The TechWomen Program will not take place in 2026. We encourage prospective applicants to reach out to their local U.S. embassy or consulate to learn more about U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange programs.
Selection Process
TechWomen participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Applications are reviewed by independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts. Semifinalists may be interviewed by United States Embassy personnel in their country of permanent residence.
TechWomen Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields at the time of application.
- Have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree/four-year university degree or equivalent. Please note that internships and other unpaid work experience does not count toward the two-year professional experience requirement.
- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Be citizens and permanent residents of Albania, Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe.
- Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa.
- Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States (other than the Diversity Immigrant Visa, also known as the “visa lottery”) in the past five years.
- Not hold U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.
Preference will be given to applicants who:
- Are living and working in a TechWomen program country during the time of application and while participating in the program. Special consideration will be given to applicants experiencing displacement.
- Demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen professional track through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities and education.
- Are committed to return to their home countries to share what they have learned and mentor women and youth.
- Have limited or no prior experience in the United States.
- Have a proven record of voluntary or public service in their communities.
- Have a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation.
- Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity.
