YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)
A fully funded five-week academic exchange in the USA for Southeast Asian students and recent graduates aged 18–25. Apply by October 12, 2026.
What is the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program?
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program (YSEALI AFP) brings young leaders from Southeast Asia to the United States for a fully funded, five-week academic exchange at a US university or college.
The program is sponsored by the US Department of State and run by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. Its goal is to build young people's leadership skills, strengthen ties between the US and Southeast Asia, and create a community of leaders who work across borders to solve shared problems.
Each program includes an academic residency, community service, field experience, and a closing workshop. Fellows study one of four themes at eight host institutions across the US.
Fellowship themes
- Economic Prosperity: business models, innovation, technology and AI, trade, investment, and financial literacy.
- Liberty and Freedom: free speech, self-governance, civic engagement, and public advocacy.
- Natural Resources: agriculture, fisheries, energy, critical minerals, disaster preparedness, and water and waste management.
- Peace and Security: countering trafficking and online scams, cyber security, disaster response, public health, and border security.
Important dates
- Application deadline: October 12, 2026 (8:00 PM WIB, Western Indonesia Time)
- Spring 2027 cohort: around April 1 to May 5, 2027
- Fall 2027 cohort: around September 16 to October 20, 2027
This single application covers both the Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts. There will be no separate application for Fall 2027.
Who can apply?
- Aged 18 to 25 by the application deadline. Exceptional applicants over 25 may also be considered.
- A citizen and resident of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam.
- A full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student, or someone who finished their undergraduate degree in the last 4 years.
- Proficient in English.
- Eligible for a US J-1 visa.
- Not a US citizen or permanent resident, and not a past YSEALI Academic Fellow.
Due to current visa restrictions, citizens of Burma and Laos are not eligible for the 2027 program.
What do you get?
- A fully funded five-week exchange at a US university or college.
- Visa fees paid by the program, so there's no cost to you.
- Academic sessions, community service, and field experience in the US.
- Leadership training and a closing workshop.
- A lifelong network of YSEALI alumni across Southeast Asia and the US.
What are they looking for?
- Interest or experience in one of the four themes.
- Strong leadership in your university, workplace, or community.
- A real interest in the United States and in building ties between the US and Southeast Asia.
- A commitment to return home and use what you learn to help your community.
- Little or no previous study or travel experience in the US.
How to apply
- Check that you meet all the eligibility requirements.
- Choose the theme that best fits your interests and experience.
- Read the PDF of the application on the official website to prepare your answers.
- Complete and submit your application on the Submittable platform.
- Submit before October 12, 2026 (8:00 PM WIB).
Simple tips
- Pick one theme and show clearly how your experience connects to it.
- Share real examples of leadership in your community, school, or work.
- Prepare your answers in a document first, then paste them into the form.
- Only applications submitted on Submittable will be considered.
Apply here
Ready to apply? Submit your application through the official YSEALI AFP application portal: https://themaureenandmikemansfieldcenter.submittable.com/submit
For full program details, visit the official website: https://www.ysealiafp.org/apply
For questions about eligibility or the program, email ysealiafp@umontana.edu.
World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the US Department of State, YSEALI, or the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | U.S. Department of State (Mansfield Center, University of Montana) |
| Region / Country | United States |
| Deadline | Oct 12, 2026 |
| Level | Undergraduate, graduate, recent graduates (18–25) |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by U.S. Department of State (Mansfield Center, University of Montana). Always verify details on the official website before applying.