Pakistani Students Invited to Apply for Fully Funded U.S. Exchange Program 2027

Backed by the U.S. Department of State, the YES Program allows selected Pakistani students to attend an American high school, live with a host family and experience life in the United States during the spring semester, which runs from January to June 2027.

What Is the YES Program?

Established by the U.S. Congress in 2002, the YES Program connects students from participating countries with communities across the United States. Pakistani participants attend local schools, live with American host families and take part in educational, cultural and leadership activities.

Students also have the opportunity to share Pakistani culture with their host families, schools and communities. More than 1,500 Pakistani students have participated in the program since 2003.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be 15 to 17 years old on January 1, 2027, meaning they should be born between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2012.

Candidates must currently be studying in Pakistan in Grade 8, 9, 10 or equivalent O Level classes. O Level students must be at the Grade 9 or 10 level; Grade 11 students are not eligible.

Applicants must have achieved at least 60% overall in each of the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years and must have at least 60% in major subjects, including English, Mathematics and Sciences. Students must not have failed a grade or repeated an academic year.

Applicants must be Pakistani citizens living and studying in Pakistan. Dual nationals, students who have previously traveled to the United States, and those who do not meet J-1 visa requirements are not eligible.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The fully funded exchange generally covers:

• Round-trip airfare between Pakistan and the United States
• Pre-departure orientation
• Host-family placement
• Monthly allowance
• Health insurance
• Program activities and educational materials

Participants are responsible for certain personal costs, including passport fees, medical examinations, vaccinations and additional spending money.

How to Apply?

The selection process may include an English proficiency test, supervised essay, application review and interview. Final candidates are selected competitively based on merit.

Students should carefully follow the application instructions published by the official YES Pakistan platform and avoid unofficial websites or social media pages.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the YES Program Spring 2027 is September 15, 2026. Eligible students should prepare and submit their documents well before the deadline to avoid issues with incomplete or late applications.

For Pakistani students, the YES Program offers a valuable opportunity to experience American education, develop leadership skills and represent Pakistani culture in the United States.