To all the young leaders out there, do you want to have a transformative experience in the United States & South Korea with all your finances covered? Well, wait no more, as today at Opportunities Radar, we are about to share a thrilling opportunity with you guys! Applications are now open for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2026. A prestigious International Leadership development program hosted by “The Asia Foundation” serves as a multifaceted and dynamic leadership program exclusively designed for the young, passionate individuals from the Asia-Pacific region.
The Development Fellows Program aims to empower young leaders from the Asia-Pacific by enhancing their leadership skills and deepening their knowledge of the region. The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is conducted in 2 phases: 1) Spring 2026: Leadership training program & Study Tour Korea, 2) Fall 2026: Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program in the United States. The programme serves as a unique platform that consists of interactive leadership training, site visits, interaction with policy leaders & Local innovators, and short assignments.
Young leaders, regardless of their academic backgrounds or profession, aged under 40 from the Asia-Pacific regions, with a demonstrable record of accomplishment related to the Asia Foundation’s fields of expertise, eg, governance, education, leadership, international cooperation, and women empowerment, are invited to submit applications. No prior work experience is required for participation. The fellows offer comprehensive support for all costs related to the program, such as airfare coverage, accommodation, visa transport, and health insurance, are borne by the host organization. Read more details about the program below.
Asia Foundation Development Fellows Programme 2026 Overview
- Country: Korea & the United States
- Hosted by: The Asia Foundation
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Eligible Countries: Citizens of the Asia-Pacific Region
- Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
Also, Check: MOGPA Visiting Fellowship 2026 in Paris, France (Fully Funded)
Objective
The objective of the Asia Foundation Development Program 2026 is to empower emerging leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, deepen their understanding of Asia’s critical challenges, and strengthen their capacity to address them efficiently
Eligiblity Criteria
Applicants meeting the following criteria are invited to apply:
- Individuals must be under 40 years of age
- Demonstrate accomplishment related to Asia’s foundation fields of expertise, such as: economic development, women’s empowerment, education, leadership, international cooperation, and environmental resilience
- Committed, thoughtful, and inspirational leaders within their fields
- Have good English communication skills
- Available to participate in all components of the program
- Able to secure a visa to travel for the program
Eligible Countries
The Asia Foundation Development fellows program is offered to the residents of the following countries:
Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal,Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Islands, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Coverage
The Fellows programme offers generous support to the fellows, which includes:
- Round-trip air travel support
- Local transportation costs
- Access to coursework and training programs
- Visa fees
- Meals during the program
- Comprehensive health coverage
- Selected fellows will receive an award of US$5,000 to support their personalized development plan.
Programme Dates
- Spring 2026, Korea (April 19 – 25, 2026)
- Fall 2026, United States (September 28 – October 7, 2026)
Selection Process
The selection process for the Asia Foundation fellows programme is highly competitive. The foundation will evaluate each application thoroughly to narrow down the pool of applicants. The final selection will be made by the committee having expertise on the Asia-Pacific region, regardless of race, religion, gender, or ethnic background.
Also, Check: FASPE Fellowship Program 2026 in Europe (Fully Funded)
Application Materials:
- Short Essays
- CV/Resume
- Video Sumbission
- 2 Letter of reference
Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2026 Application Process
The application process is completely online; applicants meeting the above required criteria are encouraged to visit the official link below and start their applications. Best of Luck!
APPLY FOR ASIA FOUNDATION FELLOWS PROGRAM
Important Dates
- Application window: September 23- November 10, 2025
- Application Review: November 2025 – January 2026
- Selection Announcement: January – February 2026
