The Asia Foundation Development Fellows programme is a year-long leadership fellowship for highly talented professionals under 40 from Asia and the Pacific, with a spring programme in Japan, a fall programme in the United States and a professional development award of up to US$2,500. Applications close on 01 December 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full call so that the eligibility rules, programme dates and selection steps are in one place.
The 2027 Programme at a Glance
🎯 Programme: Development Fellows 2027, a flagship leadership programme of The Asia Foundation
👥 Cohort: 10 emerging leaders from across Asia and the Pacific
📅 Format: A year-long professional advancement programme with two in-person components
🎂 Age: Under 40 by 01 January 2027
💵 Award: Up to US$2,500 for a tailored professional development plan
🗣️ Language: Conversant in English; TOEFL results are not required
📣 Results: The 2027 cohort is announced in early February
What the Development Fellows Programme Is
The programme is a dynamic, multifaceted learning experience built to strengthen leadership skills, regional development knowledge, professional networks and international exposure. Building Knowledge and Networks for Asia and the Pacific's Next Generation of Development Leaders is its stated aim.
It reflects The Asia Foundation's seven-decade investment in promising future leaders in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 2014, the programme has built a network of 142 fellows from 25 countries, close to 150 current fellows and alumni in total. It draws on the Foundation's extensive 20-country network and its expertise in working with innovative leaders and communities across the region. If you are comparing funding types, our guide explains what a fellowship is and how it differs from a scholarship.
You Keep Your Job While You Take Part
The programme is designed so that fellows can remain in their current occupations while taking part in its rigorous modules. Each year, fellows come together for two highly interactive in-person programmes: a spring programme in Asia and a fall programme in the United States.
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🌍 All opportunities in United States →
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Spring 2027: Leadership Training Programme and Study Tour in Japan
📍 Where: Japan
🗓️ Dates: 11-20 March 2027
🏋️ Training: Intensive leadership training modules with executive coaches
🏭 Site visits: Site visits as part of the study tour
🧘 Wellbeing: Sessions focused on self-care and wellness for leaders
🎪 Special feature: For the first time, the programme takes place in Japan and overlaps with the Perennial Gathering
Fall 2027: Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Programme in the United States
📍 Where: In and around San Francisco, California
🗓️ Dates: 07-18 November 2027
🗣️ Sessions: A series of sessions with regional leaders over a 10-day period
🏛️ Policy: Policy discussions
🌱 Learning: Unique learning and leadership development opportunities organised in and around San Francisco
The Professional Development Award and Mentorship
Each fellow is awarded up to US$2,500 for a tailored professional development plan. This cash award lets fellows design an individual plan to build leadership skills and relevant professional experience in areas that matter most to their career growth.
Fellows also receive coaching and mentorship from The Asia Foundation's regional network, matched to their background and interests.
Who Can Apply
Candidates should:
🏆 Have a demonstrable record of high achievement and show evidence of outstanding potential for professional advancement and significant impact in their chosen field
🧩 Have experience and proven accomplishment related to The Asia Foundation's focus areas and programmes
🧭 Have outstanding personal character and integrity
🌟 Be thoughtful, committed, respected and inspirational leaders within their professional fields and their wider community
🎂 Be under 40 years of age by the time of selection: 01 January 2027
🗣️ Be conversant in English
📆 Be available and able to participate in all programme components on the specified dates, with no exceptions
🛂 Be able to secure a visa for travel to the United States
🏠 Be resident nationals or citizens of one of the eligible countries and regions listed below
Eligible Countries and Regions
Applicants must be resident nationals or citizens of the following countries and regions where The Asia Foundation has programmes: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pacific Islands Nations, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
Special Rule for Afghanistan, Laos and Myanmar
Candidates from Afghanistan, Laos and Myanmar are eligible only if they are already based in the United States. Because of visa constraints, the programme cannot accept candidates from these three countries who are not already based in the United States.
How Fellows Are Selected
The programme is highly competitive: the 2026 cohort was chosen from more than 1,900 applicants. Fellows are chosen regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic background, marital status or financial need.
Timeline to Keep in Mind
⏳ Applications close on 01 December 2026
📣 The 2027 cohort is announced in early February 2027
🗓️ Spring programme in Japan: 11-20 March 2027
🗓️ Fall programme in the United States: 07-18 November 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the Asia Foundation Development Fellows programme?
Professionals under 40 by 01 January 2027 who are resident nationals or citizens of the listed Asian and Pacific countries and regions. They must also show a record of achievement, be conversant in English and be able to get a United States visa.
How much does the fellowship award?
Each selected fellow receives up to US$2,500 for a tailored professional development plan. Fellows also receive coaching and mentorship from The Asia Foundation's regional network.
Do I need to leave my job to take part?
No. The programme is designed so that fellows can stay in their current occupations. You must, however, be available for every programme component on the specified dates, with no exceptions.
Where do the two in-person programmes take place?
The spring programme takes place in Japan on 11-20 March 2027. The fall programme takes place in and around San Francisco, California, on 07-18 November 2027.
Is a TOEFL result required?
No. You need to be conversant in English, but TOEFL exam results are not required.
Can I apply from Afghanistan, Laos or Myanmar?
Only if you are already based in the United States. Because of visa constraints, candidates from these countries who are not already based in the United States cannot be accepted.
When will the 2027 cohort be announced?
The cohort is announced in early February 2027, after applications close on 01 December 2026. You can find more calls like this one in our Fellowships section on Youth Works Hub.
Deadline
⏳ 01 December 2026
Links
🔗 Application portal: https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/afdf2027_apply
🔗 Programme page: https://asiafoundation.org/fellowship/asia-foundation-development-fellows/
🔗 2027 announcement: https://asiafoundation.org/the-asia-foundation-opens-applications-for-2027-development-fellows/
📧 Programme contact: development.fellows@asiafoundation.org
