Author: Michael | Published: August 8, 2026
YSEALI Academic Fellows Program
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program offers fully funded exchange opportunities for undergraduate students and recent graduates aged 18–25. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the program runs for five weeks and combines academic seminars, field visits, and community leadership projects. Singapore-based applicants apply through the U.S. Embassy in Singapore.
YSEALI Academic Fellowship Financial Coverage
Accepted fellows pay no program-related costs. Coverage includes:
- Round-trip economy flights between your home country and the host university.
- Full coverage of J-1 visa processing.
- On-campus residence halls plus daily meal allowances.
- Stipend for textbooks, workshop packets, and course resources.
- Health Insurance
- Ground transportation for official site visits and field trips.
Daily per diem allowances are provided during travel days and off-campus activities.
Eligibility Criteria for the YSEALI Academic Fellowship
- Must be between 18–25 of age at the time of application.
- Must be from one of the 11 ASEAN member states or Timor-Leste.
- Open to current undergraduate students or graduates within the past four years.
- Fluent English required for seminars and group work.
- Priority given to those with limited or no prior U.S. travel experience.
- Must not be a U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and immediate family members of U.S. government employees are not eligible.
Responsibilities of Fellows
- Design a community project to implement after returning home.
- Submit progress reports six months post-program.
- Attend daily lectures, workshops, and group discussions.
- Join local service projects and field trips with non-profit partners.
See NUS Merit Scholarship in Singapore and Toronto Corporate Internship in Canada detailed guides to explore other scholarship opportunities.
YSEALI Academic Fellowship Required Application Documents
Prepare all files in PDF format before submission:
- Online application form via Submittable.
- Three short essays on leadership, chosen theme, and community impact.
- Academic transcripts.
- Recommendation letter from a professor, supervisor, or community leader.
- Passport data page scan.
YSEALI Academic Fellowship Application Timeline
- Opening: June each year.
- Deadline: Early July.
- Interviews: October–November (shortlisted candidates).
- Results: January.
- Program Travel:
- Spring cohort: April–May.
- Fall cohort: September–October.
YSEALI Academic Fellowship Application Steps
- Visit the U.S. Embassy in Singapore YSEALI webpage.
- Draft essay responses offline before pasting them into the system.
- Get your recommendation letter early before the deadline.
- Upload all documents, review your application carefully, and submit before the cutoff.
Access official forms and guidelines through the U.S. Embassy in Singapore YSEALI Fellowship Portal or the central YSEALI Academic Fellows Program site.
You can also see Tsinghua University Scholarship and Peking University Fellowship detailed guides for other Scholarship opportunities.
Michael – Founder and Editor at Suretripacademia, your dedicated resource for unlocking global mobility and international educational opportunities. WhatsApp l Facebook l TikTok
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