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High School Study Abroad Scholarships – A Life-Changing Opportunity

YFU offers over 170 full and partial merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid scholarships to students every year.

Unlock a world of opportunities with high school study abroad scholarships and travel scholarships for high school students. Studying abroad not only expands your academic knowledge but also immerses you in new cultures, languages, and experiences. Learn how you can apply for study abroad high school scholarships, whether you’re interested in a full-year, semester, or summer program, and explore the variety of grants for exchange students available to support your educational journey.

We are in the process of updating several of our scholarship programs, which are listed below. Deadlines will be updated as they become available for those “TBD” programs.

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.

How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad

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. 

  • Age Requirements: Must typically be between 15-18 years old.
  • Academic Performance: Maintain a good academic standing; specific GPA requirements may apply.
  • Personal Characteristics: Demonstrate flexibility, tolerance, and open-mindedness.
  • Application Materials: Submit the following by the scholarship deadline:
    • Completed application form
    • Essay responses
    • Host family introduction letter
    • Health Certification
    • Teacher recommendations
  • Financial Need: Financial Aid scholarships will require proof of financial need.
  • Residency: Must be a resident of the country or specific geography offering the scholarship.
  • Language Skills: Proficiency in the host country’s language may be required or preferred.

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.

YFU USA Scholarship Programs

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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Guam
  • Hawaii
  • Iowa
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • Tennessee
  • Wisconsin
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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.

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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.

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Employer Scholarships

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 Affiliation: Only students who have a parent or guardian employed by the sponsoring company are eligible to apply.
  • Specific Requirements: Each corporate-sponsored scholarship may have unique eligibility criteria and application requirements. It’s important to review these details on the specific scholarship page.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Employee scholarships often offer extensive financial support, potentially covering full or partial program costs, including tuition, travel, housing, and other related expenses.
  • Enriching Experiences: Students will gain international experience, develop intercultural competencies, and enhance their academic and personal growth through immersive study abroad programs.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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High School Study Abroad Scholarships FAQ

Q: What types of high school study abroad scholarships are available?

YFU offers a variety of scholarships to help students study abroad, including financial aid, merit-based, and employer-sponsored scholarships. These scholarships can provide partial or full coverage for tuition, travel, housing, and more. Explore options like the Jason Pollington Latin America Scholarship and the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Scholarship for specific countries.

Q: Can you get a full-ride scholarship to study abroad?

Yes, several YFU scholarships, such as the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) and corporate-sponsored scholarships, offer full coverage for tuition, travel, housing, and other expenses, allowing students to study abroad without financial worries.

Q: What is the best high school study abroad program?

The best program for you depends on your goals. However, YFU offers popular programs like the Japan Summer Program Scholarship and the CBYX Scholarship in Germany, which provide unique opportunities for cultural immersion and academic growth.

Q: Can you study abroad for a year in high school?

Yes, YFU offers year-long programs such as the CBYX Scholarship that allow students to fully immerse themselves in another country’s culture and education system.

Q: Are there corporate-sponsored high school study abroad scholarships?

Yes, YFU partners with corporations like Chevron, Epson America, and Sony Corporation of America to offer exclusive scholarships to students whose parents or guardians work for these companies. These scholarships often cover a significant portion of the costs, including tuition and travel.

Q: How do I apply for a high school study abroad scholarship?

To apply, submit the following:

  • A completed application form.
  • Essay responses showing your interest in cultural exchange.
  • Host family introduction letter.
  • Teacher recommendations and health certifications. Make sure to check each scholarship’s specific requirements to maximize your chances of success.

Q: How do I host a foreign exchange student?


If you’re interested in hosting a foreign exchange student, YFU offers a comprehensive guide on the process. Hosting a student from another country provides a rewarding cultural exchange experience for both the host family and the student. Learn more about the process and benefits of hosting a student by visiting the Host a Student page.

Q: What are the options for studying abroad with YFU?

YFU provides multiple opportunities for high school students to study abroad in countries around the world. Whether you’re looking for semester, summer, or full-year programs, there are numerous options to choose from. For more information on programs available by country, visit the Study Abroad Programs page.

Q: Which countries can I study abroad in through YFU?

YFU offers study abroad programs in a wide variety of countries, allowing students to immerse themselves in new cultures, learn languages, and gain global perspectives. Explore the different countries and programs available by visiting the YFU Countries page.

Q: What should I know before studying abroad?

Before you embark on your study abroad journey, it’s important to be prepared. This includes understanding cultural differences, academic expectations, and how to make the most of your experience. For a comprehensive guide on studying abroad, visit the Guide to Studying Abroad.

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