Summer Experience Grant (SEG)

Tip: This award will not come into effect until Summer 2027. Yale College students who receive financial aid should refer to the ISA and SEA websites for Summer 2026 funding options.

The Summer Experience Grant (SEG) is a one-time, non-competitive award for eligible Yale College students who receive Yale financial aid. The SEG provides funding for either a Yale Summer Session (YSS) Abroad or Yale in London program; or an eligible domestic professional experience.

The International Study Award (ISA) and the Summer Experience Award (SEA) will end in summer 2026.

Note: If a student has used the ISA or the SEA in the past, they are not eligible for the SEG.

TOC:

Eligible Experiences

From Summer 2027 onwards, eligible students can choose to use the SEG to support either:

• Study Abroad: A Yale Summer Session (YSS) Abroad or Yale in London program

or

• Professional Development: A domestic, in-person government, non-profit, arts, or research opportunity.

Yale Summer Session Abroad or Yale in London

Eligible students can apply to the SEG to receive funding towards the program budget of a single Yale Summer Session (YSS) Abroad program or a single Yale in London program, in proportion to the financial aid percentage they received during the academic year. Funding includes billed expenses, such as tuition; and unbilled living expenses. Program budgets are created by the SEG Team and will be made available on the SEG website.

The Award

YSS Abroad or Yale in London program budget, in proportion to the student's financial aid eligibility.

Student Eligibility 

First-years, sophomores, and juniors who receive Yale financial aid and have not used the ISA or the SEA during a previous summer. Seniors graduating in December are also eligible.

FAQs: Study Abroad Option

FAQ: Can I use the ISA in Summer 2027?

No. Summer 2026 is the last summer during which the ISA is offered. The Summer Experience Grant (SEG) will be available to students who receive Yale financial aid and have not used the ISA or the SEA from Summer 2027 and onward.

FAQ: Will there be support for students who receive Yale financial aid to study abroad during the summer?

Yes. The SEG will provide funding for a single Yale Summer Session (YSS) Abroad or a single Yale in London program to students who receive financial aid from Yale and have not used the ISA or the SEA in the past. 

FAQ: I have used the ISA and/or the SEA previously. Am I eligible for the SEG?

No. Students who have used either the ISA or the SEA in a previous summer are not eligible for the SEG.

FAQ: What kind of study abroad programs does the SEG support?

Yale Summer Session (YSS) Abroad and Yale in London. Non-Yale study abroad programs are not eligible for the SEG.

FAQ: Is the SEG competitive?

The SEG is a non-competitive award. Students are guaranteed funding as long as they meet all SEG requirements and deadlines.

FAQ: How do I apply for the SEG?

Details about the application process will be announced in Summer 2026, in preparation for Summer 2027.

Professional Development

The SEG provides $4000 for a domestic, in-person experience such as an internship at a 501C3, an arts apprenticeship, or a volunteer position. 

The Award

$4000 for a domestic, in-person government, non-profit, arts, or research opportunity.

Student Eligibility

Sophomores and juniors who receive Yale financial aid and have not used the ISA or the SEA during a previous summer.

FAQs: Professional Development Funding

FAQ: Is there a time requirement for the professional opportunity Summer Experience Grant?

Yes. To qualify for the SEG, professional opportunities must be for at least 8 weeks and 30 hours per week. The weeks do not need to be consecutive, but each week cannot be less than 30 hours. There is no additional funding for experiences beyond 8 weeks and 30 hours per week.

FAQ: Does volunteering count as a professional experience?

Yes, as long as you are volunteering for a registered 501(c)3.

FAQ: Can I use the SEG to complete a domestic professional experience as a first year?

No, the professional experience option for the SEG is not available for first-year students, only for sophomores and juniors.

FAQ: Do I need a supervisor?

Yes, for the SEG professional experience, you must have a supervisor (who cannot be an undergraduate student, a graduate student, or a PostDoc). They will need to complete a form, attesting to the scope and timeframe of your experience.

FAQ: Is the SEG available for an international professional experience?

No, the professional experience option of the SEG is only available for U.S. domestic opportunities. Students pursuing professional experiences abroad should explore fellowships for internships and other activities.

FAQ: I have already used the Study Abroad option of the SEG but I need funding for my summer. Is there any other funding available?

Yes, you can apply for Fellowships. There are Yale and outside funding options that help support research, study abroad, public service, unpaid internships, and self-designed projects, in New Haven and around the globe. Explore all the options in the Student Grants Database and meet with a fellowship adviser.

FAQ: How do I apply for the SEG?

Details about the application process will be announced in Summer 2026, in preparation for Summer 2027.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Fellowships with any questions about the SEG.