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

September 15, 2025 (2026–2027 cohort)

Fully funded 13-month fellowship; includes living stipend, language training, travel, and placement support.

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

Applicants must have limited prior experience in Asia and be under 33 or recently graduated.

--- ## Description The program offers a 13-month, fully funded leadership development experience for emerging U.S. leaders. Participants receive professional placements tailored to their backgrounds and interests in countries across Asia, along with intensive language training and deep cultural immersion. The aim is to foster cross-cultural understanding, professional growth, and the ability to address global leadership challenges. Scholars join a robust alumni network and contribute to building bridges between the U.S. and Asia. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: September 15, 2025 (for the 2026–2027 cohort) - Application portal opens: April 2025 - Semi-finalist interviews: Mid-November 2025 - Finalist notifications: Early December 2025 - Finalist Weekend (mandatory, in San Diego): January 2026 - Cohort announcement: Early February 2026 - Program start: Orientation in late June 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - The fellowship is fully funded for the 13-month program, covering: - Living stipend (tiered by country and cost-of-living) - Intensive language training (two months, plus ongoing support) - Round-trip travel to Asia and within the region - Placement support and health insurance - All finalist selection expenses (travel, lodging, meals) --- ## Eligibility - U.S. citizens or permanent residents only. - Applicants must be: - Graduating seniors, recent graduates, or young professionals under age 33 (must not have reached 33 by the time of departure for Asia); - OR, if older than 32, must have received their bachelor’s degree within the past three years. - Minimum age: 18, with a bachelor’s degree by program start. - Limited prior experience in Asia: - Not eligible if you have spent 18+ weeks in more than one eligible Asian country since starting college. - If you have spent 18+ weeks in only one eligible country, you may apply, but cannot be placed in that country. - All academic backgrounds are welcome; Asian Studies majors are eligible. - Applicants with disabilities or ongoing health conditions are encouraged to apply. --- ## Application Process - Complete eligibility questionnaire via the online portal. - Required application components: - Personal and background information - Academic details - Personal statement (max 1,000 words) - Three short-answer questions (max 250 words each) - 1–2 minute video introduction (recorded on phone/laptop) - Two letters of recommendation (one must be professional; the other may be professional or academic) - Electronic signature - (Optional) supplemental materials - Academic transcripts are **not** required. - No late applications or recommendation letters will be accepted. - Selection involves three rounds: application review, virtual interviews, and an in-person finalist weekend. --- ## Additional Information - Placements are individually tailored and span a wide range of fields (public health, arts, policy, STEM, education, business, etc.). - Countries include Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Timor Leste. (No placements in China, Hong Kong, or Myanmar.) - Scholars receive support for housing and settling-in, with a variety of living arrangements possible. - The program is experiential, not academic; not suitable for dissertation research. - Attendance at all program activities, including orientation, December Leadership Institute, and final symposium, is required. --- ## External Links - [Program Website](https://lucescholars.org/) - [Eligibility and Selection Details](https://lucescholars.org/selection/) - [Program Experience Overview](https://lucescholars.org/the-luce-experience/) - [Start Application](https://apply-lucescholars.smapply.io/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://lucescholars.org/selection/#section-1) - [Contact/Info Session Requests](https://lucescholars.org/request-info/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | lucescholars@hluce.org | | Program Website | [https://lucescholars.org/](https://lucescholars.org/) | | Funder Main Site | [https://www.hluce.org](https://www.hluce.org) | | Phone (Foundation) | 212-489-7700 | For latest info session schedules or to request a recording, visit the [info page](https://lucescholars.org/request-info/).

The Luce Scholars Program

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