Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program 2027

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program (YSEALI AFP) is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. YSEALI AFP seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the U.S. and Southeast Asia, and foster a community of leaders who work across borders to solve shared issues. 
 

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 12, 2026
• Study LevelTraining
• SponsorU.S. Government
• City to studyMontana
• School to studyUniversity of Montana
• Eligible CountryBrunei Darussalam , Cambodia , Indonesia , Malaysia , Philippines , Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam

Benefits

• If you are selected as a Fellow, the U.S. Department of State will cover costs associated with your international travel, visa, and basic living costs in the U.S.

Requirements

• Between the ages of 18 and 25 by the application deadline, although exceptional applicants over 25 may be considered if they meet all other eligibility requirements;
• A citizen of one of the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam;
  • Due to current visa restrictions, citizens of Burma and Laos will not be eligible to apply for the 2027 U.S.-based YSEALI Academic Fellows Program. This restriction is based on citizenship, not country of residence.
• A Resident of one of the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam;
  • To be considered a resident, the applicant must be physically residing in an ASEAN member state as of October 12, 2026, through the start of their selected Fellowship.
• A full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student from a college, university, or other institution of higher learning; or have graduated with their undergraduate degree in the last 4 years;
• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English;
• Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
• Not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government;
• Not alumni of the YSEALI Academic Fellows; and
• Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
  • Visa fees are paid by the program; there is no cost to those selected as Fellows.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrate interest, knowledge, or relevant academic, professional, or community experience related to one or more Fellowship themes; 
• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities, and potential in their university, workplace, or in their community;
• Express a serious interest in learning about the United States and developing relationships between the United States and South East Asia;
• Be willing and prepared to participate fully in an intensive academic program, community activities, and academic field experience;
• Have a commitment to return to their home country to apply leadership skills and training to benefit their community, the United States, and Southeast Asia; and
• Have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.

If you have questions about reasonable accommodations, eligibility, or any other topic please contact us at [email protected].

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the YSEALI webpage.