Study In USA: Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2025

The U.S. Department of State’s esteemed Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2025 is currently providing high school students from Pakistan with a unique opportunity to undertake an academic year in the United States. Since its establishment in 2003, the YES Program has awarded more than 1,500 scholarships to Pakistani students, enabling them to engage with American society while showcasing the rich culture of Pakistan.

Concerning the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Scholarship:

The YES Program offers a fully funded scholarship for youngsters to enroll in high school in the United States. Students reside with American host families, attend studies at local high schools, and engage in extracurricular activities with their American counterparts during their stay. These events aim to cultivate mutual understanding and enhance partnerships between the U.S. and participating nations.

In addition to classroom education, YES students participate in several enrichment activities, including community service initiatives, youth leadership development, and cultural exchange programs. These activities enhance their comprehension of American society and enable them to function as “cultural ambassadors,” informing Americans about the profound traditions and values of Pakistan.

A spokesman from the U.S. Department of State stated, “The YES Program has profoundly transformed thousands of students, providing them with skills and perspectives that significantly influence their personal and professional development.” “We are honored to partner with the Society for International Education and iEARN-Pakistan to persist in providing this exceptional opportunity to emerging leaders from Pakistan.”

The YES Program is executed in collaboration with the American Councils for International Education and local non-profit organizations, such as the Society for International Education and iEARN-Pakistan. This program involves students from 37 nations, establishing it as a worldwide project.

Academic Level

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program USA 2025 – Fully Funded is offered for pursuing undergraduate programs in universities in the USA.

Scholarship Advantages

• The YES Program offers extensive coverage for all major expenses, including airline, U.S. visa fees, accommodation and living costs in the United States, school tuition, and a monthly stipend of USD 200.

Qualified Nationalities

• This program is available to Pakistani students.

Criteria for Eligibility

• Must be aged 15 to 17 before the commencement of the program (August 15, 2025).
• Must be enrolled in a secondary school in Pakistan and be in 9th or 10th grade or ‘O’ Levels at the time of application. Only students in O’ Level 9th or 10th grade are allowed to apply. Students in the 11th grade are ineligible for O’ Level examinations.
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 60% or above. Applicants must possess a minimum grade point average of 60% in all major/core disciplines (English, Mathematics, Sciences) and must not have any failing grades in the preceding three academic years (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24).
• Students who have taken a gap year or repeated a year are ineligible.
• Possess the ability to speak in English.
• Fulfill the eligibility criteria for the U.S. J-1 visa (for example, U.S. citizens are ineligible for the J-1 visa).
• Possess Pakistani citizenship and dwell within Pakistan. Individuals possessing dual nationality from any country will NOT be eligible for the program.
• The student must not have visited the United States.
• Relatives and offspring of YES Program alumni are ineligible for program participation.
• Relatives and offspring of the personnel associated with the Society for International Education and the iEARN Pakistan project are ineligible to partake in the program.

Additional Requirements

• The applicant is capable of representing and exemplifying Pakistani culture and values within American educational institutions and communities.
• An applicant exhibits maturity, flexibility, adaptability, commendable character, and academic proficiency.
• The applicant is eager to engage in the host family’s daily activities.
• An applicant possesses a comprehensive record of all requisite vaccines, as specified in the YES Program application before they arrive in the United States.

Application Process

Submission of YES Application

Students who fulfill the selection criteria and agree to the YES Program Parent/Student Agreement and Policies are qualified to apply for the award. Access these documents by visiting the YES Pakistan website at www.yesprogram.pk. Students may download the application from the internet, print it, complete it, and submit it via courier together with all other documents to the SIE office.

Be advised that applications submitted in person will not be accepted. Comprehensive instructions and guidance for completing the application can be found on the website. Students from marginalized communities and those with varied backgrounds are strongly urged to apply.

Virtual Interview

Following a preliminary assessment of the applications, chosen candidates will be invited to participate in an online interview. Students selected for the shortlist will be notified using the email submitted during the YES Program application process. Individuals who successfully complete this stage will be needed to submit Form M (Medical Form) together with supplementary necessary papers before to advancing to the subsequent phase. Form M will be issued to these pupils through email.

Supervised Essays, Collaborative Activity, and In-person Selection Interview

Candidates who progress beyond the online interview will be invited to an in-person session, which will encompass a proctored essay-writing task, collaborative activities, and a personal interview. Information regarding the venue and date will be communicated to students via their registered email addresses.

Students who fail to submit Form M (Medical Form) and the necessary documentation by the designated deadline will be ineligible for Step 3.

English Language Test for International Students (ELTiS)

After the in-person interview, successful candidates must undertake the English Language Proficiency Test (ELTiS).

Conclusive Assessment

The final selections will be determined by the whole YES Program application, encompassing all submitted documents, performance in the online interview, group activities, in-person interview, and the ELTiS score. Semi-finalists will be notified via a letter from the Director of the YES Pakistan Program.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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