The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program is a prestigious, year-long leadership initiative that supports emerging leaders across Asia and the Pacific. It aims to help outstanding individuals improve their skills, expand their perspectives, and boost their ability to create positive change in their communities.
Through a carefully designed combination of intensive in-person modules, funding for professional development, and mentorship, the fellowship offers participants unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Fellows also receive executive coaching and gain access to networks that extend beyond their own countries.
A key feature of the program is its immersive study tours in Asia and the United States, which enable fellows to interact with policymakers, innovators, and peers who are dedicated to inclusive and sustainable development.
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Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program Details
| Host Countries | South Korea and USA |
| Host Organization | The Asia Foundation |
| Eligible Nationalities | Students from the Asia-Pacific |
| Degree Level | BS, MS, PhD and Professionals with Relevant Work Experience |
| Fellowship Duration | 10 Days in Each Country |
| Deadline | November 10, 2025 |
Benefits of the Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program
- Fully funded participation in program modules (travel, accommodation, logistics)
- Professional Development Award of up to USD $5,000 to design a personalized growth plan (courses, study tours, research, etc.)
- Two leadership training modules:
- Asia-Pacific Leadership Training Program & Study Tour
- U.S. Leadership Dialogue & Exchange Program
- Mentorship & Executive Coaching with senior professionals
- Global networking with peers, policymakers, innovators, and Asia Foundation alumni
- Recognition & visibility as an Asia Foundation Fellow
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Fellowship Program Modules
Spring 2026 – Leadership Training Program & Study Tour (Korea, April 19–25, 2026)
Fellows will engage in interactive leadership training modules with executive coaches, visit sites with policy leaders and innovators, and attend sessions on self-awareness and wellness. The program emphasizes strategic thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and adaptive leadership, while offering practical experience through site visits across Asia and the Pacific.
Fall 2026 – Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program (United States, September 28–October 7, 2026)
Building on the spring session, this program expands fellows’ global perspectives through policy dialogues, leadership development workshops, and networking opportunities in the United States. It allows fellows to deepen connections with their cohort and strengthen international networks of support.
Eligibility Criteria of the Asia Foundation Development Fellowship
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have a demonstrable record of experience and accomplishment in one or more of The Asia Foundation’s fields of expertise:
- Economic development
- Women’s empowerment
- Environmental resilience
- Education and leadership
- Governance
- International cooperationÂ
- Be thoughtful, committed, respected, and inspirational leaders within their professional fields and broader communities.
- You must be under 40 years old on January 1, 2026.
- Be conversant in English (no TOEFL/IELTS exam required).
- Be available and able to participate in all program components on the specified program dates.
- Be able to secure a U.S. visa for participation in the U.S. program module.
- Be a resident national or citizen of one of the eligible countries/regions.
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Eligible Countries for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Korea
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pacific Islands
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Vietnam
Required Documents for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program
Applicants generally need to submit:
- Completed online application form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume.
- Personal Statement & Essays (on leadership journey, vision for development, alignment with theme).
- Two Letters of Recommendation.
- Copy of Passport or National ID (for nationality verification).
- Optional Video Submission (some years).
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How to Apply for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows
- Check Eligibility: Confirm age, nationality, and experience requirements.
- Prepare Documents: Draft essays, collect recommendation letters, and update CV.
- Online Application: Submit via the Asia Foundation’s official portal.
- The deadline is usually around July–September of the year before the fellowship.
- Regional experts and a selection panel review the Application Process.
- Final Selection & Announcement: Successful fellows are announced before the end of the year, with the program commencing the following year.
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Selection Timeline
- September 23 to November 10, 2025: Applications open and must be submitted through the official online portal.
- November 2025 to January 2026: Internal Asia Foundation review of applications and eligibility checks.
- January to February 2026: Selection committee convenes, reviews finalists, and makes final decisions.
- February 2026: Final selection is announced, and preparations begin for the fellowship year.
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