Begin your journey with Morehead-Cain.
Are you ready to join a distinguished community of scholars and leaders from around the word? Follow these three simple steps to begin your journey.
Step Two:
Nomination by Faculty
Students must be nominated by a faculty or staff member from their home institution or nominating affiliate.
Share the nomination form with your nominator to complete.
All nominations will be confirmed by Morehead-Cain.
Step Three:
Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted online through the Global Fellows website. Applicants can start and submit their application even if their nominator has not yet completed the form.
2027–2028
Selections Timeline
Selections Timeline
Nomination (August 31, 2026 to October 15, 2026)
All nominations by a professor or advisor must be completed by 8:00 a.m. EDT on October 15, 2026.
Application (September 15, 2026 to October 30, 2026)
All student applications must be finalized and submitted by 8:00 a.m. EDT on October 30, 2026. This is the final deadline for submitting any materials and ensuring that all required information is complete.
We recommend submitting applications as early as possible to allow time for any adjustments. Please reach out if you have any questions about the process.
Other Important Dates
- Finalists Notified: November 23, 2026
- In-Person Interviews: February 4–8, 2027
- Selection Notification: Late February 2027
- Program Start Date: August 2027 (Full-Time enrollment at UNC)
Upcoming Information Sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Expectations & Course Credit Transfers
Morehead-Cain Global Fellows will be full-time students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Full-time enrollment requires 30-36 credit hours per year (5-6 courses per semester).
Upon completion of their studies at UNC, students will receive an official UNC transcript with the courses they completed. Students will not graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and are expected to return to their home institution to graduate.Morehead-Cain Global Fellows will also receive an official certificate from the Morehead-Cain Foundation naming them a Morehead-Cain Global Fellow.
Students will have access to courses offered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. View available courses in the UNC Course Catalog.While seats in high-demand courses may be limited, we are committed to working with you to create a schedule that aligns with your goals and ensures a great academic experience.
At UNC–Chapel Hill, you’ll find over 70 majors and hundreds of courses designed to challenge and inspire you. Whether you’re drawn to Business, Computer Science, Public Health, or Journalism, or you would like to explore fields like Global Studies, Neuroscience, or Environmental Science, UNC offers the flexibility and resources to help you shape your future. With world-class faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and a vibrant academic community, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to make a real impact.
No, you are not required to take courses related to your major. You may choose to explore courses outside your field of study, including those not traditionally offered at your home institution. This is a unique opportunity to broaden your academic experience, even if some courses do not transfer back. An additional year as a college student allows you to expand your knowledge, develop new perspectives, and become a more well-rounded individual.
Students will be responsible for coordinating with their home institution regarding course credit transfers. While we cannot guarantee that every course required for your major will be available, we believe the Morehead-Cain Global Fellows experience offers an unparalleled opportunity for academic and personal growth. Our team will work closely with each selected global fellow to provide guidance and support throughout this process, ensuring you make the most of this enriching experience.
UNC–Chapel Hill offers a vibrant campus life filled with opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and community engagement. As a Morehead-Cain Global Fellow, you'll have access to over 800 student organizations, world-class athletics, cultural and artistic events, and outdoor adventures in the beautiful North Carolina landscape. From engaging in social impact initiatives to exploring the Research Triangle’s dynamic innovation scene, UNC provides a well-rounded experience that extends far beyond the classroom.
Have Questions?
If you or your nominator have any questions about the process, contact us at global@moreheadcain.org. Additional details are available on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Our Community
Morehead-Cains come from across the globe.
Their interests are diverse, and their perspectives vary widely. These are their stories.
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