
TUITION &
FINANCIAL AID
Global Citizen Year proudly selects exceptional young leaders, independent of financial circumstances, and helps them develop the insights, skills, and networks for a lifetime of positive impact.
You can afford Take Action Lab
As part of our commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for all, we award both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.


TUITION
Tuition for Take Action Lab is $21,000 USD.
TUITION INCLUDES

Curriculum & Cultural Activities
- Foundations course: Before going abroad, this four-week course prepares the cohort to approach their time abroad with self-awareness, humility, and a learning mindset. Guided by experienced instructors, students reflect deeply on identity, privilege, belonging, and what it means to be a responsible global citizen. This virtual course equips students with an introduction to the historical and social context in Cape Town and forges a strong sense of community in the cohort.
- Orientation Week: Upon arrival in Cape Town, students receive a thorough week-long training to equip them with the cultural and risk-management skills to deeply and safely immerse.
- Cultural activities & excursions twice a week: Global Citizen Year hosts cultural activities or excursions each week, providing experiential opportunities to deepen students’ understanding of South Africa.
- Reflection Week: During the final week of the semester, students make meaning out of the rich experiences they’ve had in South Africa. Through guided reflection, students consider how they want to integrate their new perspectives into life going forward.

Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Our team will meet you at the airport at arrival. On both arrival and departure days, we’ll arrange transportation to/from the airport.

Housing in Cape Town
Global Citizen Year provides several houses where students live together during their 3 months in Cape Town. Houses are fully furnished and include shared common spaces, bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities. Each student has their own private bedroom with a bed, desk, and storage. Wifi, water, electricity, and cleaning fees are included. [Note: Meals are not included.]

Apprenticeship matching & support
Our team has cultivated a strong network of outstanding apprenticeship placements in Cape Town. Each student is matched with a South African organization advancing a human rights cause aligned with their interests. Students will spend four days at their apprenticeship each week, supporting the mission, and deepening their own awareness by working on-the-ground with experienced human rights advocates and the communities they serve. A staff advisor and a mentor at the apprenticeship will support each student in setting and working toward meaningful goals for their apprenticeship experience.
At a semester-long project at their apprenticeship, students will also learn to apply the principles of asset-based community development through an asset mapping project. They will conduct community stakeholder interviews culminating in a dynamic, multimedia asset map.

Local support team
Our local team of trained youth development professionals live in Cape Town and support students throughout their time abroad. In case of health or safety incidents, they are close by and available for immediate support.
We don’t believe in hidden costs, and aim to provide a thorough and transparent breakdown of tuition and expenses. For a full breakdown of program costs just click below.
OUR COMMITMENT
We are dedicated to making Take Action Lab 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 financial aid targets individuals without the means to afford Take Action Lab, with a need- and demographically-aware philosophy to ensure that we are giving access to traditionally underserved groups.
Merit Scholarships
Global Citizen Year awards merit scholarships to student who demonstrate a track record of curiosity, conviction and courage, and a hunger to make a positive impact in their community and the world.

Global Changemaker Scholarships
All applicants are automatically considered for the Global Changemaker Scholarship. This is a merit scholarship awarding up to $10,000 to a select number of students with a track record of transforming their ideals into action. In awarding the Global Changemaker Scholarships, we look for students who demonstrate initiative and collaboration in proactively shaping a better future, whether in their local community or the world at large.
Eligibility: All applicants are eligible.
How to Apply: All applicants are automatically considered.
School Partner Scholarships
Global Citizen Year proudly partners with several school groups, including United World Colleges, GEMS Education (GEMS for Life), and COBIS (Council of British International Schools). We are pleased to award $1500 towards tuition for all students coming from schools within these groups. This award is in addition to our usual financial aid opportunities.
If you’re a student and you think you might be from one of our eligible schools, check out the list of partner schools (UWC Schools, GEMS Schools, COBIS Schools). If your school is on this list, make sure to indicate that in the online application form, and use your school email address to apply.
If you are an educator and you’d like your school group to join (at no cost) then please contact: rwarren@globalcitizenyear.org
Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid is available to help cover the costs of tuition ($21,000 USD). We also offer financial aid to help cover out-of-pocket expenses in cases where students would not otherwise be able to participate.
How to apply for financial aid
1.Submit your application for Take Action Lab.
2. If your application is accepted, you’ll progress to the clearance stage, where you’ll complete a number of forms, including a financial aid application. All the forms and detailed instructions will be made available to you on the student portal for accepted students.
3. Only after you have completed and met all clearance requirements will you receive your official enrollment offer including your tuition/financial aid package.
Each semester, we carefully review all incoming financial aid applications, and regularly have more outstanding candidates than aid available. Financial aid is limited and not guaranteed.
Have Admissions Questions?
Check out our FAQs or email our team at admissions@globalcitizenyear.org
VIEW FAQs