The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is a fully funded, approximately five-week academic exchange in the United States for young leaders from Southeast Asia. The programme is sponsored by the United States Department of State and administered by the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. Applications for the 2027 programme are now open. The official deadline is 12 October 2026 at 20:00 WIB.
The 2027 application covers both the Spring and Fall cohorts, and the official site says there will not be a separate Fall application. Spring dates are expected from 1 April to 5 May 2027, while Fall dates are expected from 16 September to 20 October 2027. Fellows study one of four YSEALI themes across 8 host institutions. Applicants should use the current official application page rather than older cycle instructions.
YSEALI Academic Fellows Program Details
The official YSEALI site describes the programme as a fully funded, five-week exchange focused on leadership development and stronger ties between Southeast Asia and the United States. Its current homepage says Fellows can study one of four themes at 8 host institutions.
The current application page confirms that the 2027 cycle is open for both Spring and Fall cohorts. Applicants should use the live official page because it contains the active deadline, eligibility rules and Submittable application route.
Programme | YSEALI AFP |
|---|---|
Sponsor | U.S. Department of State |
Administrator | Mansfield Center, University of Montana |
Location | United States |
Duration | Approximately 5 weeks |
Funding | Fully funded |
Typical age | 18–25 |
Regional scope | 9 eligible countries for 2027 |
Current status | Open for 2027 |
Host institutions | 8 |
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YSEALI Academic Fellows Program Benefits
The programme is described by the official YSEALI site as fully funded. Its FAQ states that, for selected Fellows, the U.S. Department of State covers costs associated with international travel, the visa, and basic living costs in the United States.
The exchange also includes academic study, community service, field experience, cultural activities and leadership networking. These activities are part of the current programme model described by YSEALI for selected Fellows.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should generally be 18–25 by the application deadline, although exceptional applicants over 25 may be considered if they meet all other requirements. For 2027, eligible citizens are from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam; applicants must also satisfy the programme’s current residency rules.
Applicants must also meet the programme’s residency, education, English-language and J-1 visa eligibility requirements. Citizens of Laos and Myanmar are not eligible for the 2027 U.S.-based programme because of current visa restrictions stated on the official YSEALI application page.
Application Requirements
The current 2027 application is submitted online through Submittable. The official site provides a PDF only for reference and states that only applications submitted through the Submittable platform will be considered.
The FAQ states that submitted applications are final and should be reviewed carefully before submission. Applicants may submit only one application, so they should complete and check the current 2027 form carefully before sending it.
How to Apply
YSEALI AFP is currently accepting applications for 2027. The official YSEALI application page directs candidates to the Submittable platform and states that only Submittable submissions will be considered.
Applicants should complete the current application through Submittable and review all responses before submission. The same application covers both Spring and Fall 2027, so there is no later separate Fall application cycle.
Application Deadline
The active deadline is 12 October 2026 at 20:00 WIB. The official YSEALI page states that applications must be submitted by the listed deadline and that extensions are not offered.
This application period covers both the Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts. Applicants should still recheck the official page immediately before submitting in case the programme publishes a later clarification or technical notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The official site describes YSEALI AFP as a fully funded, five-week academic exchange focused on leadership development. Its current application page confirms that the 2027 cycle is open and provides the active deadline and eligibility requirements.
Applicants should use the current YSEALI website for cycle-specific instructions because eligibility and visa conditions can change. The current page is the final reference for the 2027 application, country eligibility and Submittable submission process.
Is the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program currently open?
Yes. The official application page says the 2027 application is now open and closes on 12 October 2026 at 20:00 WIB.
Is YSEALI AFP fully funded?
Yes. The official site describes YSEALI AFP as fully funded, and its FAQ says selected Fellows have international travel, visa, and basic U.S. living costs covered.
Which countries are eligible for YSEALI AFP 2027?
For 2027, eligible citizens are from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Citizens of Laos and Myanmar are excluded from the U.S.-based 2027 programme because of current visa restrictions.
YSEALI Academic Fellows Program Conclusion
The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is a fully funded, five-week leadership exchange in the United States, and applications for the 2027 programme are currently open. The active cycle covers both Spring and Fall cohorts, four themes and 8 host institutions.
Eligible applicants should review the current citizenship, residency, age, education, English and visa requirements before applying. Submit the final application through Submittable by 12 October 2026 at 20:00 WIB and use the official YSEALI page for any later update.
