Harpswell Leadership Residency Scholarship 2027 for International Women: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Guide

The Harpswell Leadership Residency Scholarship 2027 offers an important leadership development opportunity for young women interested in social change, women’s empowerment and professional networking. The Harpswell Foundation’s programs are designed to develop a community of women leaders who can contribute to positive change in their communities and across the Southeast Asian region.

However, applicants should note an important eligibility detail: the 2027 recruitment information has not yet been released. Harpswell states that updates for the 2027 programme will be posted in late 2026. The most recent published eligibility information is therefore based on the 2026 programme.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to women from ASEAN countries, Nepal and Papua New Guinea who meet the age and leadership requirements.

Scholarship Detail	Information
Programme	Harpswell Leadership / ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit
Host organisation	Harpswell Foundation
Location	Phnom Penh, Cambodia and online
Target group	Young women leaders
Age	25–35 years based on the latest published criteria
Eligible locations	ASEAN countries, Nepal and Papua New Guinea
Programme format	Hybrid
Leadership focus	Women’s leadership, social change and regional networking
Duration	Five months
In-person component	Phnom Penh
Travel	Covered by Harpswell
Accommodation	Covered by Harpswell
Meals	Covered by Harpswell
2027 status	Recruitment updates expected in late 2026

According to Harpswell, applications for the 2026 Summit are already closed, while information about the 2027 recruitment cycle will be announced later in 2026. Official Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit

What Is the Harpswell Leadership Programme?

The Harpswell Foundation works to develop women leaders and strengthen networks among women across the region.

Its ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit was established in 2017 and brings together young women from ASEAN countries and other participating countries for an intensive leadership development and professional networking experience.

The programme combines virtual learning with an in-person gathering. Participants explore leadership, gender, civic engagement and regional issues while building relationships with other women leaders.

The programme is structured around the idea of “Leadership Beyond Borders,” with an emphasis on developing a regional network of women who understand Southeast Asia and can collaborate across national and cultural boundaries.

Who Is Eligible for the 2027 Programme?

The final 2027 requirements should be checked once Harpswell publishes its new recruitment announcement.

Based on the latest published criteria, applicants should be women aged 25 to 35 from:

ASEAN countries;
Nepal; or
Papua New Guinea.

Candidates should also demonstrate several qualities that Harpswell considers important for participation.

Interest in Social Change

Applicants should have a strong interest in creating positive social change and advancing women’s leadership.

Leadership Potential

Harpswell welcomes candidates who demonstrate leadership potential through academic achievement or professional accomplishment.

Leadership experience does not necessarily have to come from holding a formal leadership position. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how they have contributed to their communities, organisations, professions or other areas of interest.

Openness to Different Perspectives

Participants are expected to be willing to explore their own identities and worldviews while learning from people with different cultural backgrounds and experiences.

Regional Curiosity

The programme is designed around regional connections, so applicants should have genuine curiosity about the experiences and perspectives of people across Southeast Asia and participating countries.

English Language Skills

Strong English language skills are also listed among the programme requirements.

What Does the Harpswell Scholarship Cover?

One of the strongest benefits of the programme is that Harpswell covers key costs associated with participation in the in-person component.

For the latest published programme, Harpswell states that it covers:

Travel
Accommodation
Meals

The in-person gathering takes place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

This makes the opportunity particularly attractive to eligible women who may otherwise face significant costs associated with participating in an international leadership programme.

Following the Summit, participants may also be eligible to apply for Social Impact Grants, providing another potential avenue to develop projects or initiatives connected to their leadership goals.

How Does the Programme Work?

The latest programme structure combines online learning and an in-person experience over approximately five months.

Virtual Leadership Development

The virtual component includes learning sessions, small-group meetings and expert-led discussions.

Topics have included:

Critical thinking and debate;
Leadership;
Gender theories and studies;
ASEAN and women’s empowerment;
Civic engagement;
Personal and inner development;
Regional issues.

These activities are intended to help participants develop both individual leadership capacity and stronger relationships with fellow participants.

In-Person Experience in Phnom Penh

The programme culminates in an in-person gathering in Phnom Penh.

Participants have the opportunity to collaborate, explore the city, network and deepen relationships developed during the virtual phase.

The in-person component also provides opportunities to interact with trainers and facilitators involved in the programme.

Why Apply for the Harpswell Leadership Scholarship?

The value of the opportunity extends beyond financial support.

Successful participants join an international community of women leaders and gain exposure to different perspectives on leadership, social development and regional cooperation.

The programme can be particularly useful for women who want to:

Strengthen their leadership capabilities;
Develop professional networks;
Learn from women leaders across different countries;
Explore women’s empowerment and gender issues;
Build cross-cultural communication skills;
Develop ideas for social impact;
Gain exposure to regional perspectives;
Connect with the wider Harpswell alumnae community.

Harpswell reports that its broader community includes women leaders who continue to collaborate through its alumnae network and other initiatives.

How to Prepare for Harpswell Leadership Residency Scholarship 2027

Because the 2027 application process has not yet been announced, prospective applicants should begin preparing rather than waiting for the application window to open.

Start by documenting your leadership experiences, community involvement, professional achievements and examples of social impact.

It is also useful to think carefully about why women’s leadership matters to you and how participation in a regional programme could support your future goals.

Applicants should also monitor the official Harpswell website for the 2027 announcement, because eligibility rules, dates and application requirements may change from the previous intake.

When Will Applications for Harpswell 2027 Open?

Harpswell has not yet published the 2027 application deadline or opening date on the supplied programme page.

The organisation states that 2026 applications are closed and 2027 recruitment updates will be posted in late 2026.

Therefore, applicants should avoid relying on unofficial websites for a 2027 deadline until Harpswell releases the official announcement.

Harpswell Foundation

Final Thoughts

The Harpswell Leadership Residency Scholarship 2027 could be a valuable opportunity for young women seeking leadership development, regional networking and exposure to social change initiatives.

Based on the latest published criteria, the programme is aimed at women aged 25–35 from ASEAN countries, Nepal and Papua New Guinea, with an interest in women’s leadership and social change. Harpswell’s latest programme format combines several months of virtual activities with an in-person gathering in Phnom Penh, while travel, accommodation and meals are covered for participants.

The most important point for prospective 2027 applicants is that the official 2027 recruitment details are not yet available. Harpswell says updates will be released in late 2026, so candidates should monitor the organisation’s official programme page for the confirmed eligibility requirements, application dates and instructions.

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