Scholarship Overview
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
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Program Overview
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program is a U.S. government-funded exchange program designed for emerging leaders from Southeast Asian countries. The program provides participants with approximately five to six weeks of intensive professional development in the United States, including full-time placements in relevant organizations, leadership training, and networking opportunities with American counterparts.
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region, this program is not open to African nationals. It is exclusively designed for citizens of ASEAN member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. If you are a Zimbabwean or SADC-based professional seeking similar opportunities, consider programs like the Mandela Washington Fellowship or other U.S. exchange initiatives open to Sub-Saharan Africa.
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What the Fellowship Covers
The YSEALI Professional Fellows Program is fully funded. The award covers:
- International travel to and from the United States
- Domestic travel within the U.S. related to program activities
- Accommodation throughout the program period
- Daily living allowance
- Accident and sickness coverage
- Program-related materials and activities
Fellows do not receive a salary or honorarium from their host organizations. The program is designed as an educational and professional development opportunity rather than employment.
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Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the YSEALI Professional Fellows Program, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of one of the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam
- Be currently residing in their home country at the time of application
- Be between 25 and 35 years old at the time of application
- Have at least two years of professional work experience
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential and commitment to community development
- Have a clear project or initiative they intend to implement upon return
- Be proficient in English (written and spoken)
- Be available to participate in the full program duration
The program specifically targets emerging leaders from civil society organizations, government agencies, social enterprises, and private sector entities working on civic engagement, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, or governance.
Application Themes and Cohorts
Applicants must select and rank their preferred thematic focus areas at the beginning of the application. Available themes typically include:
- Civic Engagement
- Economic Empowerment
- Environmental Sustainability
- Governance and Society
The program offers two cohorts per year with different dates. Applicants must indicate their preferred cohort during the application process. Specific dates for each cohort are provided within the application portal.
Required Application Documents
The following materials must be completed or uploaded through the AIS Forms portal:
- Confirmation of eligibility
- Complete education history
- Comprehensive work experience documentation
- Resume or CV in English
- Three written essays addressing motivations, skill development goals, and follow-on project plans (exact prompts provided in application)
- One video essay on leadership (specific prompt provided in application)
- One professional reference
- Signed Participant Terms and Conditions Agreement
- Signed American Councils Informed Consent Agreement
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Access the Application Portal
Visit the AIS Forms portal to access the YSEALI PE application. Create an account if you do not already have one.
Step 2: Complete Personal and Background Information
Fill in your confirmation of eligibility, education history, and comprehensive work experience.
Step 3: Select Theme and Cohort Preferences
Rank your preferred themes and indicate which program cohort you wish to join.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Submit your resume/CV, written essays, and video essay according to the specifications provided.
Step 5: Request Professional Reference
Enter your referee’s information in the portal to send them a direct request.
Step 6: Review and Sign Agreements
Upload signed copies of the Participant Terms and Conditions Agreement and the American Councils Informed Consent Agreement.
Step 7: Submit Before Deadline
Press the “Submit” button on the final page of the application. Applications without this final submission will be considered incomplete. You will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission.
Application Timeline and Deadline
The application deadline is strict: 10:00 am Eastern Time on December 10, 2026. The portal allows you to save your progress and return multiple times before this deadline. Once submitted, no changes are permitted.
Given the time difference between the United States and Southeast Asia, applicants should submit well in advance. Technical issues or high email volume near the deadline may delay responses to inquiries.
Contact and Support
For application questions, contact: ysealipe@americancouncils.org
Submit questions early, as responses may be delayed due to time zone differences and high inquiry volume before the deadline.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee considering professional experience, leadership potential, clarity of follow-on project proposals, and fit with program themes. Semi-finalists may be contacted for interviews. Final selections are typically announced several months after the application deadline.
Official scholarship page: https://ysealiexchange.org/apply
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
