Fully Funded U.S. Exchange Program 2027 Opens Applications for Pakistani Students
Pakistani school students have a valuable opportunity to spend a semester in the United States through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2027.
The exchange program will allow selected students to attend a U.S. high school, stay with an American host family and experience American community life. The Spring 2027 program is expected to start in January 2027.
The program covers major expenses for selected participants, making it an attractive opportunity for students who want international educational exposure without bearing the full cost of studying abroad.
What Is the YES Exchange Program?
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program is a U.S. government-supported educational and cultural exchange initiative.
Through the program, students from participating countries spend an academic semester in the United States. They attend local schools and live with host families while taking part in cultural and community activities.
Pakistani students also get the opportunity to introduce their culture, traditions and daily life to American communities.
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Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Students
Students should carefully check the requirements before submitting an application. For the Spring 2027 intake, applicants must meet the specified age, academic and educational conditions.
The main requirements include:
- Applicants must be 15 to 17 years old on January 1, 2027.
- Their date of birth should fall between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2012.
- Students must be studying in 8th, 9th or 10th grade, or O Levels in Pakistan.
- They must have at least 60% marks in each of the previous three academic years.
- At least 60% marks are required in key subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science.
- Students must not have failed any subject during the previous three academic years.
- Applicants need sufficient English skills to participate in school and exchange activities.
- Applicants must be Pakistani citizens living in Pakistan.
Students who have taken a gap year or repeated an academic year are not eligible. Those who will complete secondary school before the exchange starts are also excluded.
Important Restrictions
Some additional restrictions apply to the YES Program.
Students who have previously travelled to the United States cannot apply. Dual nationals are also not eligible under the stated conditions.
The program also has restrictions involving siblings and children of previous YES participants and certain staff members connected with the organizations administering the program.
Applicants must also be able to meet the requirements for a J-1 exchange visitor visa.
How to Apply for YES Program 2027
Eligible students should begin by reviewing the official application requirements and completing the online application through the YES Program Pakistan website.
After completing the online portion, applicants need to print and sign the application form.
The signed form and required supporting documents must then be sent through post or courier to:
YES Program: Spring Semester 2027 Application
Society for International Education
88-H, P.E.C.H.S. Block-6, Karachi
Students should prepare their documents carefully because incomplete or improperly submitted applications may not be considered.
Documents Required
Applicants need school-attested copies of their final mark sheets for:
| Academic Year | Required Record |
|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Final mark sheet |
| 2024–25 | Final mark sheet |
| 2025–26 | Final mark sheet |
A valid proof of identity or date of birth is also required. Acceptable documents may include a NADRA B-Form, Smart Card, FRC or Birth Certificate.
Last Date to Apply
The deadline for the YES Program Spring 2027 application is September 15, 2026.
Students should not leave the submission until the final day because the completed application has to be printed, signed and sent by post or courier.
Selection is competitive, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
What Selected Students Will Experience
Selected Pakistani students will spend a semester in the United States beginning in January 2027.
They will attend an American high school and live with a host family. Alongside their academic experience, students will participate in activities related to leadership, cultural exchange, community service, governance, business and innovation.
The experience can help students develop confidence, communication skills and a better understanding of another culture.
For Pakistani students, the program is also an opportunity to represent their country and share Pakistani traditions with people in their American communities.
Students interested in this opportunity should check the official requirements carefully and submit their complete application before the September 15, 2026 deadline.
