Q: What is the application deadline?

For most countries, all application materials are due December 1.The Duolingo English Test, if required, is due December 15.Germany and Switzerland have a different application timeline (application form and transcript due November 15, the rest due December 1). Applicants from those countries should follow the deadlines listed on the Germany/Switzerland page.

Question 1

When and how do I register for my classes?

Accepted Answer

Timeline and procedures vary by institution. Some host schools will distribute course registration materials over the summer, while others will require you to select and register for courses upon your arrival at the school.

For those seeking convalidation or an Apostille, Scholars will address the requirements with the school and emphasize that it is their responsibility to complete the necessary paperwork. Scholars should be prepared to review this with their school personnel upon arrival on campus.

Question 2

Are there specific courses that ASSIST students are required to take?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ASSIST students are expected to enroll in American History and American Literature. However, fulfillment of this recommendation is subject to grade placement and scheduling availability at your specific host school.

Question 3

How are math, science, and foreign language courses determined?

Accepted Answer

Enrolled courses in these disciplines will be selected in accordance with the academic requirements of your home school and your current proficiency level. To ensure proper academic alignment, you may be required to sit for a placement examination upon arrival at your host institution.

Question 4

How do I apply for an ASSIST scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Students can apply directly through ASSIST, or can contact their country's ASSIST Program Coordinator to get started. The application will become available in July annually.

For most countries, the complete application is due December 1, with the Duolingo English Test due December 15, if required.

Applicants from Germany and Switzerland follow a different application timeline and should refer to their country page for specific instructions and deadlines.

In some countries there are specific steps and requirements, so it is advisable to talk with your local coordinator before beginning.

Question 5

What materials are required to apply?

Accepted Answer

For most applicants, a complete ASSIST application includes:

The online application form
Academic transcripts
Three teacher recommendations
A Parent Statement
Applicant photos
A short personal introduction video

Applicants whose first language is not English may also be required to take the Duolingo English Test.

Requirements may vary in limited circumstances, so applicants should always follow the instructions in their application portal and on their country page.

Question 6

How does ASSIST choose scholarship winners?

Accepted Answer

We base our selections on:Academic achievementsEnglish proficiencyTeacher recommendationsPersonal essaysAbility to contribute to a school’s extracurricular programsPersonality, maturity level, and ability to engage sociallyWillingness to share cultural differencesLeadership qualities and potential

Question 7

What is the timeline for the application and enrollment process?

Accepted Answer

July-January: Application and Interview SeasonDeadlines for submitting applications vary by country. For scholarship finalists, interviews take place in December and January. Please visit our ASSIST in Your Country pages for the application instructions within your country.December - February: Scholarship Decisions Released and Enrollment BeginsASSIST sends out offers to successful candidates as well as decisions to those who were unfortunately not offered a scholarship. Successful students and their parents accept their scholarships and make a deposit to secure their place in the program.March - May: School Placement and PaymentsSchool placement takes a great deal of time to accomplish successfully and typically happen in March and April, but no later than the end of May. Your final ASSIST program fee payment is due in July. You may pay your program fee at any time before the deadline.March - July: Submit ASSIST Enrollment Forms and PaperworkJuly is the deadline for submitting all information forms, permissions forms and medical forms to ASSIST through the enrollment portal.May - July: Pre-Departure OrientationYour Country’s Program Coordinator will schedule and notify you of the Pre-Departure Orientation in your country. During this important session, ASSIST will give information to Scholars and parents about insurance, travel, visas, and more.August: ASSIST In-Person OrientationScholars will be required to attend an ASSIST orientation, which includes information sessions to prepare for their year ahead and make connections with other ASSIST Scholars.August - September: Start of the School YearASSIST's Member Schools have varying start dates. Scholars will travel to their school between early August and early September, depending on their specific school placement.

Question 8

What is the application deadline?

Accepted Answer

For most countries, all application materials are due December 1.

The Duolingo English Test, if required, is due December 15.

Germany and Switzerland have a different application timeline (application form and transcript due November 15, the rest due December 1). Applicants from those countries should follow the deadlines listed on the Germany/Switzerland page.

Question 9

How does ASSIST choose scholarship recipients?

