YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027 in the USA | Fully Funded
The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027 in the USA is a fully funded exchange initiative designed to strengthen leadership capabilities and collaboration among youth across Southeast Asia.
Overview
The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is a five-week exchange initiative hosted at a U.S. university or college. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the programme brings together young leaders to gain academic field experience, interact with American experts, and observe operational challenges related to specific themes. Participants engage in interactive trainings, simulations, site visits, cultural activities, community service, and a closing workshop.
The programme offers four central themes across eight host institutions in the USA:
- Civic Engagement (Liberty and Freedom)
- Environmental Issues (Natural Resources)
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Growth (Economic Prosperity)
- Governance, Society, and Peace (Peace and Security)
Benefits
- No participation fee required.
- U.S. J-1 visa fees covered by the programme.
- Travel costs covered by the U.S. Department of State.
- Basic living costs in the U.S. provided during the fellowship.
Eligibility
- Must be between 18 and 25 years old.
- Must be citizens and residents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam (citizens of Burma and Laos are not eligible for the 2027 U.S.-based programme).
- Must be physically residing in an ASEAN member state through the start of the fellowship.
- Must be full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate students, or have graduated with an undergraduate degree within the last four years.
- Must demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Must not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Must not be employees or immediate family members of U.S. Government employees.
- Must not be alumni of the YSEALI Academic Fellows programme and must be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application online through Submittable by providing the required general, educational, and background details, alongside essay responses and supporting documents.
Required documents include:
- Documentation verifying age, citizenship, and residency
- Transcript up to date
- Passport
Deadline
The final date to submit an application is 12 October 2026.