ASEAN Youth Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Leadership Program in Singapore & Philippines

The ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF) 2026 is now open for applications, offering a prestigious fully funded leadership experience for young changemakers across Southeast Asia.

Co-organised by the National Youth Council and the Singapore International Foundation, this flagship programme brings together dynamic youth leaders to build regional collaboration, leadership skills, and social impact initiatives.

About the Fellowship

The ASEAN Youth Fellowship is a transformative leadership programme designed to:

• Develop future regional leaders
• Strengthen ASEAN identity and collaboration
• Encourage youth-led solutions to real-world challenges

It combines learning, networking, and hands-on project work in a highly interactive environment.

Programme Overview (2026)

• Programme: ASEAN Youth Fellowship (8th Edition)
• Dates: 13 – 20 November 2026
• Locations:
  • Singapore
  • Philippines
• Duration: 1 week (intensive residential experience)

Participants will engage in a multi-country fellowship experience, making it uniquely immersive.

What You Will Experience

During the programme, fellows will:

• Attend leadership and policy workshops
• Engage with regional experts and changemakers
• Work on ASEAN-focused collaborative projects
• Participate in cross-cultural exchange activities
• Build a strong regional and international network

The fellowship emphasizes action-oriented learning and collaboration.

What You Get

Selected fellows typically receive:

• Travel support between programme locations
• Accommodation and meals
• Access to workshops and expert sessions
• Networking opportunities with regional leaders
• Certificate of completion

This makes AYF a high-impact short-term leadership programme.

Application Requirements

Applicants need to prepare:

• Personal and educational information
• CV and profile write-up
• Social media links
• Profile photo (recent)
• Referee details
• Responses to ASEAN-related questions

Optional but Recommended

• Video submission

A short video can significantly strengthen your application by showcasing:

• Communication skills
• Leadership personality
• Motivation and vision

Application Deadline

• Deadline: May 24, 2026

Selection Timeline

• Application review: After deadline
• Results announcement: September 2026

Commitment Requirement

Selected participants must:

• Attend all programme sessions
• Join pre-programme briefings
• Fully engage throughout the fellowship

This is an intensive, full-commitment programme.

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is ideal for:

• Emerging youth leaders
• Students and young professionals
• Social entrepreneurs and changemakers
• Individuals passionate about regional collaboration

Why This Fellowship Matters

The ASEAN Youth Fellowship stands out because it:

• Provides multi-country exposure
• Builds regional leadership capacity
• Encourages cross-border collaboration
• Connects youth with influential networks

It is widely recognized as one of the top youth leadership programmes in Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the ASEAN Youth Fellowship fully funded?

Yes, it generally covers major programme costs including travel (within programme scope), accommodation, and meals.

2. Is video submission required?

No, but it is highly recommended and can improve your chances.

3. What is the duration of the programme?

The fellowship runs for 1 week (November 13–20, 2026).

4. What is the selection criteria?

Applicants are evaluated based on leadership potential, regional awareness, communication skills, and commitment to impact.

5. Do I need prior leadership experience?

Yes, some level of leadership, initiative, or community involvement is expected.

6. What is the main benefit of this fellowship?

Leadership development, international exposure, and access to a strong regional network.

Final Insight

The ASEAN Youth Fellowship 2026 is a high-impact leadership platform that goes beyond traditional training programs.

It offers:

• Real-world collaboration
• Regional exposure
• Long-term network building

For motivated young leaders, it can be a transformational experience that shapes future careers and impact journeys.