Accepted Answer

ASSIST considers the whole student, including:Academic achievementEnglish proficiencyTeacher recommendationsPersonal essaysExtracurricular interests and involvementPersonality, maturity, and ability to engage with othersInterest in sharing one's culture and learning from othersLeadership qualities and potential

Question 10

Are ASSIST scholarships fully funded, or are there out-of-pocket costs?

Accepted Answer

It is important to understand the exact breakdown of the financial commitment. If you are awarded our premier Sanderson Scholarship, your tuition, room, and board for one year at a U.S. private high school (valued up to $84,000 USD) is fully covered.

However, these are not entirely cost-free opportunities. The standard out-of-pocket expenses for auxiliary costs—including program operating fees, international travel, and visas—total approximately $20,000 USD.

The Good News: In many countries, ASSIST has partnered with generous donors who offer program fee reductions based on demonstrated financial need. This means the total cost may be significantly lower depending on where you live and your family's financial situation.

Question 11

What specific expenses make up those standard out-of-pocket costs?

Accepted Answer

For countries where ASSIST lacks established local donor partnerships or a physical presence, families should expect to contribute the full standard amount (approximately $20,000 USD).

This covers:

ASSIST program operating costs (unless reduced by local donor funding)
Round-trip international travel
U.S. student visa fees
Mandatory health insurance and related medical expenses

Question 12

My family has extremely limited financial resources. Should I still apply to ASSIST?

Accepted Answer

We absolutely encourage you to apply, but we want to balance that encouragement with realistic expectations. Thanks to generous donors, fee reductions are available in many regions based on financial need, and a few exceptional Scholars each year (approximately 1-4 students globally) are awarded full program fee waivers.

Because these fully funded spots are rare and highly competitive, they are the exception rather than the rule. If you are a truly outstanding student, we welcome your application, but we ask that you keep the standard commitments and potential local donor support in mind as you navigate the process.

Question 13

Who is eligible to apply to ASSIST?

Accepted Answer

ASSIST encourages applications from academically motivated and uniquely driven international students who are eager to engage with their communities. To be eligible for a scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:Age & Grade Level: Students must be between the ages of 14 and 18 and typically entering the 10th or 11th grade (with limited opportunities available for entering 12th graders and postgraduates).Citizenship: Applicants must be from any country outside the U.S.Language Proficiency: Students must be highly proficient in English.Commitment: Applicants must be able to study in the U.S. for a full 10-month academic year, with the commitment to return to their home country afterward.

Question 14

Can I apply if ASSIST does not have an office in my country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If ASSIST does not currently have a representative in your country, you are still welcome to apply. Students from countries without a local ASSIST office may work directly with ASSIST’s U.S. office during the application process. Please visit the All Other Countries page for the most current instructions.

Question 15

What if English is not my first language?

Accepted Answer

If your first language is not English and you are invited to continue in the application process, you may be asked to take the Duolingo English Test. The test helps ASSIST and our member schools better understand your English-language readiness for an academic year in North America. Instructions will be provided to candidates when the test is required.

How to Apply for an ASSIST Scholarship

ASSIST Scholars' Candidate Criteria

Primarily, our scholarship candidates are:

Frequently Asked Questions About Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply to ASSIST?

Can I apply if ASSIST does not have an office in my country?

What if English is not my first language?

Application Process Overview

Step 1: Complete Your Application

Step 2: Complete the Duolingo English Test, if Required

Step 3: Interview

Step 4: Scholarship Selection and Notification

Step 5: School Placement

Frequently Asked Questions About the Application Process

How do I apply for an ASSIST scholarship?

What materials are required to apply?

How does ASSIST choose scholarship winners?

What is the timeline for the application and enrollment process?

What is the application deadline?

How does ASSIST choose scholarship recipients?

Frequently Asked Questions About Academics and Course Selection

When and how do I register for my classes?

Are there specific courses that ASSIST students are required to take?

How are math, science, and foreign language courses determined?

Financial Responsibilities of ASSIST's Families

Common Financial Questions

Are ASSIST scholarships fully funded, or are there out-of-pocket costs?

What specific expenses make up those standard out-of-pocket costs?

My family has extremely limited financial resources. Should I still apply to ASSIST?

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