The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program is a U.S. Department of State-funded exchange opportunity for Pakistani high-school students. Selected students spend a semester in the United States, attend an American high school, live with a host family, and participate in cultural exchange and leadership activities.

Current Intake

Program: YES — Spring Semester 2027
Destination: United States
Program Start: January 2027
Application Status: OPEN
Program Type: High-school exchange
Funding: Scholarship-funded
Deadline: 15 September 2026
Application: Through YES Pakistan / Society for International Education (SIE)

Who Can Apply?

Pakistani citizen and currently living and studying in Pakistan.
Must be 15–17 years old according to the program’s January 1, 2027 age requirement.
Currently enrolled in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade.
O-Level students must be in 9th or 10th grade; O-Level 11th graders are not eligible.
Minimum 60% overall and at least 60% in major/core subjects.
Must have no failing grades during the specified previous three academic years.
Must have sufficient English communication skills.
Must meet U.S. J-1 exchange visitor requirements.
Must not have previously travelled to the United States.
Students who will have completed secondary school before the program begins are not eligible.
Gap-year and repeated-year students are not eligible.

Important: This is a secondary-school exchange program, not a university scholarship. University students and graduates are not eligible for this particular YES intake.

Benefits

International airfare
U.S. visa fee
American high-school tuition
Accommodation with an American host family
Boarding/lodging
Program-related activities and materials
Monthly stipend/support for eligible program expenses
Cultural exchange and international exposure
Leadership development and networking opportunities

Passport costs, required medical examinations/immunizations and additional personal expenses may not be covered.

How to Apply

The selection process is competitive and involves multiple stages:

Online application Fill and send by Post in Pakistan
Initial screening
English proficiency assessment
Proctored essay
Further YES application requirements
Interview
Medical and documentation process
Final selection

Selected students travel to the United States, attend an American high school, live with a host family and participate in community and cultural activities.

Cultural Exchange Experience

During the program, students are expected to:

Experience American education and daily life.
Participate in community activities.
Learn about American culture and society.
Share Pakistani culture with their American communities as cultural ambassadors.
Take part in leadership and exchange activities.
Build connections with students and YES alumni worldwide.

The YES Program has supported more than 1,500 Pakistani students since 2003.

Who Runs the Program in Pakistan?

The program is implemented in Pakistan through the Society for International Education (SIE) in partnership with iEARN-Pakistan, under the broader U.S. Department of State YES initiative.

Require Documents

Applicants should be prepared for documentation required during the application and selection process, which may include:

Academic records/marksheets
Identification and citizenship information
Application and eligibility information
English assessment and essay
Medical documentation at later stages
Additional documents requested by the YES Pakistan team

Deadline

15 September 2026

Applicants should complete the application before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.