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The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is an academic enrichment program hosted by Yale University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the United States. This two-week residential summer program brings together outstanding high school students aged 16–18 from more than 150 countries to explore innovative academic topics, gain university-level learning experience, and join a global community of future leaders.
YYGS 2026 sessions will take place in June and July 2026, offering participants the chance to live on Yale’s campus in Benjamin Franklin and Pauli Murray Colleges, which feature sustainable air-chilled dorms and world-class learning spaces.
Degree Level
This is a pre-college academic enrichment program designed for high school students (secondary education level)
Available Subjects
For the 2026 summer sessions, participants can choose from three academic tracks:
- Innovations in Science & Technology (IST)
- Politics, Law & Economics (PLE)
- Solving Global Challenges (SGC)
Each track integrates interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and teamwork, taught by Yale faculty, undergraduates, and graduate mentors.
Benefits
Global Exposure: Join a network of top high school students from over 150 countries.
- Academic Enrichment: Attend lectures by Yale professors and seminars led by Yale students in a 12:1 student-teacher ratio.
- Leadership Development: Strengthen teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience life on an Ivy League campus and build lifelong international friendships.
- Financial Aid: YYGS provides need-based financial aid covering up to 100% of tuition fees (valued at $7,000 USD), with over $3 million USD distributed annually.
Program Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition Fee: $7,000 USD (covers housing, meals, and materials).
- Financial Aid: Available for all students (domestic and international), covering up to full tuition based on financial need.
- Travel Costs: Not covered by the program (students arrange or fundraise for travel).
Payment Deadlines:
- Early Action admits: December 17, 2025
- Regular Decision admits: March 15, 2026
Eligible Nationalities
YYGS welcomes students from all countries worldwide, including both domestic (U.S.) and international applicants. Each year, the program hosts around 1,950 students from 150+ nations and all 50 U.S. states.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for YYGS 2026, students must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Be between 16–18 years old by July 19, 2026.
- Education Level: Currently enrolled as a high school sophomore or junior (or international equivalent).
- English Proficiency: Must be fluent enough to participate in an academic program conducted entirely in English.
- First-time Participant: Must not have attended YYGS previously (applicants who applied before but did not attend are eligible).
Application Procedure
Follow these steps to apply for the Yale Young Global Scholars Program:
- Step 1: Review eligibility criteria and required components.
- Step 2: Download and preview a sample blank application form.
- Step 3: Prepare required information, including contacts for a parent/guardian and teacher/school official.
- Step 4: Click “Apply Now” on the official YYGS website to start your application.
- Step 5: Complete the application and review it before submission.
- Step 6: Pay the $80 Early Action or $95 Regular Decision application fee (or submit a fee waiver request).
Deadlines:
- Early Action: October 15, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
- Regular Decision: January 7, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
Conclusion
The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) 2026 Summer Program is an exceptional opportunity for high school students worldwide to immerse themselves in an intellectually challenging environment at Yale University. With access to world-class faculty, global peers, and generous financial aid, YYGS nurtures the next generation of leaders ready to tackle real-world challenges.
FAQs
1. What is the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program?
YYGS is a two-week summer academic program at Yale University for high school students (ages 16–18). It offers tracks like Science & Technology, Politics & Economics, and Global Challenges. Financial aid can cover up to 100% of tuition, though travel costs are usually not included.
Official site
2. Who can apply for YYGS 2026?
Applicants must:
- Be 16–18 years old by July 2026
- Be in high school (Grade 10–11 or equivalent)
- Be fluent in English
- Not have attended YYGS before
Open to all nationalities.
Eligibility details
3. When is the application deadline?
- Early Action: October 15, 2025
- Regular Decision: January 7, 2026
- Results: December (EA) and March (RD).
Apply early for better financial aid chances.
Apply here
4. How much does it cost, and what does the scholarship cover?
Tuition: $7,000 USD (includes housing, meals, and materials).
Financial aid may cover 50–100% of tuition based on need. Travel is usually self-funded.
Financial aid info
5. What documents are required?
- Academic transcript
- Essays and short responses
- Teacher recommendation
- Financial aid form (if needed)
Apply early to secure documents and references.
6. Any tips for international applicants?
- Apply early and double-check documents
- Budget for visa and travel costs
- Write authentic essays about your interests
- Use Early Action to increase admission chances
