Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
If you are a professional under 40 from Asia or the Pacific interested in accelerating your leadership journey and connecting with global changemakers, the The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2026 is now open for applications. This is a high‑impact, fully funded fellowship that blends immersive training, study tours, coaching and network building to empower emerging regional leaders. Here’s a detailed overview of the opportunity — what it offers, key facts, eligibility, application steps and applicant tips.
🌐Programme Summary
Location: Spring 2026 in South Korea (April 19–25, 2026); Fall 2026 in the United States (September 28–October 7, 2026).
Organizer: The Asia Foundation Development Fellows (LeadEx) Programme
Format: Non‑degree leadership programme for emerging professionals (year‑long cycle)
Target Group: Highly talented individuals under the age of 40 from Asia and the Pacific with leadership potential and professional accomplishment.
Themes: Thematic emphasis on governance, economic development, women’s empowerment, environmental resilience, education and leadership, and international cooperation.
Award/Benefits:
A Professional Development Award of up to USD 2,500 to each selected fellow, to design a personalised year‑long work plan (e.g., training, short courses, language study, travel).
Executive coaching & mentoring: each fellow receives tailored one‑on‑one executive coaching sessions and a matched mentor aligned with their professional interests.
Immersive leadership training modules, site visits to development practitioners & innovators, short assignments, and interactive sessions focused on strategic thinking, decision‑making, change‑management and wellness.
Duration: Typically a year‑long participation (with the two in‑person modules in spring and fall).
Application Deadline: Applications open 23 September 2025 and close 11 : 59 pm EST on 10 November 2025.
Eligible Countries/Regions: Nationals or residents of the following countries/regions: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor‑Leste, and Vietnam.
🎓 Overview of the Programme
The Asia Foundation Development Fellows programme (also known as LeadEx) is crafted to enhance the leadership capacity of rising professionals in the Asia‑Pacific region by combining reflective learning, networking and international exposure.
🧩 Key structural features include:
Spring Module (Korea, April 2026): A one‑week leadership training and study tour, including interactive modules with executive coaches, site visits with experienced practitioners, short assignments, and sessions focused on self‑awareness, strategic thinking, change‑management and leadership.
Fall Module (USA, Sept/Oct 2026): Continuation of the programme, offering deeper dialogue, policy discussions and exchange across the cohort, and building the international network of fellows.
Between and after these modules, fellows develop and implement a personal professional development plan (supported by the award grant) and receive mentorship and coaching.
The programme emphasises both leadership and international exposure; fellows remain in their professional roles while participating, rather than full‑time relocation.
🎁 Benefits of the Programme
Professional advancement: The USD 2,500 award provides flexibility to choose courses, training, travel or other enrichment aligned with your career growth.
Leadership coaching & mentorship: One‑on‑one executive coaching and tailored mentor matching help deepen your leadership capacity, refine strategic thinking, and expand your professional horizon.
International exposure & network: The Korea and U.S. modules allow you to learn from regional and global development leaders, visit real‑world sites of innovation and build a pan‑Asia‑Pacific peer network.
Relevance to development practice: The programme’s focus on Asia‑Pacific challenges means the learning is contextually grounded, and participants can apply insights back in their own work environment.
Recognition & community: Being selected as a fellow signals you are a rising leader in the region, which can strengthen your profile in professional and development circles.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2026 cohort of the program, applicants must meet the following core criteria:
Be under 40 years old by January 1, 2026.
Be a national or resident of one of the eligible Asia‑Pacific countries/regions listed above.
Demonstrate a record of achievement and leadership in one or more of the programme focus areas: governance, economic development, women’s empowerment, environmental resilience, education/leadership, or international cooperation.
Be conversant in English (formal test like TOEFL not required).
Be available for and able to participate in both of the in‑person modules (Spring in Korea; Fall in the U.S.) and able to secure any required visa (specifically U.S. visa) for the fall module.
Not restricted by gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc — the programme emphasises diversity and inclusion.
📝 Application Procedure
On or after 23 September 2025, create an online account on The Asia Foundation Development Fellows application portal.
Complete and submit your application before 11:59 pm EST on 10 November 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Ensure you are available to attend the Spring 2026 module in Korea (April) and the Fall 2026 module in the U.S. (Sept/Oct) and hold a passport/visa‑eligibility for U.S. travel.
If shortlisted, participate in any further review (interviews or additional materials) as required by the Selection Committee (selection timeline runs November 2025 – January/February 2026).
🗂️ Documents / Materials Usually Required
Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting education, professional roles, leadership activities and community impact.
Written responses (short essays) that describe your leadership experience, relevance of your work to the focus areas, and how you would leverage the fellowship.
Two (or more) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your leadership and professional impact.
Any other supporting materials (e.g., portfolio, publication, project report) that demonstrate your qualifications and leadership trajectory.
Ensure all information is truthful, complete and submitted before deadline. Incomplete or late submissions may be disqualified.
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Clarify why this fellowship and why now: Be ready to explain how participation in the Development Fellows programme will accelerate your leadership path, what you hope to gain and how you will use it.
Connect your professional history to the programme’s focus areas: Highlight achievements or initiatives in governance, development, women’s empowerment, environmental resilience, education/leadership or international cooperation.
Demonstrate impact: Show how your work has already made a difference — whether through community work, policy engagement, innovation, or leadership roles.
Offer a growth plan: The USD 2,500 award will allow you to craft a professional development plan — hint at what you might pursue (training, short course, language study, travel) and how it builds your capacity.
Emphasize readiness for international experience: Highlight your readiness to travel, engage in a diverse cohort, learn from global peers and mentors, and apply insights in your regional context.
Secure recommenders early: Choose referees who know you well, can speak to your leadership capacity, technical/work skills, and potential for growth. Provide them with sufficient lead time.
Review logistics: Ensure you can truly commit to both modules (spring Korea + fall USA) and that you meet visa/travel requirements (especially U.S. visa).
Quality over quantity: Focus on the clarity of your narrative and leadership vision rather than trying to cover too many unrelated points.
Double‑check the deadline and submit ahead of time: Technical issues or incomplete uploads can cost you the opportunity.
🚀 Conclusion
This fellowship is a distinctive chance to join a selective network of emerging leaders from the Asia‑Pacific region, refine your leadership practice, expand your professional network and deepen your global understanding of development.