Asia Foundation Development Fellows 2027 – Fully Funded Fellowship

Asia Foundation Development Fellows 2027

Key facts:

• Organisation: The Asia Foundation
• Country / region: Asia and the Pacific (International programme)
• Deadline: 2026-12-01
• Official URL: https://asiafoundation.org/
• Open to nationalities: Eligible applicants from Asia and the Pacific, subject to the programme's country-specific restrictions.

• Funding: Fully funded programme participation, plus a professional development award of up to US$2,500.
• Number of fellows: 10
• Study level: Not an academic degree scholarship; professional fellowship.
• Target applicants: Emerging professionals and young leaders.
• Age requirement: Under 40 years old by January 1, 2027.
• Programme duration: 2027 fellowship year.
• Locations: Japan and the United States.
• Application deadline: December 1, 2026.
• Cohort announcement: Early February 2027.

About the programme

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows programme supports emerging professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills and contribute to development across Asia and the Pacific.

The 2027 programme will select 10 professionals for a year of professional development, international learning and networking. Fellows will explore regional development challenges, exchange ideas with other leaders and build relationships with professionals working across different sectors.

Since its establishment in 2014, the programme has developed a network of 142 fellows from 25 countries.

Who can apply?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be under 40 years of age as of January 1, 2027.
• Have a good command of English.
• Be an emerging professional with an interest in leadership and development.
• Be able to obtain the necessary visa to travel to the United States.
• Be able to participate in the scheduled international programme activities.
• Be in a position to remain in their existing employment during the fellowship.

Country restrictions: Applicants from Afghanistan, Myanmar and Laos who are not already residing in the United States are ineligible because of visa constraints.

TOEFL examination results are not required.

What does the fellowship cover?

The programme provides funding for participation in its major activities. According to the announcement, support includes:

• International airfares.
• Local transportation.
• Accommodation and meals.
• Programme coursework and related costs.
• Visa fees.
• Health and accident insurance.
• A professional development award of up to US$2,500.

The professional development award supports additional activities that contribute to each fellow's career and leadership development.

Programme components and dates

Selected fellows will participate in two major in-person programmes:

1. Leadership Training Programme and Study Tour – Japan

• Location: Japan
• Dates: March 11–20, 2027
• Focus: Leadership development, learning and exposure to development experiences.

2. Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Programme – United States

• Location: United States
• Dates: November 7–18, 2027
• Focus: Professional exchange, policy discussions and networking.

The announcement describes Japan as a new location for the programme's spring activities.

What will fellows gain?

The fellowship offers professional development opportunities through:

• Executive coaching.
• Professional mentorship.
• International study tours.
• Policy discussions and exchanges.
• Networking with emerging and established leaders.
• Intensive learning modules and short courses.
• Conferences and other professional development activities.

The programme focuses on leadership across areas such as governance, public policy, entrepreneurship, civil society and development.

How to apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit The Asia Foundation's official website.
2. Find the Asia Foundation Development Fellows 2027 programme announcement and application information.
3. Review the eligibility requirements and country restrictions carefully.
4. Prepare the information and supporting materials requested in the application.
5. Complete and submit the application before December 1, 2026.

Application portal: The source article does not provide a direct application-form link. Applicants should use the official Asia Foundation website to locate the 2027 application.

Important dates

• Application deadline: December 1, 2026.
• Selection announcement: Early February 2027.
• Japan programme: March 11–20, 2027.
• United States programme: November 7–18, 2027.

Important: This is a professional leadership fellowship, not a conventional university scholarship. Applicants should also check the official programme page for the complete application instructions and any additional eligibility conditions before applying.