YIRLI 2026 Application

Thank you for your interest in the Yale International Relations Leadership Institute 2026!

We strive to make YIRLI accessible and equitable for all students so we have chosen to utilize an amended application. The application consists of four sections: background information, short answers, essay questions, and a video interview. Also, there is an additional section to fill out financial information only if you are applying for financial aid.

The application fee is $20 and the link to payment can be found at the end of the application. This fee can be waived for students in financial need through emailing the YIRLI Executive Director at at yirli@yira.org.

We will be hosting students in-person at the Yale University campus from July 28th to August 2nd, 2025. Throughout the program, participants will have a variety of opportunities to engage with exciting international relations topics, refine their leadership and global entrepreneurship skills, work with Yale student members, learn from Yale professors via guest lectures, and more. Pre-program opportunities will be available for all students as well!

Applications will be accepted until March 30th, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Students will receive a final decision by at least April 10th, 2025. The program fee is $2200 which includes housing, meals, and the full YIRLI programming. Participants must be 16, 17, or 18 at the start of the program.

Financial aid is available for applicants and students can apply for financial aid through this application. Please do not let financial concerns discourage you from applying for YIRLI. We have substantial funds allocated to provide financial aid for program participants based on need. That being said, financial aid is not guaranteed and it only covers program costs.

If you have any questions or require further clarification, please email yirli@yira.org. We look forward to reading your application!

*We welcome applications from new participants only; individuals who have not previously taken part in the program are eligible to apply.*

YIRLI 2026 Application

Background Information

YIRLI 2026 Application

Education Information

YIRLI 2026 Application

Short Answer Questions

Please respond thoughtfully to the questions below, but most importantly—be creative and be yourself! We want to get an understanding of you, your values, and your voice.

YIRLI 2026 Application

Essay Questions

Please respond thoughtfully to the questions below, but most importantly—be creative and be yourself! We want to get an understanding of you, your values, and your voice.

YIRLI 2026 Application

Video Interview

Please record a 90 second video of yourself responding the following questions. We are really just looking to hear your passion and to get a sense of who you are. Be yourself!

PROMPT: Highlight a global issue that you believe is often overlooked. How has it affected you, your community, and the broader world? Propose innovative solutions or initiatives that can raise awareness and drive positive change!

IMPORTANT: Please upload your video to YouTube as "unlisted" and link it below.

YIRLI 2026 Application

Financial Aid

Please do not let financial concerns discourage you from applying for YIRLI. We have substantial funds allocated to provide financial aid for program participants based on need. That being said, financial aid is not guaranteed.

*Please note that the financial aid provided for the program covers only the program fees. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with expenses related to visas or flights at this time. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Financial Documentation

We ask that all students requesting financial aid provide supporting financial documentation. If you have any questions or are unable to provide the requested documents, please email our Executive Directors at yirli@yira.org.

US CITIZENS AND US RESIDENTS:
a) Parents' or guardians' filed and signed 2024 or 2025 federal tax returns (either is fine), showing their adjusted gross income. If your parents filed separately, please include a copy of each parent's tax return. As an important reminder: only the first two pages of a Form 1040 tax return are required by our program. Please make sure to strike out all of the social security numbers on bank routing numbers on the tax documentation prior to sending it to us.

b) All W-2(s) from the same year as the submitted tax return. Please send us copies.

c) If your parents are self-employed, please send us copies of Profit or Loss from Business, Schedule C, (or K-1) forms.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:
a) Attach official documents (such as tax returns and employer income statements) showing all family income and taxes paid, with translations into English. It is important that we receive the English translations! Failure to receive these forms may delay the awarding of financial aid.

All information is kept strictly confidential. If you encounter any problems uploading your files, please contact yirli@yira.org.

YIRLI 2026 Application

Application Fee

The application fee is $20 and the link to payment is https://buy.stripe.com/14k7tR60b3Xp9Vu8wz 

If this causes a financial burden, please email YIRLI Executive Director Michelle Jimenez at at yirli@yira.org to request a fee waiver. Please use the subject line "First and Last Name FEE WAIVER REQUEST"