The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program (YSEALI AFP) 2027 is a fully funded academic exchange opportunity for young leaders from Southeast Asia to study, develop leadership skills, and gain international experience in the United States. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, the program brings undergraduate students and recent graduates together for an intensive five-week fellowship.

About the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program

YSEALI AFP is designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of young people in Southeast Asia while building connections between the United States and the region. Fellows participate in a five-week academic exchange at a U.S. university or college, combining academic learning with community engagement, field experiences, leadership development, and cultural activities.

The program covers a range of YSEALI themes, allowing participants to explore issues relevant to their communities and the wider Southeast Asian region. The fellowship also includes a Reciprocal Exchange component that supports connections between American and Southeast Asian participants.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is fully funded, meaning selected Fellows do not pay a participation fee. Program support includes international travel, visa-related costs, and basic living expenses in the United States. Fellows also benefit from academic and leadership development, community engagement opportunities, field experiences, and networking with other emerging leaders.

The program provides an opportunity to experience U.S. higher education and develop relationships with young leaders from across Southeast Asia while gaining knowledge that can be applied in participants’ home communities.

Eligibility Criteria

For the 2027 program, applicants generally must be 18–25 years old at the application deadline, although exceptional applicants over 25 may be considered. Applicants must be citizens and residents of eligible Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Applicants must also be undergraduate students or recent graduates, demonstrate English proficiency, and be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.

Application Process

Eligible applicants can apply online through the official YSEALI AFP application platform. The current application cycle covers both the Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts. The application deadline is October 12, 2026, at 20:00 WIB. The Spring 2027 program is expected to run from April 1 to May 5, 2027, while the Fall 2027 program is expected to run from September 16 to October 20, 2027.