Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2027

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program provides highly qualified, young professionals from Asia and the Pacific Islands with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain in-depth knowledge of Asia’s critical development challenges.

The leadership program draws on TAF’s seven decades in the region and its work across 20 countries.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineDecember 1, 2026
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorThe Asia Foundation
• Eligible CountryAfghanistan , Bangladesh , Bhutan , Cambodia , India , Indonesia , Japan , Korea , Laos , Malaysia , Maldives , Mongolia , Myanmar , Nepal , Pakistan , Philippines , Singapore , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Vietnam

Benefits

• Airfares
• Local Transportation
• Coursework and Program Costs
• Lodging and Meals
• Visa Fees
• Health and accident insurance
• An award of up to USD 2,500 is made available to each selected fellow.

Requirements

Candidates should:  

• have a demonstrable record of high achievement, and must show evidence of outstanding potential for professional advancement and significant impact in their chosen field; 

• have experience and proven accomplishment related to TAF focus areas and programs; 

• have outstanding personal character and integrity; 

• be thoughtful, committed, respected and inspirational leaders within their professional fields and within their larger community; 

• be under 40 years of age by the time of selection: January 1, 2027;

• be conversant in English (TOEFL exam results are not required); 

• be available and able to participate in all program components on specified dates, no exceptions; 

• be able to secure a visa for travel to the U.S.; and 

• be resident nationals or citizens of the following countries and regions where TAF has programs: Afghanistan (if based in U.S.); Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; India; Indonesia; Japan, Korea; Laos (if based in U.S.); Malaysia; Maldives; Mongolia; Myanmar (if based in U.S.); Nepal; Pacific Islands Nations; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Timor-Leste; and Vietnam.  

Please note that due to visa constraints we are unable to accept candidates from Afghanistan, Myanmar or Laos that are not already based in the United States

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindlly visit the Asia Foundation webpage.