YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027: Fully Funded Five-Week Exchange Programme in the United States
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program 2027 invites eligible young leaders from Southeast Asia to apply for a fully funded, five-week academic exchange in the United States. This programme covers both the Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts.
Overview
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program 2027 (YSEALI AFP) is a fully funded exchange programme sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. The initiative brings undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates to the United States for an intensive five-week experience combining academic residency, leadership development, community service, field visits, and cultural activities.
The 2027 application cycle covers both the Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts under a single call. Successful candidates will be placed under one of four core themes: Liberty and Freedom, Natural Resources, Economic Prosperity, or Peace and Security.
Benefits
- Fully funded international travel support with round-trip airfare arranged by the programme.
- U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa support and documentation (DS-2019 form), with visa fees covered or waived.
- Coverage of basic living expenses throughout the official exchange period in the United States.
- Intensive academic learning, leadership development workshops, and structured community service activities.
- Academic field experiences and professional networking with U.S. citizens and peers across Southeast Asia.
Eligibility
- Age: Generally between 18 and 25 years old by the application deadline, though exceptional candidates over 25 may be considered.
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam. (Citizens of Myanmar and Laos are ineligible due to current visa restrictions).
- Residency: Must be physically residing in an ASEAN member state as of the application deadline and maintain residency until the fellowship starts.
- Academic Status: Must be enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated with an undergraduate degree within the last four years.
- Language: Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (or American Sign Language for deaf applicants).
- Restrictions: Must not be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, green card holders, U.S. Government employees, immediate family members of U.S. Government employees, or alumni of the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete their submissions entirely online through the official application platform. Prepare all necessary personal, academic, and leadership background information before initiating your submission.
- Review all eligibility criteria and select your preferred fellowship theme.
- Draft clear explanations connecting your background, community involvement, and future goals to the selected theme.
- Access the official online portal via Submittable and complete the application in English.
- Submit all responses prior to the official deadline, keeping in mind that submissions are final and cannot be edited afterward.
Deadline
Applications for the 2027 cohorts must be submitted by October 12, 2026, at 20:00 WIB.