Our semester programs are between 10 and 20 weeks, taking place in various countries and at different times of the year. Each program may focus on one specific location or give students the change to explore multiple cities and countries. Students travel with one cohort for the duration of the program with 24/7 support from field and Boston-based EF staff.
Each year, one Excel Academy Senior will be selected to receive a scholarship to cover the cost of any EF Gap or Study Abroad program up to $22,500.
Students who apply to this program must be...
At least 18 years old
A current senior at Excel Academy High School
A United States citizen who holds or will receive a US passport at least 30 days prior to departure
In good standing with Excel Academy office of Post-Secondary Success, Excel advisors, and their postsecondary institution
Independent, able to adapt to new situations and locations, and have a high tolerance for ambiguity
Able to meet the EF Gap Year Essential Eligibility Criteria
Application process
Step 1: Speak with your Post-Secondary Success Counselor to determine if this program is a good fit for you.
Step 2: Submit an Excel Scholarship Application Form and Statement of Intent by the deadline listed below.
Step 3: If you are selected as a finalist, you will be invited to schedule an interview with an EF Advisor. Following the interview, winning recipients are notified directly and will be invited to meet with EF staff at the EF office in Cambridge, MA, to begin preparing for their program.
Everything you need to know to apply
From financial details to frequently asked questions.
The deadline to apply for the 2025–2026 Excel Scholarship is April 1, 2025.
Financial details
EF will provide 1 recipient a scholarship value of up to $22,500 to cover the program fee for a program of the recipient’s choice.
If the cost of the program the recipient chooses is less than $22,500, the entire program fee will be covered.
If the cost of the program is more than $22,500, the student will be responsible for paying the difference between the scholarship amount and the program fee.
Scholarship recipient will receive a Form 1099 from EF – this form is used to report taxable income to the IRS
The practical implications of the Form 1099 are that ~$16,000-$22,500 will be counted towards the recipient’s annual income in the tax year that the recipient goes on the Gap program.
If the recipient is claimed as a dependent by their parents or legal guardians, then the 1099 should fall under the parents’ or legal guardians’ taxable income; if the student files independently, then the taxable income should fall solely to that student.
No tax is withheld by EF, so the student (or guardians) should plan to cover the tax bill when it is due. EF recommends that filer set aside ($22,500*your tax rate) as that amount will be owed during the corresponding tax filing season.
The above tax rules are from the IRS and not by EF – this process is to comply with US tax regulations and is not a discretionary policy from EF
FAQs
Some semester-length programs do require students to obtain a visa. If you are selected to receive the scholarship, EF will provide guidance on how to apply for the appropriate visa, however it is ultimately the student's responsibility to successfully obtain a visa for your chosen destination.
Unfortunately, EF Gap Year Programs can only accommodate those who have a US or Canadian Passport.
Yes! You certainly can apply if you don’t have a passport but are eligible for or in the process of obtaining your passport. You must have your passport in hand 30 days before departure in order to be eligible for the program.
Your PSS counselor has resources about this scholarship in other languages, reach out to them for more info.
You can find the Rules of the Road and more general information here.
15 college credits are included as part of all EF Study Abroad programs. At the end of these programs, students will receive a transcript from our School of Record partner, Colorado State University. The Pathfinder, Changemaker and Voyager program do not include credit.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your PSS counselor with additional questions!