Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program is a flagship U.S. exchange program designed to strengthen leadership skills and deepen understanding of American society among emerging leaders from ASEAN member states. The 2027 program offers two cohorts: Spring (expected April 1 to May 5, 2027) and Fall (expected September 16 to October 20, 2027). Both cohorts share one application period, which closes on October 12, 2026 at 20:00 WIB.
This intensive five-week program combines academic coursework, leadership development, community engagement, and field experiences at U.S. universities. Fellows explore themes including civic engagement, environmental issues, economic development, and social entrepreneurship while building lasting professional networks.
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Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet all mandatory criteria to be considered:
- Age: Between 18 and 25 years old by the application deadline (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: Must be physically residing in an ASEAN member state from October 12, 2026 through the start of the selected fellowship.
- 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 employed by or an immediate family member of U.S. Government employees; not a previous YSEALI Academic Fellow alumnus.
- Visa: Must be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa. Visa fees are paid by the program.
Desired Qualifications
Competitive applicants demonstrate:
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- Interest, knowledge, or experience related to one or more fellowship themes
- Strong leadership qualities and potential in academic, professional, or community settings
- Serious interest in learning about the United States and U.S.-Southeast Asia relations
- Readiness to participate fully in an intensive academic and community program
- Commitment to return home and apply skills to benefit their community and region
- Little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States
What the Fellowship Covers
The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is fully funded. Selected participants receive:
- All program-related travel expenses
- Accommodation and meals during the five-week program
- Academic coursework and materials
- Community engagement and field experience activities
- J-1 visa sponsorship with visa fees paid by the program
There is no cost to selected Fellows.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Submittable platform. A PDF reference version of the application is available for preview, but only Submittable submissions will be considered.
Key steps:
- Review the FAQ page for detailed guidance on the program and application process
- Prepare required materials demonstrating eligibility and desired qualifications
- Submit complete application via Submittable before October 12, 2026 at 20:00 WIB
- Wait for selection notification (status inquiry emails will not receive responses due to application volume)
For technical issues with Submittable, contact Submittable support directly. For questions about eligibility or program details, email ysealiafp@umontana.edu.
Important Notes for African Applicants
This program is specifically designed for Southeast Asian citizens and residents. If you are based in Zimbabwe or the SADC region, you do not meet the citizenship or residency requirements. However, if you are a Southeast Asian national currently residing in an ASEAN country (including for study or work), you may be eligible. The program does not accept applicants from African countries.
Contact Information
- Program questions: ysealiafp@umontana.edu
- Technical support: Submittable platform help center
- Reasonable accommodations: Contact ysealiafp@umontana.edu
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
