Skip to main content

Application Information

Ready to expand your impact? Apply to the Yale Global Executive Leadership Program

Thank you for your interest in the Yale Global Executive Leadership Program (YGELP). We applaud your determination to evolve as a leader—to be a leader who is visionary & pragmatic. Passionate & disciplined. Purposeful & courageous.

YGELP will propel your leadership potential beyond limits you thought possible. So you can create positive, lasting change in your organization and community.

Learn about the application process, application materials, and more below.

About the Application

Application opens August 2024.

Maximum consideration will be given to complete applications received by the priority deadline of October 4, 2024, including a final admissions decision by mid-December. Applications may be submitted at any time up until January 31, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling and space-available basis after the priority deadline. We suggest you apply as soon as possible to ensure that if admitted, you have sufficient time to prepare for your absence from your workplace for each module.

Select candidates will be invited to interview with the Executive Education team and will be contacted via email to schedule.

Before you apply, please review the YGELP webpage for information on program dates, fees, and on-campus and virtual attendance requirements to ensure you are able to attend the required modules and complete the program.

Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential for the completion of course assignments and active engagement.

  • All application materials must be submitted through the application form. Please do not mail any materials to Executive Education.
  • One professional reference is required. Be sure to give your recommender time to prepare their letter (we suggest a 2- to 3-week timeline from when you intend to submit your application). 
  • If admitted, you will be required to submit a non-refundable deposit of $10,000 within 30 days of admission to secure your seat. The remaining program cost will be due no later than 60 days prior to the start of the program.
  • There is no application fee required.

In the application, you will be asked to answer the following short essay questions:

  • Tell us about your professional and/or personal objectives and goals. (250 words maximum)  
  • Why have you chosen to apply to the YGELP program specifically as your next step in service of these goals? How will this program prepare you for global leadership? (250 words maximum)  
  • Each YGELP cohort is distinctive, bringing together senior leaders from across the world and from a variety of industries, as well as life and career experiences. What is your unique contribution to this next cohort? What will others in your cohort learn from you? (250 words maximum)  
  • Optional: If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, promotions, or recognitions, etc.), please provide a brief description here. (150 words maximum)

Application FAQs

Maximum consideration will be given to complete applications received by the priority deadline of October 4, 2024, including a final admissions decision by mid-December. Applications may be submitted at any time up until January 31, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling and space-available basis after the priority deadline. We suggest you apply as soon as possible to ensure that if admitted, you have sufficient time to prepare for your absence from your workplace for each module.

A complete application includes a short application form, three short essays, and a resume. One letter of reference is also required. Additionally, fluency in written and spoken English is required.

A reference should come from a professional recommender: a supervisor (current or past), board member, or other member of your organization’s leadership and management team is recommended.

Once we have received a complete application, it will be reviewed, and successful candidates will move to the interview stage of the admissions process. Members of the Executive Education team will conduct interviews via Zoom.

No; YGELP participants are not required to secure financial sponsorship from their employer to attend the program.

If you are accepted into the program, a $10,000 nonrefundable deposit is required within 30 days to reserve your place in the cohort. The remaining fee is due no later than 60 days prior to the start of the program. Payments can be made by check, credit card, or wire transfer.

Yes; however, payment is due in full no later than 60 days prior to the start of the program.

If you are unable to enroll in the program prior to the first day of the program, you are permitted to transfer your enrollment to the following year’s cohort. Failure to enroll the following year will result in a forfeiture of your deposit and any additional payments.

Additional Resources

Stay tuned for upcoming events.

Open House for the Yale Global Executive Leadership Program, featuring Professor Jeff Sonnenfeld and past participants Marcelo Barroso, Madhu Mujoo, and Keno Sadler.
Watch video

Application FAQs webinar featuring Senior Director of Learning Partnerships, Joanne Legler; Registrar and Associate Director of Learning Operations, Jaime Willadsen; and Director of Marketing, Kristen Sorek West.
Watch video

Testimonials

YGELP allowed me to take a hard look at the self-imposed limits I had placed upon myself and challenge them. It helped me understand my own management strengths and weaknesses.

Christopher Naghibi

“Excellent and well-rounded program, with lecturers with deep subject matter knowledge. Highly recommend it to global leaders who want to make a difference.”
Dung Tran, VP, Managing Director and Board Member, Spartronics

“Terrific professors, amazing group of talented classmates, inspiring coaching sessions, superb content, and useful tools to incorporate into my management toolbox – just the tip of the iceberg of highlights. I'm exceedingly grateful to the fantastic Yale SOM team for their professional approach and support! Special compliments to Professor Sonnenfeld for his unending enthusiasm, incredible charisma, great knowledge, and the exciting American & global contexts he shared with us. YGELP has had a tremendous impact on myself and will definitely bring benefits to my organization. Learning is the mother of all leadership competencies. I’d highly recommend Yale SOM as the best place to get important knowledge, skills, and attitudes, required for leaders in the fast-changing globalized world.”
Daniil Klyuchnikov, Sales Director, Central & Eastern Europe, the Emerging Markets, Transporeon

“YGELP opened my aperture. The confidence I gained, combined with the incredible Yale community and cohort I can contact for guidance, has enhanced my abilities to meet the diverse challenges of my current position and made me a better leader for our team. I also gained a tremendous amount of respect for my cohorts - to an individual, they are innovative, intelligent, courageous, empathetic, and completely dedicated to their people. It was an honor to learn from and with them.”
Gloria Berlanga, Chief of Staff, Rhode Island National Guard

“Yale’s Global Executive Leadership Program is ideal for transitioning senior military leaders looking to continue achievement in the private sector. The course content and structure (along with your class cohort) will evolve your thinking as a leader.”
Lonnie Garris, Founder & CEO, Cool Amps Corp.

“I came to Yale in transition after a company reorganization. As a high-drive, high-functioning, high-level executive leader for 20 years, I felt like my purpose was in question. And I didn't have a tribe. Fast forward seven months, post-program: I'm a successful consultant; a social venture founder; and most importantly, a member of a worldwide 'tribe' of executives, faculty, and administration who helped challenge me to say, "So what? It happened. Now what? Get out there. Raise the bar and change the world." You'll see that across the experience, and it is invaluable. There are plenty of executive education programs out there - choose Yale if you want a lifetime of connections, business opportunities, and being a Yalie for life!”
Demi Knight Clark, Founder + Chief Spark Igniter, Spark Building Group

“I came to the Yale Global Executive Leadership Program with high expectations based on what I knew about the program and my interactions with program staff prior to our arrival on campus. They exceeded all my expectations. Venue, instructors, topics, and classmates are all world-class. The quality of instruction is matched by the amazing opportunity to make life-long friendships with peers around the world. Truly a great program.”
Rodrigo Jimenez, CEO, Sceptre Hospitality Resources