I am currently 25 years old but will turn 26 before the YSEALI Academic Fellowship starts. Am I eligible?
Yes, you are still eligible. The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is designed for participants ages 18-25, but we will consider older applicants if they meet all other requirements.
I am a 26 year old working professional, and I graduated four years ago. May I apply?
Yes. While, the YSEALI Academic Fellows program is geared for emerging students and recently-graduated leaders who are between the ages of 18 and 25, older candidates may be considered. However, the YSEALI Professional Fellows program – designed for up-and-coming young leaders who are early in their careers – may be the appropriate track choice.
I am not currently a student. Am I still eligible to be a YSEALI Academic Fellow?
Yes, YSEALI Academic Fellows should be current full-time undergraduate students or have graduated from college in the past four years.
What degree of English proficiency should I have?
All YSEALI Fellows must be fully proficient in English. YSEALI Academic Fellows will need to fully understand lectures, actively participate in discussions, and read and write assignments in English. TOEFL scores are not required, but all shortlisted candidates will participate in interviews at the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or other location, where your English abilities will be assessed.
Do I have to submit my English score report, such as TOEFL or IELTS, if I have it?
No. Please indicate clearly your English test score, if available, and date taken, in your application form, where applicable, but don’t submit your score report. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to bring original copy of English score report, if available, to the interview.
I studied in the U.S. on an educational program. Can I apply for a YSEALI Fellowship?
Studying in the U.S. previously is not a reason that an applicant would be excluded for consideration for the YSEALI Fellowship. However, there will be a preference towards participants who have not been to the United States previously.
I have been to the U.S. before; am I disqualified?
No. Candidates with minimal experience in the United States may be considered for the program. However, priority may be given to excellent applicants with no previous experience in the United States.
I participated in an exchange program funded by the U.S. State Department a few years ago. Am I eligible?
Yes. Being a State alumnus is not a reason that an applicant would be excluded for consideration for the YSEALI Fellowship. However, priority may be given to excellent applicants with no previous experience in the United States.
I am a citizen of Vietnam but living in England. Am I eligible?
No, you must be a citizen of and residing in one of the 10 ASEAN countries.
I am a citizen of the Vietnam but living in Indonesia. Am I eligible?
Yes. If you are a citizen of one ASEAN country and be residing in another ASEAN country, you are eligible to apply for the YSEALI program in the country of your citizenship.
I graduated from a 3 year curriculum college (cao đẳng). Am I eligible?
Yes. Vietnamese citizens between the age 18 and 25, full-time undergraduate student or those who have graduated from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning, are eligible to apply.
How do I become a YSEALI Member?
You may join YSEALI online here.
Can I submit my application directly to the Embassy in Hanoi, or the Consulate General in HCMC?
No. Please submit ONLINE your complete application dossier in one PDF file which includes: complete application form, official transcript, and a confidential letter of recommendation.
Can I submit my application dossier via e-mail?
No. Please submit ONLINE your complete application dossier which includes: complete application form, official transcript, and a confidential letter of recommendation at the appropriate link, as mentioned in the program announcement.
My official academic transcripts for years of university are in Vietnamese.
Do I have to submit notarized English translation of the documents?
No. Official academic transcripts for years of university can be either in Vietnamese, or English.
My official academic transcripts for years of university are in German.
Do I have to submit notarized English translation of the documents?
Please submit notarized English translation of the transcripts if they are not in Vietnamese or English.
I am a freshman at university, and have not yet received my first academic transcript at university?
What should I submit instead?
First year students must submit official transcripts for years of high school study.
The letter of recommendation from my current supervisor is in Vietnamese.
Do I have to submit notarized English translation of the letter?
No. Letter of recommendation can be either in Vietnamese or English.
Can my recommender send his/her letter of recommendation to the program via e-mail?
No. Letters of recommendation must be included in your application dosser, as mentioned in the program announcement. Letters of recommendation must contain the recommender’s signature, as well as his/her title and contact information.