The YYAS is an intensive academic and enrichment programme aimed at supporting young Africans who are currently in secondary school and planning to pursue higher education, as well as those wishing to make a meaningful leadership impact as youths.
Scholarship to be taken in: the United States of America
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship level: Undergraduate
Scholarship Benefits: Tuition-free, meals, and accommodation provision
Subject Eligibility: All fields of study.
Nationality: Africans
About Yale Young African Scholars
Programme ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the 2026 Yale Young African Scholars Programme in the United States, applicants are to meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 14 years old by application deadline (01 February 2026) in order to be considered. Please note that a typical YYAS student is between the ages of 15 and 18.
- Be able to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country. Applications will also be accepted from refugees living in an African country.
- Be currently attending school in an African country.
- Be a current 11th-grade student (or the international equivalent).
- If you attend school in the Northern Hemisphere, you must have graduated from secondary school by latest May/June 2027. If you attend school in the Southern Hemisphere, you must be graduating secondary school by the earliest November/December 2026 and no later than November/December 2027.
Application Procedure
How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the 2022 Yale Young African Scholars Programme are to follow the steps outlined below. An official transcript of the grade report should be attached, and also a recommendation from applicant’s teacher.
Application Requirements
- Completed application form – The application can be found online and must be filled out by the applicant. Students will be asked to complete one 500-word essay and two short responses, and must provide information on their extracurricular activities and the school that they currently attend.
- Official transcript or grade report(s)
- One (1) teacher recommendation – The recommendation must be filled out via the Online Recommendation Form that will be sent to a teacher’s email after the student provides their contact details.
Steps to Apply:
| Step 1 | Review and ensure you meet the YYAS eligibility criteria. |
| Step 2 | Review the YYAS application required components. |
| Step 3 | Review a PDF of a sample blank application, and start preparing to answer as many application questions as possible. |
| Step 4 | You will need to submit contact information for a parent/guardian, teacher, and/or official at your school. Reach out to them as soon as possible to review the PDF of a sample blank application with you, and be sure to collect the information you need. |
Complete the Application:
| Step 5 | ClickAPPLY NOWto start your YYAS application. Be sure to write down your email and password to access the application at a later time. Ensure that you complete and submit your application before the deadline. |
| Step 6 | Check the “Review” page of the application to see if you are missing any required components, and re-visit any pages that require further information. |
| Step 7 | Once your application is complete, click on the “Review” page. Next, click on the “Submit Application” button at the bottom of the page. |
| Step 8 | Check your inbox for a YYAS confirmation receipt that indicates the successful submission of your application. |
Application Deadline: 01 February 2026
Visit the Official Webpage for Further Details
FAQs
1. What is the Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Programme 2026?
The Yale Young African Scholars Programme is an academic enrichment and leadership program designed for exceptional secondary school students across Africa. Hosted by Yale University, the program provides participants with access to university-level lectures, college preparation guidance, leadership training, and networking opportunities with peers and mentors. The 2026 program will continue to focus on empowering young African students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in higher education and future careers.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the YYAS Programme 2026?
To apply for the 2026 YYAS Programme, applicants must typically be secondary school students currently in their second-to-last year of high school. Candidates must be citizens or residents of an African country, demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a genuine interest in contributing to their communities. Applicants should also be able to participate fully in the program sessions and activities.
3. How can students apply for the Yale Young African Scholars Programme 2026?
Interested students can apply online through the official YYAS application portal managed by Yale University. Applicants are required to complete an application form, submit academic information, and provide short essays describing their achievements, leadership experiences, and aspirations. Supporting materials such as recommendation letters or school records may also be requested during the application process.
4. Is there an application fee for the YYAS Programme 2026?
The Yale Young African Scholars Programme is free to apply for, and many participants receive financial support to attend the programme if selected. This means qualified students from different economic backgrounds can apply without worrying about application costs. However, applicants should always check the official portal for the most recent updates and any optional documentation requirements.