Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2025 For Pakistani Students:
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2025, an esteemed initiative of the U.S. Department of State, is currently providing Pakistani high school students with an exceptional opportunity to study in the United States for a full academic year. Over 1,500 Pakistani students have been awarded scholarships by the YES Program since its launch in 2003, giving them the opportunity to share and immerse themselves in Pakistan’s colorful culture alongside American society.
Students can receive a fully financed scholarship through the YES Program to attend high school in the US. Students stay with American host families, attend nearby high schools, and engage in extracurricular activities with their American counterparts. The purpose of these exchanges is to improve ties between the United States and the participating nations and promote understanding amongst them.
In addition to their studies in the classroom, YES students participate in a range of extracurricular activities like young leadership programs, community service initiatives, and cultural exchanges. Through these activities, they are able to better comprehend American society and function as “cultural ambassadors,” teaching Americans about Pakistan’s rich traditions and beliefs.
According to a U.S. Department of State spokesman, “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.” “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.” Also apply for Chulalongkorn University Scholarships 2025 In Thailand (Fully Funded).
Features:
- University: USA Universities.
- Degree Level: Undergraduate.
- Scholarship coverage: Fully Funded.
- Eligible nationalities: Paskistan.
- Country of award: United States.
Deadline For Application:
The deadline for Application to apply for Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2025, 21st October 2024.
Financial Benefits:
All major costs, including flights, U.S. visa fees, housing and living expenses while in the United States, school tuition, and a $200 USD monthly stipend, are fully covered by the YES Program.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 on August 15, 2025, the program’s launch date.
- Be a student in Pakistani secondary education, either in the ninth or tenth grade, or in the ‘O’ Levels, at the time of application. (Note for O-Level Students: Students only in the 9th or 10th grade are eligible to apply. 11th graders in O’ Level are not eligible.)
- Possess a grade point average that is 60% or above overall. Must have no failing grades in the last three years (2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24 academic years) and a minimum grade point average of 60% in all major/core disciplines (English, Mathematics, and Sciences).
- Students who have repeated a year or taken a gap year are not eligible.
- Possess English communication skills.
- Fulfill the requirements for eligibility for a J-1 visa issued by the United States (for example, nationals of the United States are not eligible for J-1 visas).
- Possess Pakistani citizenship and live there. Dual citizens of any nation will not be accepted into the program.
- It is necessary that the student did not visit the US.
- Sibling or child ownership is prohibited for YES Program participants.
- The program is not open to siblings or offspring of Society for International Education and iEARN Pakistan project staff.
Students who fulfill the following criteria in addition to the prerequisites mentioned above have a higher chance of being selected for the final round of selection:
- In American communities and schools, the applicant can represent and exemplify Pakistani culture and values.
- The candidate exhibits scholastic competence, good character, maturity, flexibility, and adaptability.
- The candidate is open to taking part in day-to-day activities with the host family.
- Before traveling to the United States, the candidate possesses a record of all required vaccinations, as specified in the YES Program application.
- The candidate exhibits adaptability and a dedication to advancing intercultural understanding.
- The candidate promises to enroll in classes full-time and to maintain a minimum of a “B” grade point average.
In addition to any other rules and procedures during the program, the candidate undertakes to follow the “YES Program Student Rules” as stated in the YES Program application.
Application Process:
STEP 1: YES Application Submission (Forms 1–11)
Students may apply for the scholarship if they fulfill the requirements for selection and agree to the terms of the YES Program Parent/Student Agreement and Policies. (To view these documents, go to www.yesprogram.pk, the YES Pakistan website.) Students can print the application from the internet, fill it out, and send it to the SIE office via courier along with the necessary paperwork. Please be aware that submissions sent by hand will not be accepted. The website has comprehensive instructions and suggestions for filling out the application. It is strongly urged that students with varied origins and those from underprivileged communities apply.
Step 2: Conduct an online interview
Those selected for online interviews will get an invitation after a preliminary review of their applications. E-mail addresses that students registered with for the YES Program will be used to notify those who have been shortlisted. After passing this phase, candidates will need to submit Form M, or the medical form, along with any other necessary paperwork in order to move on to the next round. These students will receive Form M via email.
Step 3: Group work, in-person selection interview, and proctored essays
A face-to-face interview, group activities, and a proctored essay-writing exercise will be part of the in-person session for those who advance past the online interview stage. Students will receive information about the date and location via the email address they have registered.
Note: Students will not be eligible for Step 3 if they do not submit Form M (Medical Form) and the necessary papers by the deadline.
STEP 4: English Language Test for International Students (ELTiS)
Those who make it through the in-person interview process will have to take the English Language Proficiency Test (ELTiS).
Step 5: Comprehensive Assessment
Final decisions will be based on the complete YES Program application, which includes all submitted documentation, performance in the online interview, group projects, in-person interview, and the ELTiS score. The YES Pakistan Program Director will send a notification letter to the semi-finalists.