Fully Funded To USA : Apply for 2026 YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program

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Fully Funded To USA : Apply for 2026 YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program

Applications are now open for the 2026 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship Program. This competitive program offers a transformative five-week academic and cultural exchange opportunity in the United States.

Applicants may apply for either the Spring (April–May) or Fall (September–October) 2026 sessions. No additional application cycle will be held for Fall 2026.

What Makes a Strong Candidate?

Ideal applicants will:

Have background, experience, or strong interest in areas such as Civic Engagement, Natural Resources, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, or Governance and Society
Show leadership ability and initiative in academic, professional, or community settings
Be involved in volunteer work, community service, or mentorship programs
Express a clear desire to explore both U.S. society and Southeast Asian regional issues
Be eager to contribute to all aspects of the program—academic sessions, service learning, and cultural tours
Intend to apply the skills gained during the program to drive positive change in their home country or region
Have limited or no previous experience in the United States

Interested experts should apply by 21 July 2025, at 11:59 PM (Myanmar Time | UTC +6.5)

Scroll down below for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity.

Host Institution

U.S. Government and administered by the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana.

Program Type

Fully Funded

Program Benefits

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 Mansfield Center at the University of Montana.

Eligibility Criteria

✅ Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be 18 to 25 years old at the time of application (exceptional candidates over 25 may be considered if other requirements are met)

Hold citizenship and residency in one of these countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam

Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a higher education institution (college, university, etc.) OR have completed a bachelor’s degree within the last four years

Possess strong English language skills in reading, writing, and speaking

Not hold U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency

Not be a past participant of the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program

Not be affiliated (directly or through family) with the U.S. government (e.g., U.S. embassies, consulates, or agencies)

Be eligible for a J-1 visa (visa processing and fees are fully covered by the program)

Eligible Countries

Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam

Official Link

https://www.ysealiafp.org/apply