Through the generosity of numerous corporations, governments, foundations, and individuals, YFU awards more than $1.6 million in partial or full study abroad scholarships annually.
To be considered for high school study abroad scholarship awards, students must meet the eligibility requirements listed on the individual Scholarship Information pages below and demonstrate characteristics like flexibility, tolerance, and open-mindedness. In addition to the standard application and fee (if required), students must submit essay responses, a host family introduction letter, health certifications, and teacher recommendations by the scholarship deadline.
By meeting these requirements and submitting a comprehensive application, you can increase your chances of receiving a travel scholarship for high school students to study abroad with YFU USA.
YFU offers various scholarships to support students in their study abroad endeavors. These include financial-need-based, merit-based, and employee scholarships and specific foreign exchange student scholarships to promote cultural exchange and global learning opportunities.
The YFU Legacy Grant is a $1,000 grant applicable to any YFU program. Students who are part of a family that has previously been involved in the YFU community as an alumnus, host, volunteer, and more are eligible for this grant.
The YFU Financial Aid Fund offers needs-based, partial Financial Aid and is applicable to any YFU program. The YFU Financial Aid Fund is made possible by generous donors to Youth For Understanding USA’s scholarship fund.
The Jason Pollington Latin America Scholarship is a needs-based, full scholarship applicable to the Fall Year, Fall Semester or Spring Semester program in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay or Uruguay. This scholarship is funded by Matthew Hill and aims to provide American students with an education and fulfilling experience in Latin America, where both Jason and Matthew studied with YFU in 1997.
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Scholarship is a merit-based, full scholarship applicable to the Fall Year program in Germany. The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program (CBYX) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by YFU USA. This prestigious scholarship aims to further German-American relations by helping motivated American learn the language and culture of Germany. Students applying for the YFU CBYX scholarship must reside in one of the following states:
Unlock Your Potential: “Germany for You” offers a unique two-week exchange program to empower students from vocational tracks and underserved communities. This transformative opportunity allows you to engage in community service projects in the U.S., enhance your language skills, and immerse yourself in a different culture, fostering personal growth and global awareness.
The Japan Summer Program is a merit-based, partial scholarship applicable to the Summer program in Japan. This scholarship aims to further Japan-American relations by helping motivated American students learn the language and culture of Japan. The state government and other various funds support this program.
Employee scholarships are exclusive opportunities provided by YFU in partnership with various corporations. These high school study abroad scholarships are available only to family members of employees who work for the sponsoring organization.
Eligibility and Expectations:
Corporate employee study abroad high school scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for students to explore new cultures and broaden their educational horizons, thanks to the support of their parent’s employer. For more information on specific eligibility and application procedures, please visit the individual scholarship page for the sponsored scholarship organization.
The Chevron Culture and Travel Program Scholarship is a merit-based, full scholarship and is only available to students who have a parent or legal guardian employed at Chevron.
The Epson America, Inc. International Scholarship is a merit-based, full scholarship and is only available to students who have a parent or legal guardian employed at Epson America.
The Mazda Canada, Inc. Scholarship is a merit-based, full scholarship and is only available to students who have a parent or legal guardian employed at Mazda Canada.
The Mitsubishi Electric U.S., Inc. Scholarship is a merit-based, full scholarship and is only available to students who have a parent or legal guardian employed at Mitsubishi Electric.
The Sony Corporation of America Scholarship is a merit-based, full scholarship and is only available to students who have a parent or legal guardian employed at select divisions at Sony.
