The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) program is a fully funded, academic and leadership development opportunity for African secondary school students. Aimed at those looking to pursue higher education and become impactful leaders, the program offers a chance to enhance academic skills, gain insights into university applications and financial aid, and build a strong network of peers across Africa.
Hosted by Yale University, the program covers all costs, including tuition, meals, housing, and materials. Students can choose their preferred session(s) during the application process, though they may attend only one session. After the program, participants are paired with mentors to guide them through the university application process and further their academic and career ambitions. YYAS is designed to empower students with the tools and connections necessary to succeed in tertiary education and contribute positively to the future of Africa.
Yale Young African Scholars Program Summary
- Host: Yale University
- Study Abroad: Study in USA
- Category: High School Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | Accommodation | Meals
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: January 20, 2025
2025 Yale Young African Scholars Program Benefits
- There is no cost for students to participate in YYAS, making it accessible to individuals from all financial backgrounds.
- The YYAS Summit is completely tuition-free ($0).
- The program covers all expenses, including free housing, meals, and academic curriculum materials.
2025 Yale Young African Scholars Program Requirements:
To be considered for the Yale Young African Scholars Program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Students must be between the ages of 14 and 18 on the program dates in 2025, meaning they should have been born between 18 August 2006 and 17 July 2011. A typical YYAS student is usually between 16 and 17 years old.
- Students must be able to engage in a challenging academic curriculum conducted in English.
- Students must be citizens or permanent residents of an African country. YYAS also accepts applications from refugees residing in an African country.
- Students must currently attend school in an African country.
- Students must be in 10th or 11th grade (or the equivalent internationally).
- Students attending school in the Northern Hemisphere should be graduating secondary school by May/June 2026 at the earliest and no later than May/June 2027. Those attending school in the Southern Hemisphere should graduate between November/December 2025 and November/December 2026.
- Students in their final year or term of secondary school, those who have already graduated secondary school, or university students are not eligible to apply.
Required Documents for Yale Young African Scholars Program
All students must submit the following application components:
- Activities list
- One 400-word essay and one 200-word response
- Two “fast take” responses (280 characters each)
- Official school transcript
- One Recommender (who will complete the YYGS Recommendation Form* ONLY)
- Application fee ($70 for Early Action and $85 for Regular Decision)
- You must click the Submit Application button on the “Review” page for your application to be considered.
- OPTIONAL: English fluency test scores (TOEFL or Duolingo)
- OPTIONAL: Need-based financial aid
Duration of Program:
- YYAS Online College Prep Workshop (6 days): 17 – 22 July 2025
- YYAS Residential Leadership Summit (Kenya; 9 days): 9 – 17 August 2025
How to Apply for the 2025 Yale Young African Scholars Program
- Check the eligibility criteria to make sure you qualify.
- Review the components required for the YYAS application.
- Go through a PDF of the sample blank application and prepare your answers for the questions.
- Gather contact details from a parent/guardian, teacher, or school official, and review the sample application with them.
- Click APPLY NOW to start your application. Write down your email and password so you can come back to your application later.
- Check the “Review” page to ensure all sections are filled out and correct.
- Once everything is complete, click the “Submit Application” button at the bottom of the page.
- After submitting, check your email for a confirmation receipt. It may take 24-48 hours to arrive.
Click on the link below to apply:
https://africanscholars.yale.edu/
