The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program is an incredible academic summer opportunity for students around the world. As one of the most globally diverse programs, YYGS brings together over 2,000 students from 150+ countries and all 50 U.S. states for two weeks of immersive learning at Yale University.
Each year, YYGS offers over $3 million in need-based financial aid, ensuring that talented students from all financial backgrounds can participate.
Benefits of YYGS
Participating in YYGS provides numerous benefits that extend beyond academics, including:
- Collaborative Learning: Engage with a diverse group of students from across the globe, working together to solve problems and explore innovative topics.
- Global Networking: Build lifelong connections with students, faculty, and guest speakers from prestigious fields.
- Academic Tracks: Choose from STEM, social sciences, humanities, or cross-disciplinary studies to deepen your knowledge in areas of interest.
- Holistic Development: Gain critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills through meaningful discussions, debates, and projects.
- Need-Based Financial Aid: YYGS offers need-based aid to domestic and international students, covering up to 100% of the tuition fee.
Janine, a YYGS alumna from Ghana, highlights the program’s transformative impact: “The YYGS Program questioned things I thought I knew, scratched beyond the surface level, and helped me effectively communicate my ideas and opinions. I’ve grown with a community of inspiring students, dedicated staff, and passionate professors.”
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for YYGS, students must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Be between 16-18 years old by July 20, 2025 (first day of Session III).
- English Proficiency: Be able to participate in a rigorous academic program conducted in English.
- Academic Standing: Be a current high school sophomore or junior (or international equivalent).
- Graduation Date: Be graduating in May/June 2026 or 2027 (Northern Hemisphere) or November/December 2025 or 2026 (Southern Hemisphere).
- First-Time Participant: Applicants must be first-time participants in the YYGS program.
Application Process
Follow these steps to complete your YYGS application:
- Prepare Your Application Materials: Review the required components, including your activities list, essays, and short responses. Secure an official school transcript and a recommendation letter from a teacher or school official.
- Start the Application: https://globalscholars.yale.edu/application-deadlines
- Submit Your Application: Once all components are complete, click on the “Submit Application” button.
- Confirmation: Check your inbox for a confirmation receipt after submitting your application.
Required Application Components
To ensure your application is complete, you will need to provide:
- An activities list detailing extracurriculars.
- A 400-word essay and a 200-word response.
- Two “fast take” responses (280 characters each).
- Your official school transcript.
- One recommendation form from a teacher or official.
- Application fee ($75 Early Action or $90 Regular Decision).
- Optional: English fluency test scores (TOEFL or DuoLingo).
- Optional: Apply for need-based financial aid.
Application Deadlines
YYGS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with two applicant pools:
1# Early Action:
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- Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
- Decision Release: December 16, 2024
- Deadline to Accept Offer: December 20, 2024
- Application Fee: $75 USD
2# Regular Decision:
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- Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
- Decision Release: March 10, 2025
- Deadline to Accept Offer: March 15, 2025
- Application Fee: $90 USD.
