YES program application form 2024-25 South Africa, YES program eligibility criteria, how to Apply to the 2024-25 YES program in South Africa. YES program is administered in partnership with the U.S. Department of State by a consortium of non-profit organizations led by American Councils for International Education. In South Africa, AFS South Africa manages the YES program in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Office.
YES program eligibility criteria
In keeping with the U.S. Government-sponsored initiatives, dedicated to democratic reform, the competition for the Youth Exchange and Study scholarship is merit-based and open at no cost to all applicants who meet the following requirements Inorder to fill YES program application form Online:
- Be between the ages 15-17.7 (be born between January 15, 2006 and August 15, 2008) by the start of program (August 15, 2023);
- Be enrolled in 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade at the time of application;
- Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades;
- You must have lived more than 50% (2.5) of the last 5 years in South Africa and be able to provide citizenship documents;
- Be able to produce the final school reports for 2020 and 2022;
- Be able to complete the preliminary application and send it to AFS South Africa;
- Have a valid passport and unabridged birth certificate, or are able to apply for one;
- Not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the U.S. in the last five years;
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
- Be a resident and citizen of South Africa.
Students with Disabilities
The program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation. The Department of State and the YES program work with Mobility International (MIUSA) to provide students with disabilities leadership-building workshops, appropriate information and support as needed to enhance their year in America. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact their YES office for information on eligibility.
YES program application form 2024-25
There are multiple rounds to the YES application and selection process. All applicants are required to take an English proficiency exam, write a proctored essay, complete a YES program application, and participate in group and individual in-person interviews. All finalists are selected on the basis of merit.
For more information on the YES program application form and selection process in South Africa, please visit the AFS South Africa Website.
What costs are covered?
The YES scholarship covers costs related to:
• round-trip airfare from your home country to the United States;
• the cost of a Pre-Departure Orientation;
• placement with a U.S. host family for 10 to 11 months;
• a modest monthly stipend;
• health insurance; and
• the cost of program activities and materials.
