Passport To Equity Scholarship

Embark on endless possibilities with the Passport to Equity Scholarship, where education bridges horizons. Our scholarship program aims to open doors to global learning experiences.

On this page, you’ll find comprehensive eligibility guidelines, a step-by-step application guide, and inspiring stories from our alumni who have traversed borders and cultures. Dive in, discover the roadmap to a prosperous cross-cultural academic venture, and take the first step towards unlocking a world of personal and educational growth.

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

Equity Scholarship Requirements

Applicant must be American students of African descent.
Sophomore or Junior standing at the time of application is required.
Enrollment in a semester or year-long study abroad program is mandatory (Note: summer and short-term programs are not eligible)
Must have at least one year of foreign language study or be a non-native English speaker
No previous participation in a study abroad program
Students must demonstrate financial need; please see the link to the FACTS application. FACTS is an independent, third-party that assesses student eligibility for tuition assistance. For information about FACTS and the application process, please download the FACTS Information Sheet

Age Requirements

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 on the rise overall, the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) reports that for the 2017-2018 academic year, minorities totaled only 30% of American overseas students, with Black students at a mere 6.1%*. Accessibility is a significant contributing factor to the low participation rate.

We need to do better. The world needs a more proportionate view of the American demographic. Future leaders need experience navigating on a global scale. Someone you know may need a role model who looks like you so that they may know what is possible in this world when access is no longer an obstacle.

To right the scale, this scholarship fund is intended to create equity through accessibility.

To read Leslie’s full testimonial about her inspiration to create the Right the Scale 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