YES Program Pakistan 2027: Official Update, Fully Funded

Pakistani high school students now have a chance to spend a semester in the United States, fully paid for, through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. Applications for the YES Program Pakistan 2027 cycle are open now, but the window is tight — the deadline is September 15, 2026.

Run by the U.S. Department of State, the YES Program sends selected Pakistani students to live with American host families, attend a U.S. high school, and take part in leadership and community service activities starting January 2027. It's one of the most well-known fully funded exchange programs for Pakistani students, and it's been sending teenagers to the US for years as part of a broader youth diplomacy effort. Below is everything students and parents need to know about eligibility, funding, and how to apply.

What Is the YES Program?

The YES Program (Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study) is a US government-funded exchange initiative that places international high schoolers with American host families for an academic semester or year. Participants attend local public high schools, join extracurricular and civic activities, and act as informal cultural ambassadors for their home country. For Pakistani applicants specifically, the Spring 2027 cycle is a one-semester program beginning in January.

YES Program Pakistan 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, students should check every requirement carefully — the YES Program has strict cutoffs, and even one unmet condition can disqualify an application. Age requirement: Applicants must be 15 to 17 years old as of January 1, 2027. In practical terms, that means students born between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2012. Academic requirement: Currently enrolled in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade, or in O Levels O Level applicants must be in 9th or 10th grade only — 11th-grade O Level students are not eligible Minimum 60% marks in each of the last three academic years Minimum 60% in core subjects: English, Mathematics, and Science No failing grades in any subject No repeated grades or gap years Citizenship and residency: Must be a Pakistani citizen Must currently reside in Pakistan Must be able to communicate in English Must meet standard US J-1 exchange visa requirements

Who cannot apply:

Students who have previously traveled to the United States Dual nationality holders Children or siblings of past YES Program alumni Children or siblings of staff at the Society for International Education or iEARN Pakistan

YES Program Pakistan Scholarship: What's Covered?

The YES Program is described as "fully funded" because it covers nearly every major cost tied to the exchange: Round-trip international airfare US visa fees Host high school tuition Housing with a host family Health insurance for the program duration All official program activities and events A monthly stipend of $200 Not covered: passport application fees, required medical exams, and personal/pocket expenses

How to Apply for the YES Program Pakistan 2027

Visit the official YES Pakistan website Review the full eligibility criteria and required documents Complete the online application form before September 15, 2026 Prepare for a multi-stage selection process The selection process is competitive and includes: Initial application screening Online interview Proctored essay Group activity assessment In-person interview English language proficiency test Because the process has several rounds, applying early gives students more time to prepare for interviews and essays rather than rushing before the deadline.

YES Program Pakistan 2027 — Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the YES Program Pakistan 2027 deadline? A: The application deadline is September 15, 2026, for the Spring 2027 semester, which begins in January 2027. Q: Who is eligible for the YES Program in Pakistan? A: Pakistani citizens aged 15–17 (born between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2012), studying in grades 8–10 or O Levels (9th/10th only), with at least 60% marks overall and in core subjects. Q: Is the YES Program really fully funded? A: Yes. It covers airfare, visa costs, tuition, housing, health insurance, program activities, and a $200 monthly stipend. Personal expenses and medical exam costs are not included. Q: Can O Level students apply for the YES Program? A: Only O Level students in 9th or 10th grade can apply. Students in 11th-grade O Levels are not eligible. Q: Can dual nationals or students who've visited the US apply? A: No. Dual nationality holders and students who have previously traveled to the United States are not eligible for this program.