Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is an academic enrichment program run by Yale University for outstanding high school students from more than 150 countries. Admitted students attend one interdisciplinary, two-week residential session on Yale’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut, choosing among three tracks — Innovations in Science & Technology (IST), Politics of Law & Economics (PLE), and Solving Global Challenges (SGC).
The program combines lectures, seminars, and team projects with a global peer community. It is designed for current sophomores and juniors (or international equivalents) and is a one-time experience — alumni cannot reattend.
Benefits & funding
- One interdisciplinary, two-week residential session on Yale’s campus, with housing, meals, curriculum materials, and air-conditioned rooms included in tuition.
- Program tuition is US$7,000 for the two-week session.
- Need-based financial aid is offered equally to domestic and international students and can cover up to 100% of tuition; in 2025 YYGS distributed over US$3 million in aid and met 99% of requests in full.
- Travel to and from New Haven is not covered and must be arranged and paid for by the student.
- Access to Yale instructors and faculty, a global network of peers from 150+ countries, and a full experience in one of three academic tracks.
Eligibility
- Be 16–18 years old by July 19, 2026 (the first day of Session III).
- Be a current high school sophomore or junior (or international equivalent), graduating in May/June 2027 or 2028 (Northern Hemisphere) or Nov./Dec. 2026 or 2027 (Southern Hemisphere).
- Be able to follow a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English.
- Be a first-time YYGS participant (prior applicants who were not admitted or could not attend may reapply).
- Open to applicants from all countries; need-based financial aid is also available to students from all countries.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
High School
Age requirement
16–18 yrs
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Application process
- 1Review the eligibility criteria and the required application components, using the sample blank application to prepare answers.
- 2Collect contact details for a parent/guardian and a teacher or school official, and complete the online application (including the financial-aid section if applying for aid).
- 3Submit the application and pay the non-refundable application fee (US$80 Early Action, US$95 Regular Decision; fee waivers may be requested), then await a confirmation receipt.
Program timeline
Early Action application deadline (2026 program)
Oct 15, 2025
Early Action decisions released
Dec 12, 2025
Regular Decision application deadline (2026 program)
Jan 7, 2026
Regular Decision decisions released
Mar 10, 2026
Session I
Jun 21, 2026 to Jul 3, 2026
Session II
Jul 5, 2026 to Jul 17, 2026
Session III
Jul 19, 2026 to Jul 31, 2026
September 2026 (anticipated)
Applications reopen for the 2027 program