The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is a U.S. Department of State exchange run by the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana.
Fellows spend about five weeks at one of eight U.S. host colleges studying one of four themes: Economic Prosperity, Liberty and Freedom, Natural Resources, or Peace and Security. Each program combines an academic residency, community service, a field experience and a closing workshop. One application covers both the spring and fall 2027 cohorts.
Benefits & funding
- Fully funded: the U.S. Department of State pays international travel, the visa and basic living costs in the U.S.
- No program fee.
- About five weeks in the U.S.; airfare covers arrival on the first day and departure on the last, with no early arrival or extended stay.
- Full attendance is required: no personal travel or time off, and no family members.
Eligibility
- Citizen of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam.
- Citizens of Laos and Myanmar cannot apply for 2027 because of visa restrictions, wherever they live.
- Physically living in an ASEAN member state from 12 October 2026 until the fellowship starts (the FAQ says any ASEAN member state; the apply page lists the nine countries above).
- At least 18 at the deadline, with no exceptions; designed for ages 18–25, though exceptional applicants over 25 may be considered.
- Undergraduate or graduate student, or bachelor’s degree earned in the last four years.
- Proficient in English.
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a U.S. Government employee or their immediate family, or a past fellow; must qualify for a J-1 visa.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Brunei · Cambodia · Indonesia · Malaysia · Philippines · Singapore · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Vietnam
Residence required
Brunei · Cambodia · Indonesia · Laos · Malaysia · Myanmar · Philippines · Singapore · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Vietnam
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor
Age requirement
≥ 18 yrs
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Application process
- 1Apply online through Submittable by 12 October 2026, 20:00 WIB; the PDF version is for reference only.
- 2Write the application in English; one application per person, final once submitted, and duplicates are not evaluated.
Program timeline
Application deadline
12 Oct 2026, 20:00 WIB
Spring cohort
1 Apr–5 May 2027 (expected)
Fall cohort
16 Sep–20 Oct 2027 (expected)