MLH Fellowship Spring 2027 Software Engineering Track for Developers

Major League Hacking (MLH) invites applications for the MLH Fellowship Spring 2027 Software Engineering track, a 12-week program for people seeking hands-on experience with software projects. The term runs from January 25 to April 16, 2027, and the application deadline for applicants from all regions is January 4, 2027, subject to the eligibility and residency conditions in the application.

About the MLH Software Engineering Fellowship

The Software Engineering track gives Fellows experience working collaboratively on real-world software engineering problems through projects from companies and government partners. The fellowship describes its approach as a combination of educational content and practical experience, intended to help participants develop technical skills. Its programs are designed to help people build a portfolio, work on projects they care about, contribute to open source, or gain practical experience solving real problems. The Spring 2027 term lasts 12 weeks, from January 25 through April 16.

Participants must be able to commit at least 20 hours per week. They are expected to be available Monday through Friday during selected time windows. Meetings take place on two days, while the remaining days are used to collaborate on projects. Applicants must have regular access to a quiet workspace for meetings and coding, as well as an internet connection suitable for video calls, a webcam, and a microphone. The application asks candidates to select the Software Engineering track and the Spring 2027 term.

A code sample is part of the application. It should be an existing project written for a purpose other than applying, demonstrate the applicant’s own abilities and contribution, solve a real problem, and contain multiple files. It should be publicly viewable on GitHub; if the repository cannot be made public, the instructions allow a secret GitHub Gist. The application cautions against submitting tutorial-based projects, simple static sites without logic, algorithm exercises, coursework, or Jupyter notebooks. JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, and Rust are identified as languages aligned with the fellowship’s available tracks. Applicants may use another language, though they may be asked for a supplemental sample during admissions. If invited to a technical interview, applicants will discuss their submitted code with the interviewer.

The application takes approximately 30–45 minutes to complete, and applicants can save their progress and return later. The form collects basic contact details and asks about academic, work, and programming experience. It also includes essay questions about why the applicant wants to become an MLH Fellow and what perspective or experience they would bring to the community. Explore other fellowship opportunities, browse opportunities without an IELTS requirement, or find more opportunities for youth.

Who Should Apply

This program is intended for applicants over 18 who can code proficiently in at least one programming language and want practical software engineering experience. Applicants need to meet the weekly time commitment, communicate proficiently in written and spoken English, and have the workspace and video-call setup needed for meetings and coding. They must also have participated in at least one MLH Hackathon or Global Hack Week event.

Key Highlights

• Track: Software Engineering, working on projects from companies and government partners.
• Duration: 12 weeks, January 25 to April 16, 2027.
• Time commitment: At least 20 hours per week, with weekday availability.
• Application deadline: January 4, 2027, for applicants from all regions.
• English proficiency is required; the source does not specify a test or score.