Apply for TED Summer School Financial Aid

We offer needs-based Financial Aid to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate.

Financial Aid applications are reviewed once per year as part of a structured annual cycle.

Application deadline: 31 March
Decisions released: 30 April
Redemption deadline: 31 May
Awards granted in April 2026 may be used towards the 2026 programmes

If you’d like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid application together with your parent or legal guardian before submitting your main programme application.

Who can apply

Students aged 15–18 applying to the TED Summer School (in London, New York, or Singapore)

Families who may require full or partial support to meet programme fees

Applicants ready to share their motivation and a brief overview of their financial situation

What you will need

Student and parent or legal guardian contact details

School and advisor details

Programme location preferences

A motivation statement

Basic details of your family’s financial circumstances and any external funding

Optional: a teacher recommendation or other supporting documents to strengthen your application. All supporting documents must be in English.

Motivation statement

Should be prepared by student, written in English (150–500 words)

In your response, please explain why you would like to join the TED Summer School and how financial aid would help make this opportunity possible.

You may wish to include:
- What excites you most about joining the TED Summer School
- How this experience could influence your future goals, confidence, or perspective
- Why financial support would make a meaningful difference for you and your family

Financial verification

This will be assessed on a case by case basis

Please upload one of the following documents in English:
- a letter from your school confirming that you attend a non-fee-paying institution
- a school bill showing that you receive financial assistance or a scholarship to cover your school fees

Only these two types of documentation can be accepted, so please request the appropriate document from your school before submitting your application.