Course Level: Secondary School

Overview

The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program 2026 is now open for applications. This program is a rigorous academic and leadership enrichment opportunity designed for outstanding African secondary school students who plan to pursue tertiary education and want to make a meaningful impact in their communities and across the continent.

YYAS participants enhance their academic skills, receive personalized guidance on university admissions and financial aid applications, and join a growing network of young African leaders. Students can attend only one session, but may indicate multiple preferences during application.

Benefits

• Academic skill-building and mentorship sessions.

• Guidance on university admissions and financial aid processes.

• Networking with young leaders from across Africa.

• Certificate of Completion recognized by universities worldwide.

• Free participation — no tuition fees required.

Requirements

To apply for the Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program 2026, applicants must meet all of the following:

Age: 14–18 years old as of July 16, 2026 (typical age range: 16–17).
Language: Must be fluent in English.
Citizenship: Must be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country (refugees living in Africa are eligible).
School Location: Must currently attend school in an African country.
Grade Level: Must be a current 10th or 11th grade student (or equivalent).
Graduation Date:

• Northern Hemisphere: Graduating between May/June 2027 and May/June 2028.

• Southern Hemisphere: Graduating between November/December 2026 and November/December 2027.

❌ Students who have graduated secondary school or are in university are not eligible.

Selection Process

1. YYAS College Prep Workshop (Online)

• Open to ~240 students from across Africa.

• Focus: career exploration, university applications, and transition to higher education.

• Conducted entirely online via Zoom.

• Attendance is mandatory for all sessions.

• Free of charge.

• Successful participants receive a Certificate of Completion.

2. YYAS Summit (Residential in Kenya)

• Open to ~110 students.

• Duration: 9 days.

• Focus: leadership, innovation, design, and 21st-century skills.

• Tuition-free, with free housing, meals, and materials.

• Limited need-based Travel Grants available for students outside Kenya.

• Students must coordinate or fundraise for travel documents and transportation.

Application Rounds

Early Action:

• Deadline: October 20, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)

• Decisions Released: December 19, 2025

• Offer Acceptance Deadline: January 5, 2026

Regular Decision:

• Deadline: January 21, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

• Decisions Released: March 20, 2026

• Offer Acceptance Deadline: March 25, 2026

Application Deadline

January 21, 2026

How to Apply

Step 1: Review YYAS eligibility criteria and requirements.
Step 2: Prepare answers using the sample blank application PDF.
Step 3: Collect parent/guardian and school official contact information.
Step 4: Visit the YYAS official portal and click “Apply Now.”
Step 5: Complete all application sections carefully.
Step 6: Check the “Review” page to ensure all parts are complete.
Step 7: Click “Submit Application.”
Step 8: Check your email for confirmation within 24–48 hours.

Need help? Contact the YYAS staff for assistance before the deadline.

Sponsor

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

Official Website

Visit the official Yale Young African Scholars Program page for full details.

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• Ruth Titilayo Foundation Annual Scholarship for Undergraduates 2026

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• WAAW Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship 2025

• Dangote Cement Management Trainee Programme 2025

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