AK Travels Limited

Summary

• Programme: Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program 2027
• Location: United States
• Duration: Approximately 5 weeks
• Cohorts: Spring and Fall 2027
• Spring Dates: Expected April 1–May 5, 2027
• Fall Dates: Expected September 16–October 20, 2027
• Funding: Fully funded
• Eligible Age: 18–25 at the application deadline; exceptional applicants over 25 may be considered
• Eligible Countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam
• Application Deadline: October 12, 2026 at 20:00 WIB
• Application Platform: Submittable
• Sponsor: U.S. Department of State
• Administrator: Mansfield Center, University of Montana

About the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored academic exchange programme designed to develop leadership capabilities among young people in Southeast Asia, strengthen relationships between the United States and Southeast Asia, and build a network of leaders who can work across borders on shared challenges.

For the 2027 programme, eligible undergraduate students and recent graduates from participating Southeast Asian countries can apply for a fully funded, approximately five-week exchange in the United States.

The programme combines an academic residency at a U.S. university or college with community activities, an academic field experience and a closing workshop. The official programme also includes a Reciprocal Exchange component involving American participants travelling to Southeast Asia.

Applicants can indicate their interest in one or more of four fellowship themes: Economic Prosperity, Liberty and Freedom, Natural Resources, and Peace and Security.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected YSEALI Academic Fellows participate in the programme at no cost.

According to the official FAQ, the U.S. Department of State covers costs associated with:

• International travel to and from the United States
• Visa costs
• Basic living costs in the United States
• Programme participation

The official programme describes the exchange as fully funded and lasting approximately five weeks. Fellows also participate in academic, community and field-based activities as part of the programme.

Selected Fellows will receive support for the J-1 visa process. The programme states that visa fees are paid by the programme and that there is no participation fee for selected Fellows.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the official eligibility requirements.

You should:

• Be 18–25 years old by October 12, 2026. Exceptional applicants over 25 may be considered if they meet the other requirements.
• Be a citizen of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam.
• Be physically residing in an ASEAN member state from October 12, 2026 through the start of the selected Fellowship.
• Be a full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated with an undergraduate degree within the previous four years.
• Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English.
• Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Not be an employee or immediate family member of an employee of the U.S. Government.
• Not be a YSEALI Academic Fellows alumnus.
• Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.

The official site also notes that citizens of Laos and Myanmar are not eligible for the 2027 U.S.-based YSEALI Academic Fellows Program because of current visa restrictions.

The programme particularly seeks applicants who demonstrate leadership potential, relevant academic, professional or community experience, interest in U.S.–Southeast Asian relations, willingness to participate fully and a commitment to return home and apply their experience to benefit their communities.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, carefully confirm that you meet the age, citizenship, residency, education, English-language and visa requirements.

Step 2: Select Your Fellowship Theme

Applicants interested in multiple themes can rank their preferences in the application. The four themes are Economic Prosperity, Liberty and Freedom, Natural Resources, and Peace and Security.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Complete the application in English and provide the information requested through the official application platform.

The programme states that applications submitted in another language will not be evaluated.

Step 4: Submit Through Submittable

Only applications submitted through the official Submittable platform will be considered. The downloadable application on the website is provided for reference only.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications must be submitted by October 12, 2026 at 20:00 WIB. There will be one application cycle covering both the Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts.

Step 6: Prepare for the Fellowship

Successful applicants will receive further information regarding programme participation, travel and the J-1 visa process.

Important Deadline

The official deadline for the 2027 YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is October 12, 2026 at 20:00 WIB.

This application covers both the Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts. There will not be a separate application period later for Fall 2027.

The expected Spring 2027 programme dates are April 1–May 5, 2027, while the expected Fall 2027 dates are September 16–October 20, 2027.

Related Opportunities

You may also explore these opportunities previously published by AK Travels LTD:

1. Global Leadership Dialogue 2027 in Hungary
2. European Youth Assembly 2027 in the Netherlands
3. NextGen ICANN88 Program 2027 in Portugal

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is specifically designed for eligible young leaders from Southeast Asia. Applicants should carefully verify the citizenship and residency requirements before submitting an application.

The official application is submitted through Submittable, and only applications submitted through that platform will be considered. Applicants should also remember that the October 12, 2026 deadline applies to both the Spring and Fall 2027 cohorts.

For verified scholarship, fellowship, internship and international opportunity updates, visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com.