Deadline: 21 January 2026
Applications are invited to apply for the Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Scholarship 2026, a highly competitive fully funded USA scholarship for African students designed to support outstanding young leaders aspiring to pursue undergraduate study opportunities in the United States. The YYAS program focuses on empowering academically talented African students by providing early exposure to top US universities, liberal arts education, and global academic pathways. Yale University offers two prestigious programs for African and international students: Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) and Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS).
Under the Yale Young African Scholars Program 2026, all students admitted to YYAS are automatically considered for the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program, making it a unique dual opportunity fully funded scholarship in the USA. Students interested in both programs are advised to apply only through YYAS, as eligibility for YYGS will be evaluated based on the information provided in the YYAS application. This streamlined process increases access to fully funded summer programs at Yale University for African students.
Applicants must still meet the YYGS eligibility criteria, but no separate application is required, as selection is conducted automatically. The Yale Young African Scholars fully funded scholarship is ideal for motivated African students seeking early undergraduate preparation, leadership development, and international academic exposure at one of the world’s top-ranked universities in the USA.
Yale Young African Scholars 2026
- Sponsor(s): Yale University
- Country: United States of America
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Scholarship level: Undergraduate
- Country Eligibility: The Scholarship is for young African scholars
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for YYAS, applicants MUST meet all of the following requirements:
Age: Age: You must be between the ages of 14-18 years old on the first day of the program (July 16) in 2026 in order to be considered. Please note that a typical YYAS student is between the ages of 16-17.
English: You must be able to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English.
Citizenship: You must be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country. YYAS will also accept applications from refugees living in an African country.
School location: You must currently attend school in an African country.
Grade Level: You must be a current 11th-grade student (or the international equivalent).
Graduation date: If you attend school in the Northern Hemisphere, you must be graduating secondary school by earliest May/June 2027 and no later than May/June 2028. If you attend school in the Southern Hemisphere, you must be graduating secondary school by earliest November/December 2026 and no later than November/December 2027.
Requirement
- Completed application form
- Official transcript or grade report
- One (1) teacher recommendation
Student Must Have
- Excellent academic records
- Leadership Potential
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Desire and ability to work cooperatively with colleagues.
- Persistence and determination in the face of challenges.
- High standards of personal and professional conduct.
- The ability to read, analyze and reflect on large amounts of difficult material in English
- Maturity and interest are shown in participating in debates on intellectual, moral, and political issues in Africa
Scholarship Coverage
This is a fully-funded scholarship for African students in the USA. The Yale scholarship 2026 will cover Tuition-free, meals, and accommodation provisions.
How To Apply For Yale Scholarship 2026
Click APPLY NOW to start your YYAS application. For more information, visit Yale.
Be sure to write down your email and password to access the application at a later time. The deadline to complete and submit the application is 21 January 2026 @ 11:59pm EST.
