[American Councils for International Education](https://www.americancouncils.org)

January 2027 (Application deadline)

Fully funded; all travel, visa, and living costs covered for 3–5 week U.S. fellowship

Provides Uzbek business professionals a fully funded U.S. fellowship to develop leadership skills, gain business exposure, and build cross-cultural ties.

--- ## Description The Uzbekistan Business Leaders (UBL) program is a fully funded professional fellowship for mid-career business professionals from Uzbekistan. The program offers a 3–5 week immersive experience in the United States, including placements at businesses, nonprofits, universities, accelerators, or other organizations focused on business development and entrepreneurship. Participants engage in leadership and social innovation labs, skill-building workshops, and develop reciprocal projects with U.S. partners. The goal is to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development through practical learning, mentoring, and cross-cultural exchange. --- ## Due Dates - January 2027 (Application deadline; anticipated/projected) - January 2027 (Application deadline; anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - The program is fully funded for all selected fellows. - Coverage includes international travel, U.S. visa fees, basic living costs, and program-related expenses during the fellowship period (typically 3–5 weeks in the U.S.). - No costs are required from fellows. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet **all** of the following criteria: - Be a citizen and current resident of Uzbekistan - Be a mid-level professional, typically aged between 27–50 (some sources note 22–40; most recent cycles require 27–50) - Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) - Have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in business, entrepreneurship, innovation, social entrepreneurship, or regional economic development - Demonstrate upper-intermediate or stronger English proficiency (no TOEFL/IELTS required, but recommended to indicate scores if available) - Show evidence of leadership and initiative within the business sector - Submit two letters of reference (from colleagues, supervisors, or other professionals) - Be able to obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa (applicants subject to the U.S. "two-year home residence rule" must fulfill it before participating) - Not permitted to work outside the program fellowship during the stay in the U.S. --- ## Application Process - Complete an extensive online application, including essays and two confidential letters of reference (submitted directly by recommenders online). - Applications are reviewed through an open, merit-based national competition. - Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in English. - Finalists must obtain a J-1 visa; all related costs and support for the visa process are provided. - Selected fellows will attend a pre-departure orientation and be matched with a U.S. host organization. - Fellows may be placed with American host families or in arranged accommodations. - The program includes professional workshops, mentoring, and the opportunity to develop a joint project with U.S. partners. --- ## Additional Information - The program is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan and administered by American Councils for International Education. - Fellows are expected to participate fully in all program activities and may not engage in outside employment during their stay. - Many alumni continue to collaborate with U.S. counterparts and join an active professional network post-program. --- ## External Links - [Program Homepage](https://ubl.americancouncils.org/) - [Funder: American Councils for International Education](https://www.americancouncils.org/programs/uzbekistan-business-leaders) - [Eligibility & FAQ](https://ubl.americancouncils.org/read-me) - [About the Program](https://ubl.americancouncils.org/abouttheprogram) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |------------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | UBL Program Team | [ubl@americancouncils.org](mailto:ubl@americancouncils.org) | +998 78 150 71 50 | 12 Shota Rustaveli Street, Grand Business Center, 3rd floor, office #302, Yakkasaroy District, 100070 Tashkent, Uzbekistan | | American Councils HQ | [info@americancouncils.org](mailto:info@americancouncils.org) | +1 202.833.7522 | 1828 L Street NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036, USA |

Uzbekistan Business Leaders

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