The Yale Young African Scholars Program (YYAS) is now open for applications, offering a fully sponsored academic and leadership enrichment opportunity for outstanding African secondary school students.
Hosted by Yale University, the program is designed for high-achieving students who plan to pursue tertiary education and are passionate about creating positive impact as future leaders across the African continent.
Program Summary
- Host: Yale University
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Category: High School Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | Accommodation | Meals
- IELTS: Not Required
- Deadline: January 21, 2026
Program Details
The Yale Young African Scholars Program (YYAS) is an intensive academic and enrichment initiative tailored for African secondary school students who demonstrate strong academic ability and leadership potential. The program focuses on strengthening participants’ academic skills, expanding their understanding of university and career pathways, and equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in competitive global academic environments.
Across its sessions, students receive guidance on university admissions and financial aid applications while connecting with a diverse network of young leaders from across Africa. After completing the program, participants are paired with mentors who provide continued support throughout the university application process.
Participants may attend only one session, but they are allowed to indicate their preferred session(s) during the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 Yale Young African Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Be between 14 and 18 years old during the program dates in 2026
- (Born between 18 August 2008 and 16 July 2012)
- Be able to participate fully in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country
- (Refugees currently living in an African country are also eligible)
- Be currently attending secondary school in an African country
- Be a current 10th or 11th grade student or the international equivalent
Program Benefits
To ensure accessibility for students from all financial backgrounds, there is no cost to participate in YYAS. The program is completely tuition-free and includes accommodation, meals, and academic materials.
- YYAS Online College Prep Workshop (6 days):
- 16 – 21 July 2026
- YYAS Residential Leadership Summit, Kenya (9 days):
- 8 – 16 August 2026
- Cost: $0 (Fully Sponsored)
- Coverage: Housing | Meals | Academic Curriculum Materials
Required Documents
All applicants must submit the following:
- Activities list
- One 400-word essay
- One 200-word short response
- Two “fast take” responses (280 characters each)
- Official school transcript
- One recommender
- (Who will complete the YYAS Recommendation Form only)
- Application fee:
- $70 (Early Action)
- $85 (Regular Decision)
Optional submissions include:
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or Duolingo)
- Need-based financial aid request
Applicants must click the Submit Application button on the “Review” page for the application to be considered complete.
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 Yale Young African Scholars Program, interested and qualified candidates should:
- Visit the official YYAS application portal
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents
- Submit the application before the deadline
To begin your application, CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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