YSEALI Academic Fellowship 2027 | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027. This fully funded exchange brings young Southeast Asian leaders to US universities. Fellows join a five-week institute covering leadership and civic themes. Both Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts apply through this single window.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
• Funding: Fully funded, including J-1 visa fees; no cost to fellows
• Duration: 5 weeks, in Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) 2027
• Eligibility: Citizens and residents of nine ASEAN countries, ages 18-25
• Application Deadline: October 12, 2026, 20:00 WIB
• Themes: Economic Prosperity, Liberty and Freedom, Natural Resources, Peace and Security

Focus Areas

• US civic engagement and governance systems
• Natural resources and environmental policy
• Entrepreneurship and economic development
• Leadership training and community service

About the Fellowship

YSEALI strengthens ties between the US and Southeast Asian youth leaders. Each institute combines academic residency with a domestic study tour. Fellows conclude their program with time together in Washington, DC. The initiative has already brought hundreds of young leaders to the US.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows travel to the US with all program costs fully covered. Visa fees are paid entirely by the program at no cost. Academic residency, study tours, and leadership training are included throughout. Fellows also build lasting relationships with American peers and mentors.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of nine ASEAN nations. Candidates should be 18 to 25, though exceptions exist for exceptional cases. Current students or recent graduates within four years may apply. Burmese and Lao citizens cannot apply this cycle due to visa restrictions.

Required Materials

Applicants complete the official application through the Submittable platform only. A reference PDF exists, but only Submittable applications count. Contact ysealiafp@umontana.edu for program-specific questions.

How to Apply

Submit your application through Submittable before October 12, 2026.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers a genuinely funded, transformative US exchange for young Southeast Asian leaders. Its single application window covers both 2027 cohorts, so timing matters. Eligible applicants should submit well before the October 12 deadline.

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