US Summer Exchange Program 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process

The TechGirls Exchange Program 2026, administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is offering young women a fully funded opportunity to gain international exposure and hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The program is open to female students aged 15 to 17 from the United States and 37 eligible countries worldwide. Designed to empower future leaders in STEM, TechGirls combines intensive academic engagement with mentorship and cross-cultural exchange.

In 2026, the initiative will host 111 international participants, alongside 13 students from the United States, for a three-week exchange program in the U.S.. The exchange will be followed by a seven-month mentorship program, allowing participants to continue learning and professional development after returning to their home countries.

The application deadline is January 20, 2026.

Eligible Countries

Participants may apply from the United States and the following regions:

• Sub-Saharan Africa (AF): Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia
• East Asia and the Pacific (EAP): Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam
• Europe and Eurasia (EUR): Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Türkiye
• Middle East and North Africa (NEA): Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia
• South and Central Asia (SCA): Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
• Western Hemisphere (WHA): Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Suriname

Program Benefits

The TechGirls Exchange Program covers all major expenses for selected participants. Benefits include visa fee coverage, round-trip international and domestic airfare, accommodation throughout the program, and full meal provision. Participants will stay in double-occupancy dormitories at Virginia Tech and a double-occupancy hotel in Washington, D.C. Local transportation, participation in all academic and cultural activities, and emergency health insurance are also included.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be female, between 15 and 17 years old, with a demonstrated interest in STEM disciplines. Candidates should possess advanced-intermediate English proficiency, exhibit maturity and adaptability, and be enrolled in secondary school, with at least one additional semester remaining after returning home.

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