Find answers to common questions about participating in the Marshall Center’s resident courses.

Applications are open to self-funded individuals who serve in an official capacity within government, defense, security, or foreign policy institutions. Applicants must also be able to meet English-language proficiency requirements and pass a security and background clearance. All applicants will undergo formal vetting by the U.S. Department of State to comply with security requirements, confirm their eligibility, and ensure alignment with the Marshall Center’s mission and course objectives.  

No formal nomination is required for self-funded participation; however, applicants must demonstrate that their attendance will contribute meaningfully to the course. Those that serve in an official capacity for their governments or those who serve in security-related fields will contribute most to the course outcomes. 

Yes. Civilians who can demonstrate proven experience and official capacity in security, defense, or related policy disciplines are encouraged to submit a self-nomination application.  

Courses are conducted entirely in English. Participants should possess professional working-level fluency to engage effectively in lectures, discussions, seminars, workshops, and written assignments. A minimum score of 80 on the English Comprehension Level (ECL) test, or an equivalent score on the ALCPT, NATO STANAG, TOEFL, CEFR, or university-level English courses, is required. 

Course tuition costs $215 per week. Exact lodging, travel, and meal costs will be finalized with the registrar office upon acceptance of your application.

Limited tuition scholarships may be available to select applicants. Criteria for eligibility and the number of awards are determined by Marshall Center leadership. 

Submit an online application at the link provided in the course announcement. A member of the Marshall Center Registrar’s Office will follow up with additional information on the review, vetting, and registration process. 

Applications undergo a thorough vetting process with the Marshall Center and the U.S. Department of State to verify eligibility and professional alignment. Applicants will then be accepted on space-available basis. The Marshall Center will notify all applicants of their status—accepted or not—in a timely manner.  

Yes. We recognize that not all professionals can step away from their duties for a full four weeks. For this reason, modular programs will be offered with flexible attendance options. Attendance of individual weeks may include additional educational or professional prerequisites.  

Yes. Participants who successfully complete their registered portion of the course will receive an official Certificate of Completion from the Marshall Center. Participants are required to attend all sessions and complete any required assignments or projects.

Yes. Upon acceptance, international participants may request a visa support letter from the registrar office to assist with the visa application. However, it is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain the appropriate visa in coordination with their respective embassy or consulate. 

Applicants will be asked to submit documentation verifying their official employment status, Curriculum Vitae, English-language proficiency, and passport details for travel and registration purposes. Additional materials may be requested during the vetting process.

Applications will be accepted 60 days prior to the course beginning. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on seat availability.

Information on the Strategic Competition and Russia program and the three additional 2026 resident courses will be published on the Marshall Center website and shared through official communication channels as details are finalized. 

All Marshall Center courses emphasize skills-based training and education. Participants will receive instruction on strategic assessment and strategy development and implementation. The Strategic Competition in Russia resident course has a substantive focus on strategic competition through the lens of deterrence, defense, and resilience in Europe. Participants analyze Russia’s evolving role in the global security environment, NATO and EU responses, and the tools of statecraft that shape modern power competition—including economic coercion, information influence, and hybrid threats. Participants completing the fourth week of the course will develop concrete action plans to address strategic challenges assessed in the prior weeks.  

Instruction is conducted by Marshall Center faculty and bolstered by subject-matter experts from the U.S., Germany, NATO, and partner institutions. Guest speakers often include senior officials, scholars, and practitioners directly engaged in European and transatlantic security policy. 

The course follows a full-time schedule, Monday through Friday, typically from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., combining lectures, seminars, workshops, and simulation exercises. Occasional evening sessions or social events support networking and applied learning. 

Attire for all academic sessions is business casual attire for civilians and Class B or service equivalent uniform for military participants, unless otherwise specified in the program agenda. 

A cancellation and refund policy will be provided during the registration process. Participants unable to attend are encouraged to notify the registrar office as soon as possible to discuss transfer or refund options. 

Participants attending resident courses will have access to essential on-base facilities, including dining, fitness, and recreation areas, consistent with host-nation and U.S. installation policies. 

Yes. All graduates join the Marshall Center Global Alumni Network, gaining access to alumni resources including our research library, events, regional alumni groups, newsletters, and ongoing professional engagement opportunities that reinforce cooperation and shared learning. 

Yes. Institutional payments are accepted. Ministries, agencies, or organizations funding participant attendance may coordinate directly with the registrar office for invoicing and payment instructions. 

Completion of a self-funded course does not guarantee future funding; however, participation and performance are considered during the selection process for other Marshall Center programs. Alumni who have successfully completed a course are often strong candidates for future engagements.

While our resident courses are intentionally designed as in-person programs to support networking, collaboration, and direct engagement among participants and faculty, we are planning to add virtual events to the 2026 program. Those opportunities will be published on the Marshall Center website and shared through official communication channels as details are finalized.

Courses are conducted entirely in English. To participate successfully, participants should have professional working-level proficiency to engage effectively in lectures, discussions, seminars, workshops, and to complete written assignments.

Applicants must submit either:

•   a valid English-language test certificate (issued within the past 12 months) or

•   proof of completion of an undergraduate or graduate program conducted entirely in English.

Refer to the table below for accepted tests and minimum score requirements.