Applications are now officially open for the ASEF Youth Summit 2026 in Indonesia — a prestigious fully funded international programme bringing together young professionals, researchers, diplomats, and science-policy practitioners from Asia and Europe for the Asia-Europe Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy. Notably, the in-person summit takes place in Jakarta, Indonesia from 19 to 24 October 2026, preceded by a 6-week online training programme in September and October 2026. Furthermore, the programme covers all participation costs including travel, accommodation, and meals — making this a zero-cost opportunity for selected participants. The application deadline is 21 June 2026.
Program Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | ASEF Youth Summit 2026 — Asia-Europe Youth Summit on Science & Technology Diplomacy |
| Host Country | Indonesia |
| Location | Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Program Dates | 19 – 24 October 2026 (In-Person Summit) |
| Online Training | September – October 2026 (6 Weeks) |
| Duration | 6 Days (In-Person) + 6 Weeks (Online) |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Application Fee | None |
| Application Deadline | 21 June 2026 |
| Official Website | asef.org |
Financial Benefits
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) covers all major costs for selected summit participants. Specifically, the programme provides the following benefits at no cost to participants:
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Participation Fee | Free of charge for all selected participants |
| International Travel | Round-trip travel costs to/from Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Accommodation | Full accommodation during the in-person summit |
| Meals | All meals covered throughout the summit period |
Format & Structure of the Programme
The ASEF Youth Summit 2026 operates across two carefully sequenced components, ensuring participants build knowledge before applying it at the in-person summit:
Component 1 — Online Training (September – October 2026):
- A comprehensive 6-week interactive learning programme covering Science & Technology Diplomacy, cross-cultural communication, and international cooperation frameworks
- Specifically, 100–120 participants join this phase from eligible Asian and European countries
- Moreover, this online phase serves as a competitive filter — subsequently, only the most engaged and high-performing participants receive an invitation to the Jakarta summit
Component 2 — Youth Summit in Jakarta (19–23 October 2026):
- 40 participants shortlisted from the online training phase attend the fully funded in-person gathering in Jakarta, Indonesia
- Specifically, participants engage in high-level discussions, expert-led workshops, and collaborative sessions
- Furthermore, participants co-create a Youth Policy Communiqué on Asia-Europe Cooperation in Science and Technology — a tangible policy output that directly feeds into intergovernmental dialogue
- Additionally, the summit creates a platform for building lasting international networks across Asia and Europe
Key Objectives
The ASEF Youth Summit 2026 aims to achieve the following strategic outcomes for participants and the broader Asia-Europe science diplomacy ecosystem:
- Foster knowledge exchange between Asia and Europe on science, technology, and innovation policy
- Build practical skills in science and technology diplomacy relevant to real-world policy contexts
- Strengthen international youth networks across both continents through sustained collaboration
- Support youth-led contributions to global scientific, innovation, and governance challenges at the multilateral level
Eligibility Criteria
Geographic Eligibility
- Candidates must be citizens of eligible Asian or European countries as specified by ASEF under its Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) framework
- Consequently, candidates must verify their country’s eligibility from the official ASEF website at asef.org before applying
Age Limit
- Candidates must be up to 35 years of age at the time of application
- Therefore, applicants above 35 years of age do not qualify for the ASEF Youth Summit 2026 regardless of their professional background
Language Proficiency
- Candidates must demonstrate excellent command of English — both verbal and written — as the summit conducts all sessions in English
- Additionally, candidates must possess proficiency in the official language of their selected country as part of the eligibility requirements
Professional Background
- Specifically, eligible candidates fall into one of two professional tracks:
- Civil Society Track: Currently working as a Research or Science Manager in a civil society organisation in an eligible Asian or European country
- Government Track: Currently working as a Diplomat or Government Official in an eligible Asian or European country
- Consequently, students, freelancers, or professionals outside these two tracks do not qualify under the standard eligibility criteria
Selection Criteria
- Furthermore, ASEF selects participants on the basis of motivation to participate and demonstrated experience in Science and Technology Diplomacy — making a compelling motivational statement and a strong professional track record the most critical elements of a competitive application
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Available Now |
| Application Deadline | 21 June 2026 |
| Online Training Phase | September – October 2026 (6 Weeks) |
| In-Person Youth Summit | 19 – 24 October 2026 |
| Location | Jakarta, Indonesia |
How to Apply
- Visit the official ASEF website at asef.org and open the application portal for the ASEF Youth Summit 2026.
- Verify your country’s eligibility under the ASEM framework from the official ASEF page before beginning the application.
- Prepare your professional profile highlighting your current role as a Research / Science Manager or Diplomat / Government Official in an eligible country.
- Write a compelling motivational statement demonstrating your experience in Science and Technology Diplomacy and your goals for the summit.
- Ensure you clearly showcase your English language proficiency and relevant international or cross-cultural work experience.
- Submit the complete application through the official ASEF portal before 21 June 2026.
- Monitor your email for updates — ASEF will notify shortlisted candidates for the online training phase first, and subsequently announce the 40 summit participants.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply for ASEF Youth Summit 2026 | Click Here |
| ASEF Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is the deadline to apply for the ASEF Youth Summit 2026 in Indonesia?
The application deadline is 21 June 2026 – candidates must submit before this firm date.
Q2. Is the ASEF Youth Summit 2026 fully funded for all selected participants?
Yes – travel, accommodation, and meals are fully covered for the 40 participants selected for the in-person Jakarta summit.
Q3. How many participants does the ASEF Youth Summit 2026 select in total?
ASEF invites 100–120 participants for the online training phase and subsequently selects 40 for the fully funded Jakarta summit.
Q4. Is there an application fee for the ASEF Youth Summit 2026?
No – there is no application fee; participation is completely free for all selected candidates.
Q5. What professional backgrounds qualify for the ASEF Youth Summit 2026?
Currently working Research / Science Managers (Civil Society) or Diplomats / Government Officials from eligible Asian or European countries qualify.