Are you a young changemaker in Southeast Asia looking to expand your leadership skills, gain international experience, and connect with future leaders across the region? Applications are now open for the 2026 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship Program—a fully funded, five-week academic and cultural exchange program in the United States.
You can apply for either the Spring session (April–May 2026) or the Fall session (September–October 2026). Note: There will be no additional application cycle for Fall 2026, so don’t miss this opportunity!
What is the YSEALI Academic Fellowship?
The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. It brings together passionate young leaders from Southeast Asia for a transformative experience centered around:
- Academic coursework
- Leadership development
- Civic engagement
- Community service
- Cultural exchange
Program Focus Areas
Participants will be placed into academic institutes focusing on one of the following key themes:
- Civic Engagement
- Governance and Society
- Environmental Issues & Natural Resources Management
- Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Program Benefits
This is a fully funded fellowship, covering:
- International travel to and from the U.S.
- Full tuition and academic fees
- Lodging and meals during the program
- Health insurance
- Local transportation and cultural activities
- Visa application and processing fees (J-1 visa)
Who Should Apply?
The ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate leadership potential and community engagement
- Be involved in volunteer work or local initiatives
- Show a strong interest in regional and global issues
- Be eager to contribute to all aspects of the program (academic, service, cultural)
- Plan to apply what they’ve learned to benefit their home community
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 18–25 years old at the time of application (exceptions considered)
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the eligible Southeast Asian countries
- Be enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university (within 4 years)
- Have strong English language skills
- Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Not be a previous participant of the YSEALI Academic Fellowship
- Not be affiliated with the U.S. government
- Be eligible for a J-1 visa (the program covers all visa costs)
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be from: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam
Deadline to Apply: 21 July 2025 at 11:59 PM (Myanmar Time | UTC +6.5)
How to Apply
This is your chance to immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment, build global connections, and bring new energy to your local leadership journey. The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is more than a program—it’s a launchpad for impact.
Check other opportunities:
Win Up to $50,000! Apply for the RELX Environmental Challenge 2025
Study in Australia for Free: University of Sydney Undergraduate Scholarship 2026
Win Up to $5,000! Apply for the 2025 IOM Short Film Competition for Young Nigerians
Kyoto Retreat 2025 in Japan (Fully Funded Program)
KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program 2025/26 in Saudi Arabia (Fully Funded)
10 Free Online Courses on Gender Equality by the United Nations – Enroll Now!
