Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about the Manfred Wörner Seminar Program?

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What is the Manfred Wörner Seminar?

Started in 1982 as the Multiplikatoren Seminar (Multiplier Seminar) and co-sponsored by the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) and the Armed Forces Office of the German Defense Ministry, the annual Manfred Wörner Seminar brings together 30 young Americans and Germans from a diverse range of professional backgrounds to examine German and European security policy, and to discuss U.S.–German and U.S.–European security interests.

What are the aims and objectives of the Seminar?

To examine European security policy and discuss U.S.–German and U.S.–European security interests.
To deepen understanding between participants from the United States and Germany.
To bring together participants from different disciplines.
To broaden professional networks and horizons.
To provide an opportunity for exchange of views, experiences, and knowledge among young leaders on various aspects of the topics.

Who is eligible to apply for the Seminar?

Leaders in politics, government (local, state, and federal), media, business, academia, and the nonprofit sector (think tanks and nongovernmental organizations).

What are the basic selection criteria to participate in the Manfred Wörner Seminar?

To be between 25 and 35 years of age at the time of travel.
To have a strong interest in security and defense.
To have an outstanding record of achievement in your profession.
To display an interest in transatlantic relations.

For more information on the selection criteria, please visit: http://www.gmfus.org/initiatives/apply-to-manfred-worner-seminar-2019

How much is the application fee?

Selected participants pay a $1,500 fee to attend.* The registration fee comes with a one-year bronze membership in GMF’s Alumni Leadership Council. All other program expenses, including travel, accommodation, and meals are paid by the German Armed Forces and the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

All registration fees for the Manfred Wörner Seminar include a single-payment and an installment-payment option extended over two months. All registration fees are 100 percent non-refundable once paid and an incoming fellow shall not be entitled to any reimbursement for fees paid under any circumstances. Please consult a tax professional for options on claiming tax credit or educational benefit for your fellowship.

By enrolling in the Manfred Wörner Seminar, every participant agrees to comply with the policies and procedures, terms of use, and privacy and branding policy of GMF. A breach of any of these terms or any misuse of any services or benefits of the Manfred Wörner Seminar is cause for cancellation of the fellowship. GMF, in its sole discretion and determination, may cancel any fellowship when it is determined that a fellow’s ongoing participation is not in the best interest of GMF, or where a fellow has engaged in conduct deemed detrimental to GMF’s mission, brand, or legal standing.

* Prices are subject to change

What is included?

Ten-day event that consists of briefings and dialogues with senior security experts and practitioners as well as site visits.
The seminar begins with an introductory briefing in Washington, DC, includes a visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels, and ends with debrief in Berlin.
Accommodation and travel.
Lifelong membership in the GMF Alumni Network with a possibility to join our Alumni Leadership Council:

What is the application process?

Applications are made through our online application portal. Applicants are invited to submit an application in February. For a complete application you require:

A cover letter.
A current résumé with full contact information.
A passport photo or headshot for the seminar brochure.
Formal letters of recommendation are not required but are welcome.

In order to start the application process, you should create a username and password. You can then use this login information to save drafts and return to your application at a later date.

Once all information is entered and supplemental materials are attached, you must formally submit your completed application.

For more information on the application process please visit: http://www.gmfus.org/initiatives/how-apply

When will I be notified about the results of my application?

The applicant will be notified of selection results within two months following the application deadline.

Who evaluates the applications?

Applications will be evaluated by the Leadership committee drawn from GMF senior management and representatives from the Armed Forces Office of the German Defense Ministry.

All application materials and the selection committee’s evaluations remain confidential. The committee will not provide feedback on individual applications to candidates who are not shortlisted for interview.

What happens after the interview?

Applicants who are successful in their interview will be notified by email and receive contracts setting out the terms and conditions of the seminar.

Applicants who are unsuccessful in their interview will be notified by email. We regret we cannot provide feedback on applications to candidates who are not shortlisted for interview.

What are the seminar start/end dates?

The seminar takes place each year in June. Please check our page for the corresponding updates: http://www.gmfus.org/initiatives/apply-to-manfred-worner-seminar-2019

Is there a possibility to stay connected after the seminar?

More than 3,000 leaders have participated in GMF’s transatlantic leadership initiatives, creating a vibrant and far-reaching network that is a great asset for the transatlantic relationship.

As an alumnus of a GMF leadership program, you will have access to an online alumni database and a range of additional leadership development opportunities that will enable you to increase your transatlantic engagement. These currently include leadership seminars, seed grants for alumni projects, and major conferences. For a full overview, please visit our website:

http://www.gmfus.org/initiatives/action-plan-alumni-engagement