Applications Open for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program 2026

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) has formally launched the application cycle for its extremely anticipated 2026 YSEALI Academic Fellows Program (AFP). This transformative trade initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of State, gives an intensive tutorial and cultural expertise in the United States for younger leaders from Southeast Asia. Applications at the moment are open for each the Spring and Fall 2026 cohorts, and the deadline to apply is July 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM Myanmar Time (UTC +6.5).

Administered in partnership with U.S. universities, the program invites aspiring change-makers from throughout Southeast Asia to take part in a rigorous five-week tutorial institute centered on key regional and international points. With a powerful emphasis on management, civic engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration, the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program continues to be a cornerstone in constructing a resilient and interconnected Southeast Asian youth group.

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Program Overview

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is designed for younger leaders aged 18 to 25 who’ve demonstrated management potential and a dedication to group service, public affairs, innovation, or environmental stewardship. The 2026 program will welcome two cohorts:

Each cohort will take part in a five-week, totally funded tutorial and cultural trade hosted by a U.S. college. The program consists of educational seminars, management growth workshops, cultural visits, group service tasks, and a week-long academic study tour. Participants may also interact with native Americans, pupil teams, civic organizations, and establishments to develop a deeper understanding of U.S. society, values, and governance constructions.

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Who Should Apply?

The YSEALI AFP is open to rising leaders from the following 11 international locations:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Eligible candidates should:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 25 by the application deadline (distinctive candidates over 25 could also be thought of in the event that they meet all different standards)

• Hold citizenship and residency in one in every of the 11 YSEALI international locations

• Be both a full-time or part-time undergraduate pupil at a better training establishment or have graduated inside the previous 4 years

• Be proficient in studying, writing, and talking English

• Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 visa (visa and journey prices are totally coated by the program)

• Not be a U.S. citizen or U.S. everlasting resident

• Not be alumni of the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program

• Not be workers or speedy relations of U.S. Government personnel (together with embassies, USAID, or associated entities)

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Desired Qualifications

While assembly the eligibility standards is crucial, profitable candidates sometimes go above and past by demonstrating:

• A real curiosity or expertise in one in every of the program’s core thematic areas:

• Leadership potential of their college, office, or group

• Active participation in volunteerism, mentorship, or group service

• A dedication to making use of the data and expertise gained by means of the program to profit their home nation or the broader Southeast Asian area

• Limited or no prior expertise finding out or touring to the United States

• Enthusiasm for cross-cultural studying and a need to construct lasting relationships with fellow Southeast Asian youth and American friends

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Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application by means of the official Submittable platform earlier than the deadline. Due to the excessive quantity of functions, the YSEALI program is unable to reply to particular person inquiries relating to application standing. Applicants are inspired to overview the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) web page on the program web site to deal with any uncertainties associated to eligibility, themes, or logistics.

Application closes at 11:59 pm Myanmar Time (UTC +6.5) on July twenty first, 2025.

For technical points with the Submittable platform, candidates ought to contact Submittable straight. For eligibility and program-related questions, inquiries will be despatched to ysealiafp@umontana.edu.

It is necessary to notice that there is not going to be a separate application spherical for the Fall 2026 cohort. All people should apply throughout this present application window to be thought of for both cohort.

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Why Join YSEALI?

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is greater than a study tour—it’s a gateway to a broader regional community of younger leaders dedicated to driving constructive change. Alumni of the program go on to steer group tasks, contribute to policy-making, and spearhead modern options to native and regional challenges. Participants acquire:

• Enhanced management {and professional} expertise

• Exposure to U.S. tutorial and civic establishments

• Cross-cultural competencies by means of group immersion

• Lasting connections with like-minded friends throughout Southeast Asia and the United States

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The YSEALI community continues to develop in affect and influence throughout the area. For formidable, civically minded youth trying to take their management journey to the subsequent stage, the 2026 Academic Fellows Program is an distinctive alternative to realize data, construct networks, and create lasting change.

To apply and entry full program particulars, go to the official application portal at the moment.

For extra alternatives like this, go to Opportunity for Youth.