Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Summer 2026 – Fully Funded & Need-Based Financial Aid for High School Students

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Summer 2026: Overview

The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program has opened applications for Summer 2026, inviting outstanding high school students (ages 16–18) from across the globe to attend two-week residential academic sessions at Yale University, USA.

YYGS is one of the most diverse and accessible pre-college programs in the world, drawing students from 150+ countries and all U.S. states/territories. The program offers world-class faculty lectures, small seminars, and peer collaboration, giving participants a taste of life as a university student.

In 2026, YYGS students will reside at Benjamin Franklin and Pauli Murray Colleges at Yale — modern, sustainable residential spaces featuring air-chilled dormitories, courtyards, classrooms, and dining halls.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following:

• Age: 16–18 years old by July 19, 2026.

• Education: Current high school sophomore or junior (or international equivalent).

• Graduation Date:

  • Northern Hemisphere: May/June 2027 or 2028

  • Southern Hemisphere: Nov/Dec 2026 or 2027

• English Proficiency: Able to study in a rigorous English-based academic environment.

• First-Time Applicants: Must not have previously attended YYGS.

• Students who applied in the past but did not attend are welcome to reapply.

Benefits

• Access to world-class Yale faculty lectures.

• Small seminars with 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

• Academic exploration across three tracks:

  1. Innovations in Science & Technology

  2. Politics, Law & Economics

  3. Solving Global Challenges

• International networking with peers from 150+ countries.

• Need-based financial aid covering up to 100% of tuition (partial or full funding).

• Chance to live and study in Yale University’s residential colleges.

Fellowship/Program Components

• Duration: Two-week sessions held in June & July 2026.

• Location: Yale University campus, New Haven, Connecticut.

• Residential Life: Dormitories at Benjamin Franklin and Pauli Murray Colleges, with dining, classrooms, and communal study spaces.

• Learning Format:

  • Yale faculty lectures

  • Small-group seminars

  • Collaborative projects

  • Cultural and social activities

Application Requirements

• Complete the online YYGS application.

• Pay an application fee (discount available for early applicants).

• Submit a fee waiver request if the fee is a financial burden.

• Provide required documents (essays, recommendations, transcripts).

Selection Criteria

• Academic performance and intellectual curiosity.

• Commitment to learning in a global, diverse community.

• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, or impact in school/community.

• English language fluency.

Application Process & Deadlines

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis but decisions are only released after full pool review.

• Early Action: Lower application fee + priority consideration.

• Fee Waiver: Available to reduce application fee to $0 USD.

• Final admissions decisions released no later than official decision dates listed on the YYGS website.

• Students applying with demonstrated financial need are strongly encouraged to also apply for need-based aid through the online application.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Summer 2026 – Fully Funded & Need-Based Financial Aid for High School Students