YES Scholarship gives eligible high school students the chance to study in the USA, attend a local high school, live with a host family, and take part in cultural exchange and community activities. The YES Scholarship focuses on leadership, mutual understanding, and improving English while sharing students’ home cultures.
The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. Country-specific application processes and eligibility requirements apply, and applicants should check the official YES website for local announcements and instructions.
YES Scholarship Benefits
- Round-trip international airfare
- School tuition
- Boarding and lodging with a host family
- Monthly stipend for personal expenses
- Program-related support and insurance
- Educational and cultural activities
- Cultural exchange opportunities
- Interaction with students and communities in the USA
- Leadership and personal development opportunities
YES Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a citizen and resident of the participating country (example: Pakistani students must be Pakistani citizens and residents)
- Applicant must be 15–17 years old by January 1, 2027 (country-specific age rules apply)
- Student should be enrolled in secondary school in their home country
- Eligible students generally include those in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade or eligible O-Level classes (O-Level 11th grade may be ineligible in some countries)
- Student should have at least 60% in each academic year
- Student should have at least 60% in English, Mathematics, and Sciences
- Applicant must not have failing grades during the previous three years
- Applicant should not have a gap or repeated academic year
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Recent academic records
- Proof of eligibility
- Personal information
- Essays or written responses
- English-language assessment
Selection Process
The YES selection process is competitive. First, eligible students complete the required application and testing stages. Then, shortlisted students may take part in further assessments and interviews.
The selection process can include:
- English proficiency assessment
- Written or proctored essay
- YES application form
- Interview
- Further evaluation of academic performance and suitability
How to Apply for YES Scholarship
- Visit the official YES Program website and check the latest country-specific application announcement
- Check eligibility carefully, especially age, class, marks and citizenship requirements
- Complete the YES application form with correct and complete information
- Take the English proficiency exam as part of the selection process
- Write the required proctored essay and submit other requested documents
- Wait for the final selection; finalists are selected on a merit basis
Studying in the United States?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the YES Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, selection process, and how to apply for country-specific YES Program opportunities.
What is the YES Scholarship?
The YES Scholarship (Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program) is an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State that enables selected high school students from eligible countries to study in the United States, attend a local high school, and live with a host family while participating in cultural and community activities.
Who sponsors and administers the YES Program?
The YES Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. Country offices and local partners manage recruitment and selection according to country-specific procedures.
What benefits does the YES Scholarship provide?
The YES Scholarship provides major program support including round-trip international airfare, school tuition, boarding and lodging with a host family, a monthly stipend for personal expenses, program-related support and insurance, educational and cultural activities, and leadership development opportunities.
Who is eligible to apply for the YES Scholarship?
Eligibility varies by country, but general requirements include citizenship and residence in the participating country, being enrolled in secondary school, and meeting age criteria (e.g., 15–17 years old by January 1, 2027 in some countries). Academic performance and specific grade-level rules also apply.
What academic requirements are typically required?
Country-specific rules apply; for example, some country announcements require at least 60% in each academic year and at least 60% in English, Mathematics, and Sciences, with no failing grades in the previous three years and no repeated academic years.
What is the selection process for YES applicants?
The selection process is competitive and may include application review, English proficiency assessment, a proctored essay, further written evaluations, and interviews. Shortlisted candidates proceed through additional assessments before final selection.
What documents are generally required for the application?
Applicants typically submit a completed application form, recent academic records, proof of eligibility (citizenship/residence), personal information, essays or written responses, and may need to complete an English-language assessment as part of the process.
When is the application deadline for the YES Scholarship?
Deadlines vary by country. Country-specific deadlines listed for Spring 2027 recruitment include dates such as 15 September 2026 for several countries. Applicants must check their country YES announcement on the official website for exact local deadlines.
How can I apply and where can I find official information?
Visit the official YES Program website (https://www.yesprograms.org/) and check your country’s YES application announcement. Follow the country-specific instructions, complete the application, take required assessments, and submit all requested documents by the local deadline.
Are there age restrictions for applicants?
Yes, age restrictions vary by country. An example requirement noted for some country announcements is that applicants must be 15–17 years old by January 1, 2027. Always confirm the exact age requirement in your country’s official YES announcement before applying.
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