Passport To Belonging Scholarship

Education opens doors, and global experiences unlock even more. The Passport to Belonging Scholarship is designed to make international study accessible to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

On this page, you’ll find detailed eligibility guidelines, a step-by-step application guide, and inspiring stories from past recipients who have expanded their worldviews through study abroad. Take the first step toward a transformative experience that will shape your future, challenge your perspectives, and help you become a global citizen.

Eligible Countries

Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium-Flanders, Belgium-Wallonia, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, Uruguay

Please refer to individual country pages for program duration and departure times. Previous language study may be required. Applicants will be notified via email, and scholarship programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice. For more information, feel free to call 1.800.TEENAGE or email info@yfu.org

Programs

Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Fall Year, Spring Year

Deadline

August 15, 2025 for Spring Departure

February 15, 2025 for Fall Departure

Scholarship Amount

This is a partial scholarship that will cover a portion of your tuition. The amount will depend on the country and program.

Tuition Includes:

Round-trip airline travel (domestic & international)
Placement with a carefully selected host family and with a local public school
Regional orientation for scholarship recipients and parents; National pre-departure orientation for recipient.
Preparatory materials
24/7 support services in the host country
Comprehensive Insurance

Passport to Belonging Scholarship Requirements

Applicants must be high school sophomores or juniors at the time of application.
Enrollment in a semester or year-long study abroad program is required (short-term and summer programs are not eligible).
Must have completed at least one year of a foreign language course or be a non-native English speaker.
No prior participation in a study abroad program.
Applicants must demonstrate outstanding merit—considering academics, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community impact.
Students must also demonstrate financial need through the FACTS application. FACTS is an independent, third-party service assessing eligibility for tuition assistance. For more details, download the FACTS Information Sheet.

Students must meet the age requirement listed on the individual country pages.

Scholarship Recipients are Responsible for

Remaining tuition after the scholarship award
Passport
Visa fees (if necessary)
Any excess luggage tariffs
Personal spending money
Upon returning home, scholarship winners are expected to complete at least one presentation in their school or community to share their experiences, teach others about the culture in their host country, and encourage other students to participate in foreign exchange.
Within one month of returning home, the student must provide YFU a 1 – 2 page report and captioned photos detailing their exchange experience.

A Note From Leslie Olma

Fund Creator And Donor

While the number of American students studying abroad is increasing, accessibility remains a major barrier for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) reports that low-income students participate in study abroad programs at disproportionately low rates.

We need to do better. The world needs future leaders with global perspectives, but for many, the financial burden puts international education out of reach. Studying abroad isn’t just an opportunity—it’s an essential experience that builds confidence, independence, and cultural fluency.

The Passport to Belonging Scholarship was created to help bridge this gap by removing financial barriers and providing access to transformative study abroad experiences for those who might not otherwise get the chance.

To read Leslie’s full testimonial about her inspiration to create the Passport to Belonging Scholarship Fund or to donate to this fund, please visit her fund page.

Study Abroad Participants

What to Expect

Apply Now

Explore Other Scholarship Opportunities

Discover the other scholarships we offer to support your educational journey abroad, find the right opportunity that aligns with your goals.

Ready to Embark on a Learning Adventure?

Apply for the Passport to Equity Scholarship today and take the first step towards a transformative educational experience abroad. For more information, feel free to contact us to guide you along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

To demonstrate financial need for the Passport to Equity Scholarship, you must complete the FACTS application, which is an independent, third-party assessment of your eligibility for tuition assistance.

The Pre-Departure Orientation is mandatory for the Passport to Equity Scholarship recipients. During this orientation, scholarship winners receive essential information and guidance to prepare for their exchange program. It is a crucial part of the scholarship experience.

Upon returning home, Passport to Equity Scholarship winners are expected to complete at least one presentation in their school or community to share their experiences, teach others about the culture in their host country, and encourage other students to participate in foreign exchange. This helps promote cultural exchange awareness.

Yes, if a scholarship winner cancels their program less than 30 days before departure, they are responsible for paying their airfare and cancellation fee.

COUNTRIES

SCHOLARSHIPS