ERIA School of Government Fellowship: An Overview for Aspiring Policy Experts

The ERIA School of Government Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about public policy and regional development. This fellowship, based in Jakarta, aims to build a strong network of experts focused on addressing public policy challenges within ASEAN and East Asia. It provides a platform for researchers and government officials to contribute to regional interests and community building in Southeast Asia and East Asia. The program runs for three to eleven months between October 1, 2026, and August 31, 2027.

Fellowship Benefits and Support

Selected fellows will receive financial support to aid their research and living expenses during their residency. The fellowship provides an allowance of up to USD $5,000 per full month. This amount is calculated based on the actual duration of the fellow’s stay in Jakarta. Beyond financial assistance, fellows gain access to ERIA’s extensive research resources and networks across ASEAN. This includes opportunities to interact with policymakers, fellow researchers, and various regional institutions. Collaboration with ERIA researchers and relevant ASEAN stakeholders is a key aspect of the fellowship experience. It is important for fellows to note that they are responsible for arranging and covering their own health insurance, accommodation, and other personal living costs.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

To be considered for the ERIA School of Government Fellowship, candidates must meet specific academic or professional criteria. Academic applicants should possess a doctoral degree or an equivalent higher qualification. For professionals, a minimum of 10 years of service as a government official is required. All applicants must demonstrate strong written and spoken English skills. The fellowship is open to individuals of all nationalities who have research interests focused on regional issues in ASEAN and East Asia. A proven track record of policy-relevant experience or knowledge gained from working in government, academia, think tanks, or international organizations is also essential.

Application Process and Required Documents

The application for the ERIA School of Government Fellowship involves submitting several key documents. Applicants must complete the official Fellowship Application Form and provide a current Curriculum Vitae (CV) that does not exceed three pages. Postgraduate applicants need to submit a summary of their thesis and a list of their publications. Professionals are required to submit an official written approval from their current office or organization.

Two letters of recommendation are also necessary. These letters should be sent directly by the referees to the provided email address before the deadline. For postgraduates, one letter should come from their final institution, and the other from an external organization. Professionals need one letter from their employer and one from an external source.

A critical component of the application is the Project Proposal, which should not exceed five single-spaced pages using a 12-point font. The proposal should clearly outline the research plan and prioritize topics that address regional interests in ASEAN and East Asia, rather than solely national concerns. It should also align with the ERIA School of Government’s mission to support public policy and regional interests, potentially focusing on collaborations between two or three countries.

All application materials must be submitted via email to the designated address with a specific subject line format: “Fellowship[Name of Applicant]”. Recommendation letters must be sent directly by referees with the subject line: “Recommendation Letter [Candidate’s Name]”. The deadline for all submissions is May 31, 2026, at 23:59 WIB (GMT+7).

Conclusion

The ERIA School of Government Fellowship presents a valuable opportunity for individuals dedicated to advancing public policy and regional cooperation in East Asia and Southeast Asia. By offering financial support, access to resources, and a collaborative environment, the fellowship empowers experts to contribute meaningfully to regional development. Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements to ensure a strong submission that highlights their commitment to addressing key regional policy challenges.