Eligibility and Application

Selection Process

All TechGirls participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts review applications. 

• For international semi-finalists, U.S. embassy personnel in host country/territory of permanent residence conduct interviews.
• For U.S. semi-finalists, Legacy International conducts interviews.

2025 Eligibility Requirements

Students eligible to apply are those who:

• Are citizens of one of the eligible countries/territories AND living in that country/territory at time of exchange:
  • Sub-Saharan Africa (AF) – Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia
  • East Asia and Pacific (EAP) – Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
  • Europe and Eurasia (EUR) – Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Türkiye
  • Middle East and North Africa (NEA) – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia
  • South and Central Asia (SCA) – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
  • Western Hemisphere (WHA) – Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname
  • United States of America

• Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 12, 2025
  • Born on or between July 13, 2007 and July 12, 2010;
• Have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in science, technology, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies;
• Intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in STEM, especially technology;
• Have strong English language skills (advanced intermediate English skills);
• Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
• Will attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country;
• Are committed to completing a community-based project upon their return home; and
• Eligible candidates must be citizens and current residents of participating countries. Third-country nationals permanently living in an eligible country should contact us to determine eligibility prior to applying.
• Preference will be given to those who have limited or no prior experience in the United States. You are not eligible if you have travelled to the United States in the last three years as part of any other ECA exchange program.
• Not eligible if you are a family member of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff or U.S. Department of State employees.  You cannot be a family member of a Legacy International staff member or any of our partner organizations. 
• Americans who are dual citizens and living abroad are not eligible to travel to the US on the program or get a J-1 visa.

TechGirls encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.

Selection Timeline

The 2025 TechGirls application opens on October 15, 2024 at 8:00 AM USA Eastern Standard Time and will close on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 PM (noon) USA Eastern Standard Time.  All applicants will be notified of their status in March 2025.