Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program USA 2025 - Fully Funded

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program USA 2025 - Fully Funded

Description

 The U.S. Department of State's prestigious Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2025 is now offering high school students from Pakistan a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend an academic year in the United States. Since its inception in 2003, the YES Program has granted over 1,500 scholarships to Pakistani students, allowing them to immerse themselves in American culture while sharing the vibrant culture of Pakistan.

About the Scholarship:

The YES Program provides a fully funded scholarship for students to attend high school in the United States. During their stay, students live with American host families, attend classes at local high schools, and participate in extracurricular activities alongside their American peers. These experiences are designed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen relationships between the U.S. and participating countries.

Beyond classroom learning, YES students engage in a variety of enrichment activities, such as community service projects, youth leadership training, and cultural exchange events. These activities not only deepen their understanding of American society but also allow them to serve as “cultural ambassadors,” educating Americans about the rich traditions and values of Pakistan.

"The YES Program has been a transformative experience for thousands of students, equipping them with skills and perspectives that have a lasting impact on their personal and professional growth," said a representative from the U.S. Department of State. "We are proud to collaborate with the Society for International Education and iEARN-Pakistan to continue offering this unique opportunity to young leaders from Pakistan."

The YES Program is implemented in partnership with the American Councils for International Education and in-country non-profit organizations, including the Society for International Education and iEARN-Pakistan. Students from 37 different countries currently participate in this program, making it a truly global initiative.

Pakistani students selected for the YES Program gain a broader perspective of the world, develop intercultural communication skills, and build lifelong connections with their American peers. The program also provides students with a platform to showcase Pakistan's rich heritage, breaking down stereotypes and promoting understanding between cultures.

Degree Level

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program USA 2025 - Fully Funded is available to undertake Undergraduate level programs at USA Universities.

Available Subjects

Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.

• All Subjects

Benefits

The YES Program provides comprehensive coverage for all significant expenses, including airfare, U.S. visa fees, accommodation and living expenses in the United States, school tuition, and a monthly stipend of $200 USD.

Eligible Nationalities

This program is open to Pakistani Students.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be between the ages of 15-17 by the start of the program (August 15, 2025).
• Be enrolled in a secondary school in Pakistan and be in 9th or 10th grade or 'O' Levels at the time of application. (Note for O’ Level Students: Only O’ Level 9th grade or O’ Level 10th grade students are eligible to apply. O’ Level 11th graders are not eligible.)
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 60% or more. Must have a minimum grade point average of 60% in all major/core subjects (English, Mathematics, Sciences) and no failing grades in the past three years (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 academic years).
• Students with a gap year or a repeated year are ineligible.
• Be able to communicate in English.
• Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa)
• Be a citizen of Pakistan and reside in Pakistan.  Dual nationals of any country will NOT be considered for the program.
• The student must not have traveled to the United States.
• Siblings and children of YES Program alumni are not eligible to participate in the program.
• Siblings and children of Society for International Education and iEARN Pakistan project staff are not eligible to participate in the program.

In addition to the above requirements, students who also meet the following criteria are more likely to be shortlisted for the final round of selection:

• The applicant can represent and demonstrate Pakistani culture and values at American schools and communities.
• The applicant demonstrates maturity, flexibility, adaptability, good character, and scholastic aptitude.
• The applicant is willing to participate in the host family’s daily life.
• The applicant has a record of all necessary immunizations, as outlined in the YES Program application, before arriving in the United States.
• The applicant demonstrates flexibility and a commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding.
• The applicant agrees to attend classes as a full-time student and maintain at least a ‘B’ grade average.
• The applicant agrees to abide by the 'YES Program Student Rules' as outlined in the YES Program application and all other rules and policies during the program.

Application Procedure

STEP 1: Submission of YES Application (Forms 1 – 11)

• Students who meet the selection criteria and accept the YES Program Parent/Student Agreement and Policies are eligible to apply for the scholarship. (Visit the YES Pakistan website at www.yesprogram.pk to access these documents.) Students can download the application from the website, print it, complete it, and send it via courier along with all required documents to the SIE office. Note that hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. Detailed instructions and guidelines for completing the application are available on the website. Students from underserved communities and those with diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

STEP 2: Online Interview

• After an initial review of the applications, selected candidates will be invited for an online interview. Shortlisted students will receive notification via the email provided during the YES Program application registration. Those who pass this stage will be asked to submit Form M (Medical Form) along with additional required documents before proceeding to the next step. Form M will be sent to these students via email.

STEP 3: Proctored Essays, Group Activity, and In-person Selection Interview

• Candidates who advance past the online interview will be invited for an in-person session, which will include a proctored essay-writing exercise, group activities, and a face-to-face interview. Details about the venue and date will be sent to students through their registered email.

Note: Students who do not submit Form M (Medical Form) and the required documents by the specified deadline will not be eligible for Step 3.

STEP 4: English Language Test for International Students (ELTiS)

• Following the in-person interview, successful candidates will need to take the English Language Proficiency Test (ELTiS).

STEP 5: Final Evaluation

• Final selections will be based on the complete YES Program application, including all submitted documents, performance in the online interview, group activities, in-person interview, and the ELTiS score. Semi-finalists will receive a notification letter from the YES Pakistan Program Director.