Yale University provides a diverse and exciting global study environment, with 22% of our students originating from abroad. We have a long history dating back to the 1800s of welcoming international students and currently boast 2,780 international students from 121 nations enrolled.

As part of our commitment to Africa and to “foster new directions in research on Africa, identify new partnerships with those on the continent, and strengthen our recruitment efforts, all while emphasizing teaching and learning”, the Yale Africa Initiative was founded in 2013. It promotes and supports Africa-related teaching, research, and engagement at Yale University. Since then, the Initiative has grown to become one of the leading centers for Africa-focused scholarship in the United States. 

The Initiative’s faculty affiliates come from a wide range of disciplines, including History, Political Science, Anthropology, and Economics. Their research covers a similarly broad range of topics, such as economic development, political violence, health care, and education. In addition to conducting groundbreaking research, the Yale Africa Initiative also provides a platform for students to engage with Africa-related issues through coursework, extracurricular activities, and community service projects. 

The Initiative’s work is inspired by the belief that a greater understanding of Africa and its people is critical to addressing the many challenges that the continent faces. As such, the Yale Africa Initiative is committed to promoting knowledge and engagement about Africa at Yale and beyond.

Since the establishment of the Yale Africa Initiative, the number of African students and scholars at Yale has expanded significantly. In 2013 the number was set at 147 and grew to the current 205  owing to, in part, increasing student aid funding. The Yale Alumni in Africa has expanded to 519, as has their engagement across the continent, with the establishment of new Yale Alumni Clubs in Ghana and Nigeria and a long-standing group in South Africa. 

Latest Developments

The Yale Institute for Global Health and the Yale Divinity School both disclosed their plans to bolster partnerships on the African continent. The Divinity School’s expansion will focus on religious scholarship, while the Institute for Global Health will focus on addressing global health challenges. 

The Yale Divinity School has long had a strong interest in African religion, and the expansion of its partnership with African institutions will allow it to explore this area of scholarship further. Meanwhile, the Institute for Global Health has been working on the continent for many years and is well-positioned to address some of Africa’s most pressing health challenges. 

A further program that forms part of the Yale Africa Initiative is the Yale Young African Scholars Program.

Yale Young African Scholars Program

The Yale Young African Scholars Program is the sister program to the Yale Young African Scholars and is geared towards African secondary students. It is an intensive academic and leadership training program designed to support outstanding young Africans who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of those around them. The program provides participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders in their communities and countries. 

Through an immersive curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning, participants gain a deep understanding of critical issues facing Africa today. The program also provides opportunities for participants to network with like-minded peers from across the continent, build lasting relationships with mentors, and access exclusive resources and support. By equipping young Africans with the tools they need to lead change in their communities, the Yale Young African Scholars Program is empowering a new generation of leaders to create a more prosperous and just Africa.

The 2023 application is now open!

How to Apply 

To be eligible for the Yale Young African Scholars Program: 

• You must be a citizen of an African country and between the ages of 14 and 18 (most students are between 15 and 18 years old). 
• You must be able to complete the program in English. 
• You must also be enrolled in secondary school and currently a grade 11 student. 
• You will need to submit an application that includes your personal information, educational history, and essay responses. 
• In addition, you will need to provide two letters of recommendation. 

All participants must have health insurance (you can shop and compare plans here), and admitted students will have to upload a copy of their health insurance card as part of their registration. Students and families are also encouraged to purchase additional travel insurance to cover cancellation or changes in travel plans, such as flight and tuition insurance and/or “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance to be able to recoup expenses in the event of non-attendance. 

The deadline for submissions of applications is February 1, 2023 @ 11:59pm EST.

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted for an interview. The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you better and for you to ask any questions you may have about the program. If you are accepted into the program, you will be required to pay a participation fee. However, need-based scholarships are available to help cover the cost of attendance.