Academy FAQ

Can students from outside the U.S. apply?

What’s the age range to be eligible to apply?

Global Citizen Year Academy is open to students who — at the start of the Academy semester — have graduated high school and are not older than 21 years of age.

I’m still in high school, can I apply?

Is there a language requirement to participate in the Academy?

What is Global Citizen Year’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access?

Throughout our organization’s history we have sought to prioritize a comprehensive, persistent, and dynamic commitment to DEIA work. In our program we are committed to providing students access to our programming regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, native language, disability, national origin, socioeconomic status, physical appearance, or religion.

What are the technology requirements to use the Forum learning platform?

How do I ensure my computer meets Forum’s technology requirements?

If accepted, you’ll receive instructions on how to login to Minerva’s Forum platform and test their computer and wifi connection. For best results, students should run the Forum technology check on the computer they plan to use during the Academy.

Is there a minimum score required for the language assessment?

What are the essential eligibility criteria?

The Essential Eligibility Criteria are an overview of the requirements for the program, and applicable for all Academy students. A qualified person is one who can meet the EEC for participation in the program. These requirements are meant to identify the basic and fundamental elements of participation.

How do I apply?

The application period is currently closed. But you can sign up here to be notified when the application opens soon! For a complete overview of our admissions process, visit our Admissions page.

When are the application deadlines?

The application deadlines for the next semester have not yet been announced. But you can sign up here to be notified when the application opens soon!

How soon will I hear back after applying?

Our Admissions Team carefully reviews each application and works hard to ensure all students receive their admissions decision within 5 business days of applying.

Do I need to be 100% certain I’ll do Global Citizen Year Academy when I apply?

The application is non-binding so you should feel free to apply even if you aren’t 100% certain you will join Global Citizen Year Academy. If you are accepted, you will have time to decide whether the program is right for you. There will be many opportunities to connect with us and ask questions along the way.

What do you look for in an applicant?

Our admissions process is designed to identify curious and courageous students who are committed to solving our shared global challenges. We are looking to build a well-rounded global cohort that brings a diversity of experiences and perspectives. Strong candidates will demonstrate a commitment to self-reflection, learning, and collaboration.

What should I say or do in my application video?

This is the fun part! Our number one tip: don’t overthink it. We want to get to know you, learn about your passions, and better understand your motivations for joining in the Academy. The most important thing is that you answer the questions posed in the prompt, and that your motives for participating in this leadership experience are clear.

Some students get quite creative with their submissions, and many submit great videos in a simple straight to camera format. We encourage you to do whatever feels natural to you!

How much does this cost?

Tuition for Global Citizen Year Academy is $5,000 USD.

Need-based scholarships are available.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. As part of our commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for all, we award need-based scholarships to qualified applicants who would not otherwise be able to afford our programs.

Each semester, we carefully review all incoming scholarship applications, and regularly have more outstanding candidates than scholarships available.

We are dedicated to making the Academy accessible to talented young leaders from all backgrounds. We also know that people from the global south and people who identify as BIPOC are underrepresented in positions of leadership and disproportionately impacted by income inequality. Therefore, our scholarships target individuals without the means to afford the Academy, with a need- and demographically-aware philosophy to ensure that we are giving access to traditionally underserved groups.

What do I need to submit to apply for a scholarship?

If you’re accepted you’ll receive detailed instructions to apply for a scholarship. The financial aid application is part of our clearance requirements, all of which must be submitted for your scholarship request to be complete:

• Financial Aid Application
• System Check to make sure you can effectively use our Learning Management tool
• English language assessment (if applicable)

What are the UWC scholarships?

UWC Alumni Need-Based Scholarships: Thanks to United World Colleges (UWC) International patron Shelby M.C. Davis, Global Citizen Year is pleased to offer eligible UWC alumni access to Global Citizen Year Academy through need-based scholarships.

