Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship
by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs · Multiple U.S. Universities (e.g., Arizona State University, University of Connecticut, University of Nebraska Omaha)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Undergraduate / Young Professionals (Non-degree)🌍 United States📌 Fully Funded Exchange Program
Approximately $12,000 USD (Total program value per fellow)
Duration
5 weeks
Deadline
Varies by country (Typically twice a year for Spring and Fall cohorts)
Level
Undergraduate / Young Professionals (Non-degree)
Acceptance
Estimated 1-2% (Varies by country and applicant pool size)
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
For students aiming to study in United States, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship from U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The award covers The fellowship covers international travel, a domestic travel allowance in the US, a monthly stipend for food and incidentals, housing, health benefits, and all tuition and administrative fees. and is open to undergraduate / young professionals (non-degree) students studying civic engagement, environmental issues, social entrepreneurship, economic development. The scholarship runs for 5 weeks. Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be between 18-25 years old, residents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam. Must demonstrate leadership and community service. The application deadline is Varies by country (Typically twice a year for Spring and Fall cohorts), with an acceptance rate of approximately Estimated 1-2% (Varies by country and applicant pool size). Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
✨ Should I Apply for Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
4%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Low (Highly competitive)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approximately $12,000 USD (Total program value per fellow)
⏳
Duration
5 weeks
📅
Deadline
Varies by country (Typically twice a year for Spring and Fall cohorts)
🌿
Fields
Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, Social Entrepreneurship, Economic Development
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 250 - 300 per year across ASEAN
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
📊
Acceptance
Estimated 1-2% (Varies by country and applicant pool size)
The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is an intensive short-term academic program that provides young leaders from Southeast Asia with a deeper understanding of the United States while enhancing their leadership skills through academic coursework, leadership development, and site visits.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be between 18-25 years old, residents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam. Must demonstrate leadership and community service.
🏛️ Host University
Multiple U.S. Universities (e.g., Arizona State University, University of Connecticut, University of Nebraska Omaha)
🤝 Sponsor
U.S. Department of State
🌿 Fields of Study
Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, Social Entrepreneurship, Economic Development
✨ Key Benefits
The fellowship covers international travel, a domestic travel allowance in the US, a monthly stipend for food and incidentals, housing, health benefits, and all tuition and administrative fees.
🎯 Target Students
Undergraduate students or recent graduates from ASEAN/Timor-Leste
Varies (Thousands of applicants per cycle across the region)
Applicants Last Year
Check official website for annual cohort reports
Winners
Estimated 1-2% (Varies by country and applicant pool size)
Acceptance Rate
Low (Highly competitive)
Competition Level
Win Probability
4%
Match Score
60%
Competition
95%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes
Living Stipend
Yes
Total Award
Approximately $12,000 USD (Total program value per fellow)
✈️ Travel: Yes (Includes round-trip international airfare)🏠 Accommodation: Yes💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges - ASPE)🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: $0 (Free)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes
🏡 Accommodation
Yes
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Includes round-trip international airfare)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges - ASPE)
🎁 Other Benefits
Cultural activities, leadership seminars, educational materials, and networking events
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable (Short-term program)
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Citizen and resident of ASEAN countries or Timor-Leste, aged 18-25, proficient in English
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate / Young Professionals (Non-degree)
📊 Minimum GPA
Check official website (High academic standing preferred)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory
🍢 Age Limit
18 to 25 years old
💼 Work Experience
Not required (Focus is on leadership and community involvement)
🏆 Leadership
Mandatory; must demonstrate active leadership roles in school or community
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary requirement; selection is merit-based
🎯 Target Students
Undergraduate students or recent graduates from ASEAN/Timor-Leste
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Personal statement and thematic essays)
Rec Letters
Yes (Usually 1-2 letters from academic or professional supervisors)
Interview
Yes (Conducted by the U.S. Embassy in the home country)
Application Fee
$0 (Free)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Usually 1-2 letters from academic or professional supervisors) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory
Interview: Yes (Conducted by the U.S. Embassy in the home country)
Min GPA: Check official website (High academic standing preferred)
📋 Application Process
Highlight specific community impact projects, align your personal goals with the chosen fellowship theme, and demonstrate a clear plan for ASEAN development.
💡 Insider Tip: Alumni often recommend focusing on the 'multiplier effect'—how you will share your learnings with your community after returning home.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies (Check local U.S. Embassy website)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by country (Typically twice a year for Spring and Fall cohorts)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Conducted by the U.S. Embassy in the home country)
🎓 Study Starts
Varies (Spring or Fall Cohorts)
Varies (Check local U.S. Embassy website)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by country (Typically twice a year for Spring and Fall cohorts)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Conducted by the U.S. Embassy in the home country)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies (Spring or Fall Cohorts)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, leadership potential, commitment to community, and interest in strengthening US-ASEAN relations.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic FellowshipCurrent
United States
Full Funding
Undergraduate / Young Professionals (Non-degree)
—
🇺🇸 NCAA Division I Athletic Scholarship
United States
Full Funding
Undergraduate (primarily), with limited Graduate eligibility
Applicants must be between 18-25 years old, residents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam. Must demonstrate leadership and community service.
This scholarship covers: The fellowship covers international travel, a domestic travel allowance in the US, a monthly stipend for food and incidentals, housing, health benefits, and all tuition and administrative fees.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by country (Typically twice a year for Spring and Fall cohorts). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low (Highly competitive). Acceptance rate: Estimated 1-2% (Varies by country and applicant pool size). Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, Yes (Usually 1-2 letters from academic or professional supervisors) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.