YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2026 USA

YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2026 in the USA – A Fully Funded Leadership Journey for Southeast Asian Youth

Are you a young changemaker from Southeast Asia with big dreams and a passion for leadership? Here’s your golden opportunity to experience the U.S. education system, explore global challenges, and grow your leadership skills — completely free of charge.

Applications are now open for the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2026, a 5-week fully funded exchange program in the United States. Whether you’re an undergraduate student or a recent graduate, this experience could be your gateway to bigger things.

Let’s walk you through what the program offers, who can apply, and how to submit a strong application before the deadline on July 21, 2025.

🌍 What is the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program?

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) was created by the U.S. Department of State to strengthen leadership development and ties between the U.S. and Southeast Asia.

Through the Academic Fellows Program, selected participants spend 5 weeks in the U.S., studying key themes like:

●🌱 Civic Engagement

●🌍 Natural Resources Management

●💡 Innovation & Entrepreneurship

●🏛️ Society & Governance

You’ll get the chance to learn at a top U.S. university, take part in cultural exchanges, build leadership skills, and develop a project that can impact your home community.

📌 Program Highlights

●Host Country: United States

●Program Duration: 5 weeks

●Start Dates: Fall or Spring 2026 (you’ll be assigned one)

●Fully Funded by: U.S. Department of State

●Application Deadline: July 21, 2025

✈️ What Does the Fellowship Cover?

This is a 100% fully funded program, meaning you won’t pay a cent. The U.S. government will cover:

●🛫 Round-trip airfare to/from the U.S.

●🏠 Accommodation and basic living costs

●🍽️ Meals during your stay

●📚 Program tuition & study materials

●🪪 J-1 Visa fees

●🚐 Domestic travel within the U.S. (if needed)

So all you need to bring is your passion and your passport.

🏫 Where Will You Study?

You’ll be assigned to one of 12 prestigious host institutions, such as:

●Northern Arizona University

●Portland State University

●University of Connecticut

●James Madison University

●East-West Center in Hawaii

●Syracuse University

●And more…

Each university offers a unique learning environment, campus culture, and program focus—so every Fellow’s experience is different, but equally valuable.

✅ Who Can Apply?

The program is only open to citizens and residents of Southeast Asia. Here’s a quick breakdown:

📅 Age:

●18 to 25 years old by the application deadline
(Exceptional applicants older than 25 may be considered)

🌐 Citizenship & Residency:

●You must be a citizen and resident of one of these countries:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam

🎓 Education:

●Currently enrolled in a college/university (full-time or part-time)
OR

●Graduated with a bachelor’s degree within the last four years

🗣️ English:

●You must be proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking)

🚫 Not Eligible If:

●You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

●You work for the U.S. government (or have close family who does)

●You’ve already participated in the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program before

📝 How to Apply

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1.Go to the official YSEALI website

2.Select your country’s application portal

3.Fill out the online application form

4.Include all required documents (CV, essays, recommendation letters, etc.)

5.Submit by July 21, 2025

👉 Apply for the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2026

💬 Final Thoughts

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2026 is more than a scholarship — it’s a launchpad for future leaders. You’ll learn from world-class professors, collaborate with students from around the world, and return home with new skills, a broader perspective, and a stronger voice.

So if you’re a young Southeast Asian eager to create change in your community — this is your moment. Don’t miss the July 21 deadline!

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