All UWC alumni accepted to the Academy will be awarded a $1,000USD UWC Davis scholarship. The remaining tuition is $4,000USD, and additional financial aid is available based on demonstrated financial need.

Eligibility: UWC alumni through the age of 21.

We encourage UWC alumni to apply early as scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have questions about the UWC partnership scholarship, or you’re interested in establishing a partnership for your UWC campus, please contact uwc@globalcitizenyear.org for more information.

What’s the time commitment?

Plan to set aside 4 hours per week. The Academy is designed to be compatible with most schedules, whether you’re in college, on a gap year, or working. Each week you’ll engage in:

• 90 min: Leadership Seminar
• 60 min: Learning Group
• 90 min: Pre-work (such as videos, podcasts, readings, and assignments)

Students looking for more engagement can choose to take part in optional Academy offerings including one-on-one mentorship, the speaker series, and connecting with the global student community.

When does the semester start and end?

The Academy is a 12-week program. The dates for the next semester have not yet been announced. But you can sign up here to be notified when the application opens soon!

What will the leadership course cover?

Download our syllabus to take a look into our world-class curriculum!

Global Citizen Academy’s curriculum is designed to develop leadership skills from the inside out.

• Know yourself: Develop skills that unlock self-awareness, well-being and a sense of purpose.
• Understand the world: Analyze local issues and connect them to our global context.
• Drive impact: Collaborate with peers from around the world to align your values and actions with meaningful impact.

How will students participate across multiple time zones?

We offer multiple course sections to accommodate different time zones and schedules.

Each student has the opportunity to select the course time that works best for them. Course selection occurs on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to apply early for the widest selection of course times.

Who else will be joining the cohort?

Our selective admissions, brings together a cohort that’s motivated, open-minded, and driven to make an impact. Your new classmates represent 80+ countries and bring an even greater number of diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Here you’ll find feminist podcasters, environmental-app creators, artists, optimists, and activists of all kinds. Together, you’ll deepen your understanding of the world, forge long-term friendships, and develop the cross-cultural skills necessary to address our shared global challenges.

Watch this video to meet a few of the amazing students from previous cohorts!

Can I receive college credit?

At this time, college credit is not available.

What’s the Forum learning platform like?

Learn more about Minerva’s cutting-edge Forum learning platform here.

Can I do this alongside college, a gap year, or another program?

Absolutely! Global Citizen Year Academy requires a commitment of 4 hours per week, and is intentionally designed to be compatible with a typical college schedule. So long as you can manage the time commitments for both pursuits, the Academy will enhance your education, independent projects, programs or work by providing a meaningful layer of structure, support, and purpose.

Who are mentors and how does the mentorship program work?

Each student is matched with one mentor and is required to complete a series of mentoring conversations that follow the arc of the program. Additionally, mentors will support students in setting goals and creating action plans to develop their leadership as a practice. Mentoring sessions will be conducted virtually–by phone or video conference–and will be scheduled directly between student and mentor at the initiation of the student.

Mentors are Global Citizen Year alumni and other professionals who bring expertise in select areas. They are recruited by our team, and chosen for their knowledge and willingness to share and support Academy students. We review information about each potential mentor before adding them to our list. Mentors also receive guidance on how to effectively and appropriately connect with our students, and they are required to sign a code of conduct which conveys our expectations.

Mentors working with students who are 17 or younger will be asked to undergo a background check. Mentors working with students 18 and older will not undergo background checks. While Global Citizen Year believes these mentors will have a positive impact on our students, mentors are not employees of Global Citizen Year and Global Citizen Year does not oversee or control their activities. Thus, Global Citizen Year is not responsible for their conduct. If you have any questions or concerns about mentors, please let us know at academy@globalcitizenyear.org.

Does the Academy have a Code of Conduct?

Yes. All Global Citizen Year Academy students must agree to our Code of Conduct. These community expectations are key to providing a respectful and welcoming space where all participants feel encouraged to share their viewpoints.