For teenagers believing studying in the U.S. involves costly university admission, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2027 provides a different option. Selected high school students from over 35 countries will live with American host families and attend U.S. schools from January to June 2027, funded by the U.S. Department of State. The program is open to students from various regions, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, each with specific age, grade, and application requirements.
Application Deadline
- Country‑specific deadlines (mostly September 2026)
- Example: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Egypt, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Pakistan → 15 September 2026
- Other countries (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh) → September 2026, exact dates confirmed locally
Tell Me About The Scholarship
The Kennedy‑Lugar YES Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, offers secondary‑school students from over 35 countries the chance to spend January–June 2027 living with an American host family and attending a U.S. high school. It builds leadership skills, fosters cultural exchange, and strengthens ties between the U.S. and participating countries.
Which Fields are Eligible
- Secondary/high school students enrolled at the time of application.
- Not restricted to academic majors; focus is on exchange, leadership, and cultural learning.
Type
- Exchange Scholarship | High School | USA
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of one of the YES participating countries.
- Be enrolled in secondary/high school (not yet graduated).
- Typically be 15–17 years old at the start of the exchange (age cut‑offs vary by country).
- Demonstrate academic merit and English proficiency.
How Are Scholars Selected
- Competitive, merit‑based process.
- Includes initial application, English assessment, proctored essay, interview, and selection activities.
- Finalists complete medical, visa, and pre‑departure requirements.
Which Countries are Eligible
YES 2027 includes students from:
- South & Southeast Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand
- Europe/Balkans: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Türkiye
- Middle East & North Africa: Bahrain, Egypt, Israel (Arab Communities), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, West Bank
- Sub‑Saharan Africa: Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
- South America: Suriname
Where Will the Scholarship Be Taken
- United States – placement with host families and U.S. high schools.
How Many Scholars
- Hundreds of students selected annually across 35+ countries.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship
- Round‑trip airfare to the U.S.
- Pre‑departure orientation.
- Placement with a screened host family.
- Attendance at a U.S. high school.
- Monthly stipend.
- Accident and sickness medical coverage.
- Program activities and materials.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last
- One semester (January–June 2027).
Required Documents
- Application form (country‑specific).
- Academic records.
- Proof of age and enrollment.
- English proficiency assessment.
- Medical and visa documents (for finalists).
How to Apply
- Find your country’s YES page.
- Review local eligibility (age, grade, citizenship).
- Submit initial application with academic info.
- Complete English assessment and essay.
- Attend interview/selection activities.
- Finalists complete medical, visa, and orientation steps.
🌐 Visit the application webpage for details
