If you are an outstanding high school student with a passion for global issues and academic excellence, the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program is your gateway to an enriching summer experience at Yale University, USA. Each summer, students from over 150 countries (including all 50 U.S. states) participate in one interdisciplinary, two-week session at Yale’s historic campus.
In this article we will present to you this exciting day.
YYGS Programme Summary
Duration: Two weeks (June 22 - July 4, July 6 - July 18, July 20 - Aug 1, 2025)
Coverage: Academic enrichment, residential stay, meals, and extracurricular activities
Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Application Deadline: Varies, check the specific dates
Eligibility: Outstanding high school students from around the world
About YYGS
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is one of the most globally diverse, two-week academic summer programs in the world. Serving over 2,000 students from 150+ countries and all 50 U.S. states, YYGS distributes over $3 Million USD in need-based financial aid to both domestic and international students.
The curriculum is highly collaborative, exposing participants to innovative topics while facilitating student discussions shaped by international perspectives. Students have the opportunity to participate in a STEM, social sciences, humanities, or cross-disciplinary track
Programme Benefits
Participants in the YYGS program enjoy numerous benefits:
Academic Enrichment: Engage in interdisciplinary courses led by Yale faculty.
Global Connections: Interact with students from over 150 countries.
Residential Stay: Live on Yale’s historic campus with all meals provided.
Extracurricular Activities: Participate in cultural, social, and recreational activities.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with alumni and professionals in various fields.
Programme Structure and Activities
The YYGS program offers three residential sessions during the summer of 2025:
Session I: June 22 - July 4
Session II: July 6 - July 18
Session III: July 20 - Aug 1
Each session includes interdisciplinary courses, workshops, and activities designed to foster critical thinking, leadership, and global awareness. Students will have the opportunity to explore various academic disciplines and engage in hands-on learning experiences.
Each Residential Session Has 4 subcategories students can choose from as follows:
1). Innovations in Science & Technology (IST I)
The Innovations in Science & Technology (IST) program is designed for students interested in STEM fields and real-world scientific applications. Participants explore various disciplines, including physics, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, astronomy, engineering, neuroscience, immunology, psychology, and earth science. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary applications from the nanoscopic to the astronomical.
Students are challenged to think like scientists, enhancing their critical thinking and analytical skills while emphasizing collaboration and teamwork. This comprehensive approach trains students to become effective and impactful scientists.
2). Literature, Philosophy, & Culture (LPC)
The Literature, Philosophy, & Culture (LPC) program is for students interested in creative and culturally significant texts. Participants study various art forms, including fiction, philosophy, poetry, theater, film, music, visual arts, and dance.
The program promotes comparative and international perspectives, enhancing students' understanding of their place in the world and improving their articulation skills. It encourages interdisciplinary thinking and considers the role of arts and humanities in solving social problems.
3). Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE)
The Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) session targets students interested in economic theories, government values, and legal frameworks. Key topics include public policy, human rights, market regulation, governance, and international policy.
The session enhances critical thinking and analytical skills, helping students examine social systems and contemporary issues through economic, legal, and political perspectives. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, preparing participants to be informed and engaged global citizens.
4). Solving Global Challenges (SGC)
Solving Global Challenges (SGC) equips students with innovative, cross-disciplinary strategies to address pressing 21st-century issues. Guided by the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the program covers global health, gender equality, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability.
SGC empowers students to translate technical knowledge into effective solutions. By integrating STEM, social sciences, humanities, and arts, participants develop critical analysis, problem-solving, and creativity skills to tackle complex future challenges.
YYGS Programme Eligibility Criteria
Age: Be between the ages of 16-18 years old by July 20, 2025
English language: Be able to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English.
Grade Level: Be a current high school sophomore or junior (or international equivalent).
Graduation date: Be graduating in May/June 2026 or 2027 from the Northern Hemisphere, or in Nov./Dec. 2025 or 2026 from the Southern Hemisphere.
Country: YYGS accepts applications from ALL countries, and offers the opportunity for students to apply for need-based financial aid to students from ALL countries.
Fees and Scholarships
For YYGS Residential students, the full program tuition for one, 2-week session is $6,500 USD.
Please note that tuition covers all on-campus components of the program (housing, meals, curriculum materials, etc.), but travel is not covered due.
YYGS offers Need-Based Financial Aid (covering up to the full cost of tuition) for all domestic and international students, and then all students coordinate and pay/fundraise to cover their transportation needs. The application for financial aid is included within the online YYGS application.
Application Procedure a
• Submit Application:.Via the YYGS application portal with your CV, statement of motivation, and outlines of your academic interests and social engagement.
Required components:
Activities list
One 400-word essay and one 200-word response
Two "fast take" responses (280 characters each)
Official school transcript
One recommender (who will complete the YYGS Recommendation Form ONLY)
English fluency test scores (TOEFL or DuoLingo), (Optional)
Need-based financial aid request
ℹ️ Details about the required documents can be found on this webpage
• Application Fee: Pay the $75 USD Early Action fee or $90 USD Regular Decision fee. You can also submit a request for fee waiver during your application if you can't pay the application fees. The link to the Fee Waiver Request Form is available on the “Payment Options” page in the YYGS application, but it will only appear there AFTER students have fully completed the “Financial Aid” page in the YYGS application
• Recommendations: Submit contact information for a parent/guardian, teacher, and/or official at your school.
📂 Review a PDF of a sample blank application, and start preparing to answer as many application questions as possible.
🗓️ Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK