YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027 in USA | Fully Funded

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The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027 in USA is now open for applications from eligible young leaders in Southeast Asia. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, the program offers a fully funded, five-week academic exchange in the United States.

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program (YSEALI AFP) is designed for undergraduate students and recent graduates aged 18 to 25. Fellows will join an academic program at a U.S. university or college and take part in academic residency, community service, field experience and a closing workshop. The 2027 program will also include a Reciprocal Exchange component connecting American participants with Southeast Asian communities.

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027 will have Spring and Fall cohorts. The expected Spring 2027 dates are April 1 to May 5, 2027, while the Fall 2027 program is expected to run from September 16 to October 20, 2027. There will be one application cycle covering both cohorts, and there will not be a later application for Fall 2027.

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YSEALI Academic Fellows Program Details

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YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027 Benefits

The fellowship is fully funded for selected participants. There is no participation fee. The U.S. Department of State covers costs associated with international travel, the U.S. visa and basic living costs in the United States.

Participants will also receive an organized academic and cultural exchange experience that includes:

• Five-week academic exchange in the United States
• Academic residency at a U.S. university or college
• Academic field experience and educational activities
• Community service activities
• Leadership development
• Closing workshop
• International exchange and networking opportunities
• Visa costs covered by the program
• International travel costs covered by the program
• Basic living costs in the United States covered by the program

The 2027 program will focus on four themes: Economic Prosperity, Liberty and Freedom, Natural Resources, and Peace and Security. Applicants interested in more than one theme can rank their preferences in the application, although selected Fellows are assigned to a theme and cannot request a specific U.S. institute.

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YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the program’s citizenship, residency, education and age requirements. Eligible applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 25 years old by October 12, 2026. Exceptional applicants over 25 may also be considered.
• Be a citizen of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam.
• Be physically residing in an ASEAN member state from October 12, 2026, through the start of the fellowship.
• Be a full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated with an undergraduate degree within the last four years.
• Have proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English.
• Not be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or green card holder.
• Not be a YSEALI Academic Fellows Program alumnus.
• Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.

For the 2027 U.S.-based program, citizens of Myanmar and Laos are not eligible because of current visa restrictions. The restriction is based on citizenship rather than country of residence.

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How to Apply for YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027

• Visit the official YSEALI AFP application portal.
• Review the eligibility requirements and fellowship themes.
• Complete the online application form on Submittable.
• Provide accurate personal, academic, leadership and community experience information.
• Explain your interest in the selected YSEALI theme and the U.S.-Southeast Asia relationship.
• Submit the completed application before October 12, 2026, at 20:00 WIB.
• The PDF application on the YSEALI website is for reference only. Only applications submitted through Submittable will be considered.