Call for Application: Yale Young African Scholars Program 2026

Applications are now open for the Yale Young African Scholars Program 2026. YYAS is an intensive academic and leadership enrichment program created for outstanding African secondary school students who plan to pursue higher education and hope to make a meaningful impact across the continent.

Participants in either of the two program formats will strengthen their academic skills, receive guidance on university admissions and financial aid, and connect with a vibrant network of young leaders from different African countries.

Each student can only apply for one session, although they can indicate their preferred option on the application form.

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Yale Young African Scholars Program 2026

Yale Young African Scholars Program 2026 Benefits

Students who join YYAS will:

• Improve their academic writing, critical thinking, and university readiness
• Receive direct guidance on university admissions and financial aid
• Join a continent-wide network of young and ambitious leaders
• Earn a Certificate of Completion that can be included in future university applications

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following conditions:

• Must be between 14 and 18 years old on July 16, 2026. The typical YYAS participant is 16–17 years old.
• Must be able to engage fully in a rigorous academic program delivered in English.
• Must be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country. Refugees living in Africa are also eligible.
• Must currently attend school in an African country.
• Must be in 10th or 11th grade or the international equivalent.

Graduation Date:

• Northern Hemisphere students must graduate between May/June 2027 and May/June 2028.
• Southern Hemisphere students must graduate between November/December 2026 and November/December 2027.

NOTE: Students in their final year of secondary school, graduates, or university students cannot participate.

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Required Documents

• Successful completion of the online application form
• Official transcript or grade report(s)
• Letter of recommendation from one (1) teacher

For more details on the required documents and how to go about it, visit the YYAS required document page.

Selection Process

Yale Young African Scholars offers two program, and it will choose applicants for either one based on eligibility and available spaces.

1. YYAS College Prep Workshop (Online)

• Admits about 240 students from across Africa
• Requires access to Zoom via phone, tablet, or computer
• Focuses on university prep, career exploration, and transition to university life
• Attendance is compulsory for all sessions
• Completely free of charge
• Students receive a PDF Certificate of Completion

2. YYAS Summit (Residential in Kenya)

• Admits about 110 students
• Nine days of intensive learning on a Kenyan campus
• Covers leadership, innovation, design thinking, and college prep
• Tuition-free, with free accommodation, meals, and learning materials
• Travel to and from Kenya must be self-funded unless the student qualifies for a limited need-based travel grant
• Travel grants are automatically considered for all applicants

Applicants who do not receive a travel grant must be able to organise and fund their travel independently.

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Application Timelines

Application Batch #1: Early Action

Application Batch #2: Regular Decision

How to apply for the Yale Young African Scholars Program 2026

Before you can proceed to apply for the Yale Young African Scholars Program 2026, you need to be sure that you’re qualified by reviewing the eligibility requirements listed above.

You are also expected to check and gather all required application documents listed on this same application page.

Once you’re sure all the necessary documents and information are in place, you can then visit the Yale Young African Scholars Program application portal to begin your application and store your login details safely.

Check the “Review” page to confirm that you have completed all required sections. Once everything is ready, submit your application. Look out for a confirmation email within 24 to 48 hours.

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AyoRoni Adeyemi is a highly skilled editor and writer with a strong background in communication and language arts. Holding a degree from the prestigious University of Ibadan, she has proven track record of successfully editing a published book and numerous articles across various genres. She is the founder of Journaling Series, a reputable brand specializing in academic writing, AyoRoni is committed to providing exceptional editing services to help individuals and organizations achieve their publishing goals.

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