The 2026 Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program is now open!
The 2026 Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program is a free academic enrichment and leadership development initiative by Yale University tailored for African secondary school students who aim to pursue higher education and make a positive impact across the continent.
Read this guide to check if you’re eligible, what the program offers, application requirements, and how to apply before the deadline.
2026 Yale Young African Scholars Program Summary
- Host Country: United States, with activities online and in Kenya
- Study Abroad: Study in USA
- Host Institution: Yale University
- Category: High School Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All African countries
- Study Level: Secondary school academic enrichment
- Rewards: Free academic training, leadership development, university guidance
- Deadline: January 21, 2026
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2026 Yale Young African Scholars Program Details
The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) is an intensive academic and enrichment program designed for African secondary school students planning to pursue tertiary education and who wish to make a meaningful impact as young leaders on the continent. The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) 2026 Program offers two distinct sessions: an Online College Prep Workshop and a Residential Leadership Summit hosted in Kenya. Both programs focus on strengthening academic skills, leadership qualities, and university preparation for African students.
- Online College Prep Workshop: A 6-day virtual experience from 16–21 July 2026, conducted through online platforms like Zoom.
- Residential Leadership Summit: A 9-day in-person leadership program from 8–16 August 2026 held in Kenya, providing immersive learning and collaborative activities.
Participants can apply to only one of the program tracks.
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Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 Yale Young African Scholars Program
Applicants for the Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 14–18 years old on the first day of the program (around 16 July 2026).
- Be able to participate in academic work conducted in English.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country; refugees living in African countries are also eligible.
- Currently attend school in an African country.
- Be in 10th or 11th grade (or international equivalent) and not already graduated from secondary school.
Students graduating outside the eligible timeframe or currently in their final year of secondary school are not eligible.
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- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships 2025/2026 in USA | How to Apply
2026 Yale Young African Scholars Program Benefits
- No tuition cost for either program track.
- Access to academic enrichment, leadership training, and university preparation guidance.
- Networking opportunities with peers and mentors across Africa.
- For residential participants, accommodation, meals, and academic materials are included.
- Participants receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing the program.
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Required Documents
To apply, students must complete the online application form and submit:
- Personal and academic details
- A 500-word essay and shorter written responses
- Official school transcripts or grade reports
- At least one teacher recommendation submitted via the online form
(Exact requirements and essay prompts are detailed in the application portal.)
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How to Apply for the 2026 Yale Young African Scholars Program
- Visit the official YYAS application portal on the Yale Young African Scholars website below.
- Review eligibility and prepare required documents.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit all components before the deadline.
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Deadline
21 January 2026 (11:59 PM ET).
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