Asia Foundation Development Fellowship 2026 for International Students
Applications are now open for the Asia Foundation Development Fellowship 2026 in Korea and the USA. International applicants from around the world are eligible to apply for this fellowship program. Candidates under the age of 40 with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, as well as professionals with relevant experience, are encouraged to apply. Neither prior work experience nor an English language proficiency test is required.
This fully funded program covers all expenses, including airfare, accommodation, stipend, visa fees, local transportation, and health insurance. It offers an excellent opportunity for young leaders and professionals to enhance their knowledge, build networks, and develop their careers on an international platform.
The Asia Foundation is an international nonprofit organization committed to tackling some of the most pressing social and economic challenges in Asia and the Pacific. With extensive experience in the region, the Foundation delivers impactful programs in complex and dynamic environments. Its initiatives focus on strengthening resource management, building human capacity, promoting peace and stability, combating human trafficking, and enhancing governance and economic development at local, national, and regional levels.
The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is a unique and dynamic educational opportunity for exceptional individuals from Asia and the Pacific. It is designed to enhance leadership skills, broaden understanding of Asia-Pacific development, expand professional networks, and provide global exposure. Fellows will participate in an intensive program that includes ten days in Korea and ten days in the United States, offering them valuable international experience, diverse learning opportunities, and meaningful professional connections.
Asia Foundation Development Fellowship 2026 Details
| Organization: | Asia Foundation |
| Duration: | 10 Days in Each Country |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | USA & South Korea |
| Last date: | 10 November 2025 |
Financial Benefits
The Asia Foundation Development Fellowship 2026 for international Students covers:
- Airfare Tickets will be provided
- Local Transportation
- Coursework and Program Costs
- Lodging and Meals
- Covered Visa Fees
- Health and accident insurance
- A Professional Development Award of up to $5,000 USD is also given to fellows to help fund their own professional development plans.
Objectives
- Talented individuals from Asia and the Pacific under 40 are eligible to apply for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows program.
- Through this varied educational program, they can strengthen their professional networks, learn more about Asia-Pacific development, improve their leadership abilities, and travel the world.
Documents Required
- Online Application Form
- Written submission/short essays
- CV (Supplementary materials)
- Video submission
- Letters of reference (managed online)
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the Asia Foundation Development Fellowship 2026, students must:
- Have a demonstrable record of experience and accomplishment relating to The Asia Foundation’s fields of expertise:
- governance,
- economic development,
- women’s empowerment,
- environmental resilience,
- education and leadership,
- international cooperation.
- Lead with consideration, dedication, respect, and inspiration in their communities and professions.
- By January 1, 2026, you must be younger than 40.
- Be able to communicate in English (TOEFL exam results are not necessary).
- Be able to participate in all program activities on the designated program dates.
- Possess the ability to obtain a visa in order to enter the United States.
- Eligible Countries:
- Be resident nationals or citizens of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Asia Foundation Development Fully Funded Fellowship 2026 for international students is 10th November 2025.
Timeline:
- Applications are accepted from September 23 to November 10, 2025;
- The Internal Asia Foundation reviews them from November 2025 to January 2026;
- The selection committee meets in January and February 2026 to choose from a pool of finalists; the final choice is then made public, and the fellowship year begins.
How to Apply for the Asia Foundation Development Fellowship?
- The program is very competitive.
- The Asia Foundation’s staff will meticulously review each submission and reduce the applicant pool.
- The final picks will be made by an Asian and Pacific expert group.
- Fellows will be selected regardless of gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, marital status, or financial need.
- Unless otherwise specified in the application, all submitted application information will be kept strictly secret.
- Nominees’ identities will likewise be kept anonymous throughout the final selection process.
