[Henry Luce Foundation](https://www.hluce.org)

September 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Full funding for a 13-month fellowship in Asia, including language training, stipend, and program-related expenses.

Yearlong immersive leadership fellowship for emerging U.S. leaders to gain professional and cultural experience in Asia.

Forecasted deadline—dates are projected; check program page for updates.

--- ## Description The Luce Scholars Program is a prestigious yearlong leadership development fellowship designed to provide emerging U.S. leaders with immersive professional placements and cultural experiences across Asia. Established in 1974, the program aims to foster deeper understanding of Asian societies by offering language training, cultural immersion, and tailored work assignments in diverse fields. Scholars gain firsthand experience, broaden their global perspectives, and cultivate cross-cultural competencies that empower them to address international challenges and contribute to a more interconnected world. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - The fellowship covers all major program expenses for approximately 13 months, including: - Travel to Asia and within the region - Orientation and leadership workshops - Two months of intensive language training (fully funded) - Monthly living stipend, adjusted for cost-of-living by country - Additional funds for continued language study and program activities - All costs associated with the selection process (for finalists) --- ## Eligibility - U.S. citizens or permanent residents only. - Must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree by the program start (June). - Age limit: under 33 years old at time of departure for Asia (no older than 32); if older, must have received a bachelor’s degree within the past three years. - Significant prior exposure to Asia is restricted: - Applicants who have spent 18+ weeks (since starting college) in more than one Luce placement country are ineligible. - Applicants with 18+ weeks in only one placement country may still apply but will not be placed in that country. - Open to graduating seniors, recent graduates, and young professionals from any field. - Applicants must be at least 18 years old. - Individuals with disabilities and ongoing health conditions are encouraged to apply. - The fellowship is not intended for those wishing to conduct Ph.D. research. - Time spent in Asia before college does not count toward the ineligibility threshold. --- ## Application Process - Complete an eligibility questionnaire before accessing the full application. - Required application components: - Personal and background information - Academic information - Personal statement (up to 1,000 words) - Three short answer questions (250 words each) - 1–2 minute video introduction (simple, unedited) - Two letters of recommendation (one professional, one professional or academic; two academic letters not accepted) - Electronic signature - Optional: supplemental materials upload - Academic transcripts are not required. - Application is submitted online; once submitted, it cannot be edited. - Selection process includes: - Application review by staff and external readers - Virtual interviews for semifinalists - In-person finalist weekend (all expenses covered) - Final selection and cohort announcement --- ## Additional Information - Placements are individually tailored based on each Scholar’s background, interests, and professional goals, spanning a wide range of sectors (arts, sciences, business, social justice, public health, etc.). - Scholars are placed in one Asian country (excluding China, Hong Kong, and Myanmar due to restrictions). - The program begins with orientation and language training, then an 11-month professional placement, with mid-year and end-of-year cohort gatherings. - Stipends are calibrated to ensure Scholars can live comfortably in their host country. - The program is experiential, not academic, and does not support independent research projects. - Attendance at all program events, including orientation and finalist weekend, is mandatory. --- ## External Links - [Program Home & Overview](https://lucescholars.org) - [Eligibility & Selection Details](https://lucescholars.org/selection/) - [Program Experience](https://lucescholars.org/the-luce-experience/) - [Application Portal](https://apply-lucescholars.smapply.io/) - [Funder: Henry Luce Foundation](https://www.hluce.org) - [Info Session Sign-Up](https://lucescholars.org/request-info/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@hluce.org | | Program Questions | lucescholars@hluce.org | | Phone | 212-489-7700 | | Funder Contact Page | [https://www.hluce.org/contact/](https://www.hluce.org/contact/) | | Program Webpage | [https://lucescholars.org](https://lucescholars.org) |

The Luce Scholars Program

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