorism.
Current Role:
- Must hold a position of responsibility within one of the following sectors:
- Government
- Military
- Law enforcement
- Intelligence
- Think tanks
- Journalism
- Academia
- Relevant private or nonprofit sectors
Commitment:
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing national security and counterterrorism objectives in their home country or through allied cooperation.
- Show leadership potential and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the broader FVEY security community.
๐ Application Date and Process
Application Deadline:
31 August, 2025
How to Apply:
- Apply directly through the McCain Institute Application Portal.
๐ซ About the Institution
- School: McCain Institute, Arizona State University
For more details, visit the McCain Institute Fellowship Page.
This fellowship is a unique opportunity to advance your career in national security and counterterrorism while building connections across the Five Eyes nations. Apply now!
- The NSCT program provides leadership training, skill development and professional mentorship to each new cohort of Fellows.