Under the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study YES program Pakistan of the U.S. Department of State, high school students from nations with sizable Muslim populations spend one academic year living and studying in the United States. By developing enduring bonds with their host families and communities, YES students act as “youth ambassadors” of their native nation, improving understanding between the two countries. In addition to helping Americans learn about their home nation and culture, participants live with a host family, attend an American high school, develop leadership skills, and take part in events that teach them about American society and values.
In an effort to foster respect and understanding between the peoples of Pakistan and the United States, the program was formally introduced in Pakistan in 2003. 1,500 Pakistani students have since finished the YES program and are currently involved as alumni.
YES is an annual program that the U.S. Department of State administers in partnership with American Councils for International Education and its partner in-country non-profit organizations. Currently, students from 37 different countries participate in this program. The Society for International Education and iEARN-Pakistan collaborate to carry out the YES program in Pakistan.
The YES Exchange Program 2024–2025 offers communities, schools, instructors, and young people from distant and impoverished parts of Pakistan an opportunity to improve their educational and practical experience. During their year-long stay in the US, the students gain knowledge of other cultures, morals, and lifestyles.
The Kennedy-Lugar exchange program has generated over 1453 graduates throughout the years who have become friends and cultural ambassadors between Pakistan and the United States. Moreover, there is no discrimination on the part of the YES scholarship program organization based on sex, ethnicity, color, or religion. Along with equal chances for religious practice, the fully-funded scholarship program aims to provide the students a feeling of freedom and coexistence.
YES Program 2025-26 in the USA:
Host Country: United States of America
Funded By:
- The Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program scholarships are funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered By:
- In Pakistan, the YES Program is administered by the Society for International Education (SIE) in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy, and Public Affairs Office.
US Student Exchange Program Duration:
- One year.
Benefits of the YES Program Pakistan 2025:
- The scholarships cover the school tuition fees.
- The student will be given a monthly stipend of $200.
- The US visa processing fee will be fully paid by the YES program.
- Boarding and lodging costs in the USA will be covered.
- The student will stay with a trusted foster family in the USA.
Eligibility Criteria of the YES Program in the USA:
- The student must be a Pakistani citizen and must be residing in Pakistan as well.
- The student must be enrolled in secondary school i.e. 9th or 10th grade or O’level 9th grade or O’level 10th grade.
- The students who are in O’level 11th grade are not eligible.
- The student must not be less than 15 years of age and more than 17 years of age.
- The student must have a minimum of 60% marks in all major subjects in the past three years.
- The average marks percentage must also be 60% for the last three years.
- The student must be able to communicate in English.
- The student must have 60% marks in English subjects over the past three years.
- A student who has already traveled to the USA can not apply.
How to Apply for the YES Program in the USA:
- Visit www.yesprogram.pk and click the “YES Program” button.
- Download the application by clicking “How to Apply” and follow the video link instructions.
- Print and fill out the forms using a black ballpoint pen, as per the videos.
- Attach photocopies of mark sheets, school-attested documents, and identification.
- Submit the application via courier to:
- Society for International Education
88-H, P.E.C.H.S. Block-6, Karachi
Tel: 0333-2929960
- Society for International Education
YES Pakistan Application Deadline:
- The last date to apply for the US student exchange Program is October 21, 2024.
