Tuition & Aid

The Halsey Fund was established in 2011 in honor of Woodruff W. Halsey II-former president, executive director, resident director and teacher. The Halsey Fund is awarded each year to a high school student who demonstrates exceptional academic ability, financial need and a substantial interest in global study, understanding cultural differences and developing language proficiency.

Eligibility: Any high school student applying to School Year Abroad for the entire 2025-2026 academic year who exhibits exceptional academic ability, demonstrates a passion for international studies and qualifies for financial aid. Please note, semester applicants are not eligible to apply for this scholarship. 

Award: The Halsey Fund scholarship recipient is awarded full tuition. In addition SYA will provide a stipend for round trip airfare to the SYA school of enrollment.

Applicants who completed their applications by the deadline and have been identified by the Admissions Committee as a finalist will be notified and invited to be interviewed by the Halsey Scholarship Committee.

How to Apply:

1. Complete an online application for admission to SYA. If you are a student at a Member School, please see your coordinator before beginning an application.

2. Write a separate essay answering: “Tell us something you have accomplished — at school, at home, or in your community — that has prepared you to make the most of your experience attending School Year Abroad.” The essay should be no more than 500 words and should be submitted through your "My SYA" account by the deadline. 

3. Complete your financial aid application by or before the deadline.

SYA must receive your complete SYA application and Halsey Fund essay by the deadline to be considered for the Halsey Fund Scholarship. Your financial aid application must be received by the deadline

These scholarships are awarded to outstanding public school students who would not otherwise be able to afford SYA. The average award covers more than 50% of tuition. To be considered, applicants must currently attend a public school and qualify for financial aid.

Applications must be completed by the deadline. No supplemental materials are required.

SYA Merit Scholarships recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, extracurricular engagement and curiosity for global study. One student from each SYA country will be chosen to receive an SYA Merit Scholarship in the amount of $30,000. Semester applicants are welcome to apply for the Merit Scholarship. The semester award is $15,000.

Applicants for the SYA Merit Scholarship are required to secure an additional letter of recommendation from a coach, mentor, club advisor or someone who knows you well in support of your candidacy. Please send the recommendation request directly from your application checklist to your recommender. SYA Merit Scholarship recipients are not precluded from receiving additional financial assistance should the family qualify for financial aid.

Applications must be completed by the deadline.

The SYA Legacy Scholarship is open to any child or sibling of an SYA graduate. The $10,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated success in academics and commitment to their home school.  Semester applicants are welcome to apply for the Legacy Scholarship. The semester award is $5,000.

Applications must be completed by the deadline.  No supplemental materials are required.

The 1964 Scholarships are awarded to a limited number of exceptional students who demonstrate strong academic ability, commitment to their communities and passion for exploring other cultures. 1964 Scholarship awards vary in amount with recipients receiving up to $15,000.

1964 Scholars are chosen from the general pool of applicants. Applications must be submitted by the deadline. No supplemental materials are required.