Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Offers an Academic Year Abroad in Germany.
U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag scholarship program for high school students to study abroad in Germany.
Washington, D.C. – Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) has launched its nationwide application for high school students and recent graduates to study abroad in Germany for the 2026-2027 academic year. 210 American high school scholarships are available from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the German Bundestag (Parliament) to fund students for an academic year of study and cultural immersion. Scholarship recipients will gain deep personal friendships and introduce German communities to the U.S., while gaining a better understanding of German culture, language, and everyday life. CBYX scholars also have the chance to visit the German Bundestag, meet with government officials, participate in intercultural seminars, and explore Germany. CBYX scholars return to the United States after their exchange with a new perspective on global current affairs and German social, economic, and political life.
Created in 1983 by the Reagan administration, CBYX strengthens U.S. – German relations by forging lasting ties and deeper understanding. Over the past 40 years, the program has reinforced transatlantic bonds between Americans and Germans who engage in the program both as participants and hosts. As Ronald Reagan said, “There is a flickering spark in us all which, if struck at just the right age…can light the rest of our lives, elevating our ideals, deepening our tolerance, and sharpening our appetite for knowledge about the rest of the world. Educational and cultural exchanges…provide a perfect opportunity for this precious spark to grow, making us more sensitive and wiser international citizens through our careers.”
To be considered, applications must be completed and submitted by the extended deadline of 11:59 PM Pacific on November 3, 2025.
CBYX is implemented by a partnership of non-profit exchange organizations: AFS-USA, CIEE, and YFU-USA. To learn more about CBYX in your state, including information about eligibility and how to apply for the 2026-27 academic year, visit www.usagermanyscholarship.org and select your home state on the Apply Today page! Click here to download a digital program flyer.
In addition to the 210 CBYX scholarships offered to high school students, the program also offers post-secondary programs. Click here to learn more about our post-secondary programs, the CBYX Young Professionals, and the CBYX Vocational Programs! Stay up-to-date with CBYX highlights, news, and events by following the CBYX program on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.