Scholarship Overview
Program Overview
The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is a U.S. government initiative designed to strengthen leadership skills and regional cooperation among young Southeast Asian leaders. The 2027 program offers two five-week intensive academic sessions in the United States, combining university coursework, leadership development, and community engagement.
This fellowship is fully funded, with all program costs including visa fees covered by the U.S. Department of State. Participants gain exposure to American academic institutions, civil society organizations, and professional networks while developing projects to implement upon returning home.
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2027 Program Dates and Structure
The 2027 program runs two distinct cohorts:
- Spring 2027: April 1 – May 5, 2027
- Fall 2027: September 16 – October 20, 2027
Both cohorts follow an identical application process. The single application deadline covers placement in either session; applicants do not select their preferred cohort during application.
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Eligibility Requirements
Age and Citizenship
Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old as of October 12, 2026. Exceptional candidates over 25 may be considered if they meet all other requirements. Citizenship is restricted to ASEAN member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Important restriction: Due to current U.S. visa restrictions, citizens of Burma (Myanmar) and Laos are ineligible for the 2027 U.S.-based program. This restriction applies to citizenship, not country of residence.
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Residency Requirement
Applicants must be physically residing in an ASEAN member state from October 12, 2026, through the start of their fellowship. This ensures participants maintain active community ties and can effectively implement post-program projects.
Educational Background
Eligible candidates include:
- Current full-time or part-time undergraduate students
- Current graduate students
- Recent graduates who completed their undergraduate degree within the last 4 years
Additional Requirements
- Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Not employed by the U.S. Government (or immediate family of such employees)
- Not a previous YSEALI Academic Fellow
- Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa
Desired Qualifications
Competitive applicants demonstrate:
- Interest, knowledge, or experience in one or more fellowship themes
- Strong leadership qualities and potential in academic, professional, or community settings
- Serious interest in U.S.-Southeast Asia relations
- Commitment to intensive academic participation and community activities
- Dedication to applying skills upon returning home
- Little or no prior U.S. study or travel experience
What the Fellowship Covers
The program provides comprehensive funding:
- All visa fees (J-1 visa)
- International travel to and from the United States
- Accommodation and meals during the program
- Academic coursework and materials
- Field experiences and cultural activities
There is no cost to selected fellows.
Application Process
Step 1: Review Eligibility
Confirm you meet all citizenship, residency, age, and educational requirements before beginning your application.
Step 2: Prepare Materials
While specific document requirements are not detailed in program materials, typical fellowship applications include academic transcripts, resume or CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. A PDF reference version of the application is available on the program website for planning purposes.
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Applications must be submitted through the Submittable platform. Paper applications or submissions by email are not accepted.
Step 4: Await Notification
Due to high application volume, the program does not respond to status inquiry emails. Selection notifications follow a review process after the deadline.
Important Application Notes
- The single application deadline covers both Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts
- There will be no separate application period for Fall 2027
- Only Submittable platform submissions are considered—the PDF application is for reference only
- Technical issues with Submittable should be directed to Submittable support, not the program
Contact Information
Program questions (eligibility, themes, accommodations): ysealiafp@umontana.edu
Technical application issues: Contact Submittable directly through their support portal
Relevance for African Applicants
This program is not open to African nationals. However, professionals and students from Zimbabwe and SADC countries seeking similar U.S.-based leadership development opportunities should explore the Mandela Washington Fellowship (YALI), the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and Fulbright programs for African citizens. These offer comparable intensive academic and professional exchanges with full funding.
