Call for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program!!!
The Asia Foundation is an international nonprofit organization working to solve the toughest social and economic challenges in Asia and the Pacific. Informed by more than 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, we work with partners across more than 20 countries through 17 offices to improve lives and expand opportunities.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
The Asia Foundation is an experienced leader in delivering cost-effective programs in some of the most dynamic and complex settings across Asia and the Pacific. The programs improve local, national, and regional governance and economies, upskill workers, promote peace and stability, counter transnational crime, and strengthen resource management.
Youth Opportunities invites you to join your preferred channel to get the latest updates directly to your messenger inbox.
- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is a dynamic and multifaceted learning program designed for highly talented individuals under 40 from Asia and the Pacific to enhance their leadership skills, Asia-Pacific development knowledge, professional networks, and international exposure. The program reflects TAF’s seven-decade investment in the most promising future leaders in Asia and the Pacific.
The year-long professional advancement program is designed to be a multifaceted experience, involving intensive learning modules—short courses, conferences, and study tours in Asia and the U.S., to enhance leadership skills, Asian development knowledge, professional networks, and international exposure. The program requires participants to travel for two 10-day modules in person. The program is fully funded at no cost to the participants.
The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program consists of the following :
- Spring 2026: Leadership Training Program & Study Tour
Korea, April 19 to 25, 2026 -
Fall 2026: Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program
United States, September 28 to October 7, 2026
The first phase offers a series of highly interactive leadership training modules with executive coaches; site visits with leading development practitioners and thinkers, recognized policy leaders, and local innovators; short assignments; and sessions focused on building self-awareness and wellness for leaders. In the next phase, the Fellows will participate in a comprehensive series of programs, policy discussions, and unique learning and leadership development opportunities organized in the United States.
This program is highly competitive. In the next cohort, 13 individuals will be selected. Staff from The Asia Foundation will evaluate each application thoroughly and narrow down the pool of applicants. A committee with expertise on Asia and the Pacific will conduct final selections. Fellows will be chosen regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic background, marital status, or financial need. All submitted application information will be treated as confidential unless stated otherwise in the application. The identities of nominees will also remain confidential throughout the final selection process.
Benefits
- Professional Development Award: An award of up to USD 2,500 will be made available to each selected fellow. This cash award will allow fellows the opportunity to design individualized plans to further their leadership skills and relevant professional experience in areas of particular importance to their career growth.
- Executive Coaching & Mentoring: Valuable perspectives on the field of leadership development, with a proven program history and record of commitment throughout Asia and the Pacific, will be given. The program will also offer mentorship-matching support tailored to the background and professional interests of each of the fellows.
Eligibilities
- Have a demonstrable record of experience and accomplishment related to The Asia Foundation’s fields of expertise: governance, economic development, women’s empowerment, environmental resilience, education and leadership, and international cooperation.
- Be thoughtful, committed, respected, and inspirational leaders within their professional fields and their larger community.
- Be under 40 years of age by January 1, 2026.
- Be conversant in English (TOEFL exam results are not required).
- Be available and able to participate in all program components on the program dates specified.
- Be able to secure a visa for travel to the United States.
- Be residents, national,s or citizens of the following countries and regions.
Application Process
- Applications for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows program must be completed online through the WizeHive application system via the Apply Now link.
- The system will require you to set up an account so you can save and resume your progress. Letters of reference will also be handled through this online platform and can be completed after you submit your online forms. All components of the application are due at the application deadline.
- The applications must consist of the following components:
-
- Personal information
- Written submission/short essays
- Supplementary materials: CV
- Video submission
- Letters of reference (managed online)
Application Deadline: November 11, 2025 (3 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
