Scholarships philosophy
As part of our commitment to sending outstanding students abroad, AFS offers nearly $2 million in need and merit-based scholarships each year. We are proud to offer financial support to students who exemplify the AFS spirit: students who are involved in their communities, have strong academic records, and demonstrate the flexibility and open-mindedness required to succeed as young ambassadors.
AFS is especially committed to supporting students who could not otherwise have an exchange experience, so financial need is considered when awarding most scholarships. However, as a non-profit organization, AFS is not able to offer aid to all students. Thus, we strongly encourage every scholarship applicant to fundraise and consult local AFS volunteers to help make your AFS program a reality.
Below, you’ll find links to AFS’s primary scholarship opportunities. Scan this list, then follow the links for more specific information and application instructions.
AFS Global Leaders Scholarships: AFS’s main scholarship program, offering partial need and merit-based scholarships to qualified applicants. Application materials will be available online beginning August 1, 2008.
In addition to these Global Leaders scholarships, there are a few special opportunities that require separate applications:
Japan Scholarships: Two full scholarships for high school year programs (departs in March). Applications due in early October (updates will be posted soon).
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program: Full scholarships awarded to 50 outstanding students (from Eastern states) for a year of study in Germany. Applications due in early December.
Cargill Global Exchange Fund scholarships: Partial scholarships awarded to students from Cargill operating communities around the U.S. who will participate in semester or year programs in select Latin American and Asian destinations.
AFS-USA gratefully acknowledges our lead sponsors of our Faces of America and Global Enrichment diversity initiatives: Bardoli Global, The Capital Group Companies, Inc., DeWitt Wallace Youth Travel Enrichment Fund at The New York Community Trust, Linden Foundation, One World Now, Prudential Foundation, Summer Search Foundation and the Victoria Foundation.
