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How to Apply

ASSIST Scholars' Candidate Criteria

Primarily, our scholarship candidates are:

  • Entering 10th and 11th grade (though there are a few opportunities for those entering 12th grade and postgraduates)
  • Highly proficient in English
  • Able to study in the U.S. for 10 months, then return to their home country
  • Uniquely driven as students and engaged community members
  • From any country outside the U.S.

If you meet this criteria, we encourage you to begin our application process. Applications open annually in July. Visit the page for your country to see the details for your area:

Application Process Overview

photo of three girls from Germany at boarding school

Step 1: Application

Log into our application portal to complete and submit these application essentials which will be reviewed to determine who will be asked to advance to the Finalist stage of the competition:

  • ASSIST's online application form: includes contact information, biographical details, and a few short answer essay questions.
  • Academic transcript(s): Previous school year's full-year transcript and partial transcript from the current academic year, if available. We only need a copy of your transcript at this stage—an official one is not required.
    • Scholarship winners who accept our offer will provide official transcripts in March.

Priority Application Essentials Deadlines:

 

  • November 1: Germany and Switzerland
  • November 15: Moldova
  • December 1: All other countries
Late Admissions Deadline:
We understand that circumstances can sometimes delay an application. If you miss the priority deadline, you may still be able to apply during our late admissions cycle up until March 1.
  • Applicants who apply by the priority deadline will be given preference.
  • Late admissions applications will be considered as scholarships remain available.

Learn more about the specifics in your region:

Nina ‘24

Germany
Bryn Mawr School

“It was my dream to study abroad. I love meeting new people and learning new cultures and traditions. I really love the ASSIST community, they’re literally like my second family.”

Baia ‘23

Georgia
Perkiomen School

“My words cannot describe the adventure and experience I had in the USA because of ASSIST. In Georgia, a lot of people I’ve met and had conversations with mentioned that I came back as an even more grown-up, independent, and confident individual, which is a sign of progress and self-development.”

Caesar ‘24

Sweden
Salisbury School

“This year so far has been one of the best years of my life. I have experienced a new culture, new traditions and met so many new friends.”

Lucie ‘24

Czech Republic
Gould Academy

“I am experiencing best days of my life in my ASSIST school. I am very happy with my school and I don't think there is a school that would make a better fit.”

Petra ‘23

Slovakia
Phillips Academy Andover

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities, growth, and invaluable experiences that your gift has afforded me.”

Berta ‘‘24

The Czech Republic
The Ethel Walker School

“I’ve always wanted to study abroad to gain new experience and ASSIST gave me so much more than that. ASSIST really gives you your best fit school. I am certain that all of the experiences I am having will guide me later in life.”

After the deadline, successful applicants will advance to the Scholarship Finalist stage.

Step 2: Teacher Recommendations and Photos

Additional required materials on ASSIST's application checklist:

  • Teacher recommendations from English, Math, and a school administrator
  • Applicant photo and three informal photographs

These materials are due December 1 for applicants worldwide.

Late admission cycle applicants may submit them in January and February as scholarships remain available.

Requirements in the Scholarship Finalist stage:

Step 3: Language Proficiency

Scholarship Finalists whose first language is not English will be invited to take the Duolingo English Test.
  • After ASSIST reviews your application form and grade transcript, we will let inform you if you have been invited to take the Duolingo test.
Duolingo English Test Deadlines:
  • December 1: Germany and Switzerland
  • December 20: All other countries

Step 4: Interview

Scholarship Finalists will be invited to interview with ASSIST. Most interviews are held in-person in the candidate’s home country. For some priority admissions finalist candidates, the interview will be held virtually. All late admissions interviews will be held virtually.

  • Mid-November: Germany & Switzerland (in-person in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf))
  • December & January: All other countries (many in-person, some on Zoom)
  • All late admissions candidates who are named as Finalists will be invited to interview via Zoom in January, February and March.

Step 5: Selection and Notification

All candidates are notified of the status of their application in January and February. Students not offered a scholarship might be placed on a waiting list. Our waiting list closes in April.

Step 6: School Placement

Once named ASSIST Scholars, candidates are presented to member schools, which make the final admission decision. Newly enrolled ASSIST Scholars are notified of their school placements in March and April.

To begin your application, please visit your country's page for more details:

Financial Responsibilities of ASSIST's Families

For more information on the financial commitments of an ASSIST Scholarship, please see our Program Cost & Aid page.