Eligibility
The Youth Exchange and Study scholarship is merit-based and open at no cost to all applicants. However the following must be met in order to apply.
- Be between the ages of 15-18 by the start of program;
- Preferably have a valid Philippine passport, or NSO authenticated birth certificate and DSWD independent travel clearance (for minors) (Note: these documents maybe submitted after being selected as finalist);
- Be enrolled in 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade at the time of application;
- Be among the top 25% of academic performance in grade level;
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
- Important Note: All immediate family members of AFS Philippines-administered sponsored programs scholars & alumni (ASEAN, ACCU-UNESCO, Akiko's Wish, Egypt educator, JENESYS, Kizuna, AFS INT Diversity, YES, PYLP, AAI Journalism Grant, Kamenori, NEXT 50, HIroshima, corporate scholarships, among others) up to the first degree (by birth or by marriage), as well as AFS Philippines staff and board members up to the third degree (by birth or by marriage), are regretfully automatically disqualified to apply for any of the full scholarship exchange programs;
- Be a citizen of the Philippines.
All applicants will also be 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.
