Yale cuts summer financial aid programs; replaces two awards with single grant amid budget pressure
Yale College will consolidate two key non-competitive financial aid programs for undergraduates—the International Study Award and the Summer Experience Award—into a single Summer Experience Grant starting in summer 2027, according to an announcement from Yale College Dean Pericles Lewis, as reported by Yale Daily News. The decision affects students receiving financial aid who seek support for summer research, internships, or study abroad opportunities.
From two awards to one
Currently, the International Study Award provides funding for non-Yale study abroad programs, while the Summer Experience Award supports research and internships, Yale Daily News reported. Beginning in summer 2027, both programs will be replaced by a one-time-use Summer Experience Grant. This new grant will cover only Yale-approved summer programs, including Yale Summer Session Abroad, research, and internships. Programs outside Yale’s offerings, such as the London School of Economics Summer School, will no longer be eligible for funding.Dean Lewis explained that the change was made to address budgetary pressures caused by an anticipated endowment tax increase, which has forced the College to reconsider financial aid allocations, according to Yale Daily News. “You could reduce financial aid during the academic year, but that would mean some students who were needy would either have to pay more or might choose to go to one of our peer institutions that was more generous,” Lewis said in an interview. He added that reducing summer support was the least disruptive option.
Student reactions and concerns
The announcement came as a surprise to many undergraduates who had planned to use the International Study Award or Summer Experience Award for upcoming summers, Yale Daily News noted. Dorothy Ha ’28, who previously used the International Study Award to study in Paris and Rome, said the changes forced her to rethink her summer plans. “Now, I have to lock in this summer to use my SEA so I can maximize the opportunities given to me by Yale,” Ha told Yale Daily News.Naomi Obasa ’29 also expressed disappointment, noting that limiting financial support could hinder students’ ability to pursue internships or programs that enhance personal and professional growth. “It’s hard, especially when you don’t have infinite resources from where you come from, to be able to find opportunities to better yourself,” she said.
Yale College Council pushes for transparency
The Yale College Council (YCC) criticised the administration for not consulting student representatives before the decision. YCC leaders called the lack of prior communication “inappropriate” and plan to request a formal explanation from the Dean’s Office. They have also invited students to submit testimony on the importance of summer funding to help document lost opportunities, according to Yale Daily News.
Expanding Yale summer programs
In response to the changes, Yale plans to expand its Summer Session Abroad offerings, particularly in less commonly taught languages. Kelly McLaughlin, director of study abroad, confirmed that the new programs will begin in summer 2026 and include locations such as Barcelona, Florence, Stockholm, Cape Town, and London, as reported by Yale Daily News.
Looking forward
Students who have already used one of the existing awards may still apply for the other in summer 2026. From 2027 onward, the Summer Experience Grant will provide a single, non-competitive funding opportunity, though it will not be available to students who previously used non-competitive awards. Details about the application process will be announced by Yale’s Fellowships and Funding Office in summer 2026, according to Yale Daily News.
