The Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP) is the East-West Center’s flagship leadership development program, run from its campus in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Each annual cohort brings together experienced professionals from across the Indo-Pacific to sharpen strategic leadership, regional understanding, and cross-cultural collaboration. The 2026 edition runs as a hybrid over roughly three months — two virtual phases bracketing a five-week in-person residency in Honolulu. Fellows work on real regional challenges alongside a diverse peer group and East-West Center faculty, earning APLP fellow status and joining a large alumni network spanning the region.
Benefits & funding
- Five-week immersive residency on the East-West Center campus in Honolulu, plus two virtual phases (about three months in total).
- Faculty-led leadership curriculum, regional field study, and a lifelong alumni network across the Indo-Pacific.
- Program fee: US$8,500. Supplemental scholarships are available to all fellows and can fully or partially cover this fee, drawn from public and private grantors, institutions, governments, and individuals.
- Fellows cover their own accommodation (up to about US$1,278 for 37 nights), living expenses (about US$1,900), and round-trip airfare; estimated total about US$11,678, excluding airfare and visa fees.
Eligibility
- Open to all nationalities — no citizenship, age, or ethnicity restrictions.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent 3+ year program internationally.
- At least five years of professional experience.
- Fluent English (IELTS or similar scores are encouraged).
- A demonstrated commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor
Experience required
≥ 5 yrs
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Application process
- 1Applications for a given year open in early-to-mid October (the 2026 cycle opened on 10 October 2025).
- 2Submit the online application through the East-West Center application system before the deadline.
- 3Arrange letters of reference, which are due a few days after the application deadline.
- 4Selected applicants are notified, then confirm participation and funding.
Program timeline
2026 applications open
Oct 10, 2025
Application deadline (11:00 PM HST)
Nov 15, 2025
Letters of reference due
Nov 20, 2025
Pre-residency virtual phase begins
Jun 1, 2026
In-person residency in Honolulu begins
Jun 24, 2026
Residency ends
Jul 31, 2026
Post-residency virtual phase ends
Sep 2, 2026