Deadline: November 10, 2025
Are you a changemaker under 40 from Asia or the Pacific looking to grow your leadership capacity and make lasting impact? The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2026 is now accepting applications! This prestigious fellowship offers emerging leaders the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and engage deeply with critical development issues in the region.
About the Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2026
The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program is a dynamic and multifaceted leadership development initiative designed to empower visionary leaders working on Asia’s most pressing development challenges.
Each year, the programme brings together talented individuals from across Asia and the Pacific for intensive learning, mentorship, international exposure, and professional development. Through this fellowship, participants will gain the tools and networks they need to drive sustainable change in their communities and beyond.
The 2026 fellowship features two key components:
- Spring 2026: Leadership Training Programme and Study Tour in Korea (19–25 April 2026).
- Autumn 2026: Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Programme in the United States (28 September–7 October 2026).
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive package of support to enhance their leadership journey, including:
- 💰 Up to USD $2,500 to support a personalised leadership development plan during the fellowship year.
- 🤝 Mentorship matching with experienced leaders in relevant fields.
- 🧭 Executive coaching sessions to refine leadership skills and strategic vision.
- 🌏 Networking and exposure opportunities with development practitioners, policy experts, and other fellows through site visits, dialogues, and leadership activities.
This blend of financial support, mentorship, and international exposure makes the Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to accelerate their impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible:
- Be under 40 years old as of 1 January 2026.
- Be a citizen or resident of one of the following countries/regions:
Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; China; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Laos; Malaysia; Maldives; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; Pacific Islands; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Timor-Leste; Vietnam. - Demonstrate professional experience and achievements in at least one of The Asia Foundation’s priority areas:
- Governance and law
- Economic development
- Women’s empowerment and gender equality
- Environmental resilience
- Education and leadership
- International cooperation
- Be fully available to participate in all programme components in 2026.
- Be able to secure a U.S. visa for the exchange programme.
- Have a strong command of English (formal tests such as TOEFL are not required, but active participation in English is expected).
Important Dates
Mark your calendar with the following key dates for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2026:
- 📅 Applications Open: 23 September 2025
- ⏰ Application Deadline: 10 November 2025
- 📝 Review and selection: Late 2025 – Early 2026
- 🥇 Announcement of selected fellows: Early 2026
Why You Should Apply
Becoming a Development Fellow means joining a vibrant community of changemakers who are shaping the future of Asia and the Pacific. Beyond the financial grant, the programme offers invaluable leadership training, high-level mentorship, and international exposure in two dynamic contexts: Korea and the United States.
Successful applicants stand to gain:
- Advanced leadership and strategic skills.
- A stronger professional network.
- Exposure to global development contexts.
- Increased visibility and credibility as regional leaders.
Application Tips
The fellowship is highly competitive, so a strong application is essential. Here are some quick tips:
- Highlight concrete achievements in your field of work (e.g., policy advocacy, community leadership, project implementation).
- Show a clear vision for how the fellowship will advance your leadership goals and community impact.
- Plan your personalised leadership development activities carefully to make the most of the USD $2,500 support.
- Ensure that your travel documents and visa processes can be completed on time for both Korea and the U.S. components.
How to Apply
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