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High School Study Abroad Scholarships

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 that make global learning more accessible. Studying abroad not only strengthens your academic development, it immerses you in new cultures, languages, and experiences that shape your future. Whether you’re searching for full study abroad scholarships, free exchange programs for high school students, or exploring the best high school study abroad programs, YFU offers a variety of summer, semester, and full-year opportunities. Students can apply for several types of education abroad scholarships, including need-based awards, merit-based options, and YFU-specific scholarship programs. As you explore how to find scholarships to study abroad and understand how to get a scholarship abroad, you’ll discover that many YFU scholarships provide significant financial support, helping make international study possible for more students.

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 in High School

We strive to make studying abroad in high school within reach for every student. To qualify for high school scholarships for juniors and other applicants, you must meet the eligibility criteria listed on each scholarship page. Many programs,  including some fully funded high school scholarships for international students, also look for qualities like flexibility, tolerance, and open-mindedness, as these traits help students thrive in a new cultural environment.

To strengthen your application and increase your chances of receiving scholarships to travel abroad, students must submit all required materials and meet the following criteria:

  • 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 thoughtful, complete application, you increase your chances of earning a study abroad high school free or reduced-cost opportunity through YFU.

YFU offers various high school study abroad scholarships, including need-based, merit-based, employee-sponsored, and program-specific awards. These opportunities promote cultural exchange, global learning, and meaningful immersion experiences for students of all backgrounds.

YFU USA Scholarship Programs

YFU’s scholarship offerings are designed to open doors for students who are eager to explore the world and grow through intercultural experiences. Each scholarship program has its own purpose, some honor YFU’s legacy, others expand access through financial assistance, and many empower students to study in specific regions or fields of interest. Together, these opportunities ensure that more students can participate in life-changing study abroad programs that build global awareness, personal confidence, and a deeper understanding of cultural exchange.

The YFU Legacy Grant is a $1,000 grant applicable to any YFU program. High school 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 study abroad 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 high school 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 high school study abroad 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 high school students 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 high school students to study abroad  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 high school study abroad 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 offered in partnership with YFU and sponsoring corporations. These fully funded high school scholarships or partial awards are available only to students whose parents or guardians are employed by participating companies. Funding may cover tuition, travel, housing, and additional program costs, making these programs an excellent option for families seeking structured support for a meaningful study abroad experience.

In addition to supporting student travel, these programs also introduce families to the broader impact of international exchange. If you’re interested in experiencing cultural exchange from home, you can explore how to become a host and learn about the cultural benefits of welcoming an international student into your daily life.

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 high school study abroad 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 high school study abroad 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 high school study abroad 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 high school study abroad 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 high school study abroad 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Studying abroad introduces you to new cultural norms, academic expectations, and daily routines. As you prepare, it’s helpful to understand what life abroad may look like, including how to adjust to cultural differences and how to manage emotions like homesickness. For practical tips, you can explore our resources on how to deal with homesickness, and for a broader overview of what to expect, visit the Guide to Studying Abroad.

If you aren’t awarded a scholarship, you can still travel with YFU. Connect with our team to explore available programs and alternative funding options. Fundraising is another great way to bring your study abroad dream to life. If you can’t join us this year, we invite you to reapply for a scholarship next year if eligible.

Hosting a foreign exchange student is a meaningful way to experience cultural exchange from home. Families receive guidance, support, and resources every step of the way. For those who prefer a shorter commitment, YFU also offers short-term hosting options that allow you to welcome a student for a brief but deeply rewarding experience. To get a clearer sense of the hosting journey and what it involves, you can explore the process and the benefits of hosting a student.