Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program is a flagship U.S. government exchange program designed to strengthen leadership skills and deepen understanding of American society among emerging leaders from Southeast Asia. The 2027 program offers two cohorts: Spring (April 1–May 5, 2027) and Fall (September 16–October 20, 2027).
This intensive five-week program combines academic seminars, leadership workshops, site visits, and community service activities. Fellows engage with American peers, mentors, and professionals while developing projects to implement upon returning home.
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Eligibility Requirements
The program maintains strict eligibility criteria. Applicants must meet all requirements below:
- Age: Between 18 and 25 years old by October 12, 2026. Exceptional applicants over 25 may be considered if they meet all other requirements.
- Citizenship: Citizen of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam. Important: Citizens of Burma and Laos are ineligible for the 2027 U.S.-based program due to visa restrictions. This restriction applies to citizenship, not country of residence.
- Residency: Physically residing in an ASEAN member state from October 12, 2026, through the fellowship start date.
- Education: Currently enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student; OR graduated with an undergraduate degree within the last 4 years.
- Language: Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Exclusions: Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; not a U.S. government employee or immediate family member; not a YSEALI Academic Fellows alumnus.
- Visa: Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa. Visa fees are paid by the program.
Desired Qualifications
Competitive applicants also demonstrate:
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- Interest, knowledge, or experience related to fellowship themes (civic engagement, environmental issues, economic development, or social entrepreneurship)
- Strong leadership qualities and potential in academic, professional, or community settings
- Serious interest in U.S.-Southeast Asia relations
- Commitment to apply skills upon returning home
- Little or no prior U.S. study or travel experience
What the Fellowship Covers
The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is fully funded. The award includes:
- International travel to and from the United States
- All program-related domestic travel within the U.S.
- Tuition and academic fees
- Housing and meals
- Visa application fees (J-1 visa)
- Accident and sickness insurance
There is no cost to selected fellows. The program does not provide funding for dependents.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Submittable platform. Follow these steps:
- Review the FAQ page for detailed guidance.
- Download the PDF application for reference only—do not submit this version.
- Create an account on the Submittable platform and complete all required sections.
- Submit your application before October 12, 2026, at 20:00 WIB.
Critical note: This single application period covers both Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts. There will be no separate application for Fall 2027. Select your preferred cohort, but be prepared for either.
Technical Support
- Platform issues: Contact Submittable directly through their help portal
- Eligibility or program questions: Email ysealiafp@umontana.edu
- Application status inquiries: Not accepted due to high volume
Important Considerations for African Applicants
This program is exclusively for ASEAN citizens and residents. Applicants from Zimbabwe and SADC countries are not eligible for this specific fellowship. However, understanding this program structure may help you identify similar U.S. exchange opportunities through:
- The Mandela Washington Fellowship (YALI) for African leaders
- State Department exchange programs for your specific region
- University partnerships between your home institution and U.S. universities
Program Structure and Themes
While specific 2027 themes are not published, YSEALI Academic Fellows typically focus on:
- Civic engagement and democratic participation
- Environmental issues and sustainable development
- Economic development and entrepreneurship
- Social entrepreneurship and community development
The program includes academic coursework at a U.S. university, leadership training, site visits to relevant organizations, community service activities, and cultural events.
Selection Timeline and Notification
The program does not publish specific selection timeline details. Due to the large applicant pool, the program cannot respond to individual status inquiries. Finalists are typically notified several months after the application deadline, with sufficient time for visa processing and pre-departure preparations.
Post-Fellowship Commitment
Fellows must commit to returning to their home country to apply their leadership training. Alumni join the YSEALI network of over 150,000 members, gaining access to ongoing professional development, funding opportunities, and regional events.
Official scholarship page: https://www.ysealiafp.org/apply
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
