Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2026 in Korea and USA

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2026 is now open for applications! This prestigious, fully funded fellowship offers emerging leaders from Asia and the Pacific the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, broaden their knowledge of regional development, expand their global networks, and gain valuable international exposure.

Selected fellows will participate in two intensive modules: 10 days in South Korea and 10 days in the United States, with all costs covered—including airfare, visa fees, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and health insurance. In addition, fellows will receive a Professional Development Award of up to USD $5,000 to support their individual growth plans.

Program Details

Host Countries: South Korea & United States
Duration: 10 days in each country
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: November 10, 2025

Financial Benefits

The fellowship covers:

Round-trip airfare
Local transportation
Lodging and meals
Visa fees
Coursework and program costs
Health & accident insurance
Professional Development Award (up to USD $5,000)

Program Objectives

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program is designed for talented professionals under 40 from Asia-Pacific countries. It provides a diverse learning journey to help participants:

Strengthen leadership and decision-making skills
Gain in-depth knowledge of Asia-Pacific development challenges
Build cross-border professional networks
Experience international collaboration and cultural exchange

Fellowship Dates

Spring 2026: Leadership Training Program & Study Tour in Korea (April 19–25, 2026)
Summer 2026: Leadership Training Program & Study Tour in the USA (dates to be announced)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be under 40 years old as of January 1, 2026
Have a proven track record in one or more of the following areas:
- Governance
- Economic development
- Women’s empowerment
- Environmental resilience
- Education & leadership
- International cooperation
Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and community impact
Be comfortable communicating in English (no formal test required)
Be available for all program dates
Be able to secure a U.S. visa
Hold nationality/residency in one of the eligible countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam