By Urdu Report Editorial Team
The United States has opened applications for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program for Pakistani high school students. Selected students will spend the spring 2027 semester in the United States under the fully funded exchange program.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the program will begin in January 2027. Selected students will live with American host families, attend U.S. high schools and take part in activities focused on leadership, culture, governance, business and innovation.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet specific age, academic and educational requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be 15 to 17 years old on January 1, 2027.
- Be born between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2012.
- Be enrolled in Grade 8, 9 or 10, or O Levels in Pakistan at the time of application.
- Have achieved at least 60% in each of the previous three academic years.
- Have at least 60% in major subjects, including English, Mathematics and Science.
- Have no failing grades during the previous three academic years.
- Be able to communicate in English.
- Be Pakistani citizens residing in Pakistan.
Students in Grades 9 or 10 of O Levels can apply, while O Level students in Grade 11 are not eligible.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Students who have taken a gap year or repeated an academic year cannot apply. Students who have completed or graduated from secondary school before the program begins are also ineligible.
Applicants must meet the requirements for a J-1 visa. Students who have previously traveled to the United States are not eligible.
Dual nationals are also excluded. Children and siblings of YES alumni cannot participate in the program.
Children and siblings of staff members working on projects of the Society for International Education and iEARN Pakistan are also not eligible.
How to Apply
Students can start the application process through the YES Program website by checking their eligibility and selecting the application option.
The application must be completed electronically, then printed and signed by hand. Applicants must submit the signed form with the required documents by post or courier only.
Applicants must include school-attested copies of their final mark sheets for the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years.
They must also provide a photocopy of one acceptable identity document, such as a NADRA B-Form, Smart Card, Family Registration Certificate or birth certificate.
Applications should be sent to:
YES Program: Spring Semester 2027 Application
Society for International Education
88-H, P.E.C.H.S. Block-6, Karachi
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for the YES Program is September 15, 2026.
Incomplete, unsigned or incorrectly submitted applications may not be considered. Participants will be selected through a merit-based selection process.
The YES Program was established by the U.S. Congress in October 2002. It aims to build long-term connections between young people in the United States and participating countries through educational and cultural exchange.
