YES Program 2027 in USA (Fully Funded Exchange Program)

High school students from qualified nations have the chance to live and study in the United States for the Spring 2027 semester, starting in January 2027, through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. While sharing their own culture and customs with American communities, the program assists young people in experiencing American culture, education, values, and daily life.

Selected students attend an American high school, live with a carefully chosen U.S. host family, learn leadership skills, and take part in cultural and community events. Mutual understanding, respect, personal development, and enduring relationships between students, host families, schools, and communities are all promoted by the program.

The YES Program was created by the U.S. Congress in October 2002 and has given thousands of students the opportunity to learn about cultural diversity and gain significant overseas experiences. Students are free to practice their faith while enrolled in the program, which provides equal chances regardless of sex, race, color, or religion.

Applicants must adhere to program standards and meet certain age restrictions for this fully financed, one-year exchange program. In order to help students acclimate to American school and community life, host families offer a secure, encouraging, and friendly atmosphere. Established in 2009, the YES Abroad Program offers exchange opportunities in specific YES nations to U.S. students between the ages of 15 and 18.5.

YES Program 2027 – Quick Details

Host Country: United States of America
Program Name: Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
Funded By: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Program Duration: One academic exchange period
2027 Program Period: January–June 2027 according to the current official YES Programs website
Funding: Fully Funded Exchange Program
Study Level: Secondary/High School

Eligibility – Eligible Countries YES Program 2027

Applicants from the following countries can apply for the YES Program 2027:

Bangladesh
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Egypt
India
Indonesia
Kosovo
Malaysia
North Macedonia
Pakistan

Eligibility Criteria for the YES Program 2027

Applicants interested in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2027 must meet specific age, academic, educational, nationality, and program requirements. Candidates should carefully review the following eligibility conditions before applying:

Age Requirement: Applicants must be 15 to 17 years old by January 1, 2027, which is the start of the program.
Educational Requirement: Students must be enrolled in a secondary school and must be studying in Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, or O-Level at the time of application.
O-Level Students: Only students enrolled in O-Level Grade 9 or O-Level Grade 10 are eligible. O-Level Grade 11 students are not eligible to participate.
Academic Performance: Applicants must have a cumulative academic average of at least 60%. They must also maintain a minimum of 60% in all major/core subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Sciences.
No Failing Grades: Students must have no failing grades during the previous three academic years, specifically 2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26.
No Gap or Repeated Year: Students who have taken a gap year or repeated an academic year are not eligible for the program.
English Language Skills: Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English, as English proficiency is important for participating in school activities and daily life in the United States.
J-1 Visa Eligibility: Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa. For example, U.S. citizens are not eligible for a J-1 visa under this program.
Previous U.S. Travel: Students who have previously traveled to the United States are not eligible to apply.
Family Connection to YES Alumni: Siblings and children of YES Program alumni are not eligible to participate in the program.
Family Connection to Program Staff: Siblings and children of Society for International Education (SIE) project staff are not eligible to participate.
Note: Depending on the nation, eligibility requirements may vary slightly. For the most recent information, applicants can go to the official website

Notice on Secondary School Completion

Applicants who have already completed or graduated from any secondary school before the beginning of the program are not eligible for the YES Program. This requirement applies to all participating program countries.

Applicants should carefully check all age, academic, educational, citizenship, and visa requirements before submitting their application. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not necessarily guarantee selection, as applicants must also complete the program’s selection process.

Benefits of the YES Program 2027

The YES Program 2027 provides selected students with comprehensive financial and educational support throughout their one-year exchange experience in the United States. The program is designed to reduce the financial burden on students and allow them to focus on their education, cultural learning, and personal development.

School tuition fees: The program covers the student’s school tuition fees in the United States, allowing participants to attend a local school without paying the required academic fees.
Monthly stipend: Each selected student receives a monthly stipend of $200 to help cover personal expenses and other day-to-day needs during their stay in the USA.
U.S. visa fee: The U.S. visa processing fee is fully covered by the YES Program, so students do not have to bear this expense themselves.
Boarding and lodging: The program covers the costs associated with boarding and accommodation during the exchange year, providing students with a secure and comfortable living arrangement.
Host family accommodation: Students stay with a carefully selected host family in the United States. These host families provide a supportive home environment and help students adjust to American school life, culture, and everyday activities.
Cultural exchange experience: In addition to financial support, students gain the opportunity to experience American culture firsthand while also sharing culture, traditions, and values with their host families, classmates, and local communities.

Overall, the YES Program offers students the chance to study in the United States, develop greater independence, experience a new culture, and build international friendships without the major financial costs normally associated with a year abroad.

The official YES website additionally confirms that the program provides round-trip international airfare, pre-departure orientation, host-family placement, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and program activities and materials. It also states that passport costs, required medical examinations/immunizations, and extra pocket money are not covered.

Required Documents for YES Program 2027

Commonly required or relevant documents and information include:

Academic transcripts/mark sheets for the required previous academic years.
Proof of current school enrollment showing the applicant’s current grade.
Academic record demonstrating the required 60% cumulative average and required marks in core subjects.
English-language academic record, where applicable.
Proof of citizenship and residency.
Birth-date/age information to verify the age requirement.
Information regarding previous international/U.S. travel, where requested.
Parent/guardian information and consent, where required during the application process.
Completed YES Program application form.
Any additional documents or forms requested during later selection stages.

Application Process for YES Program 2027

The YES Program 2027 follows a competitive, merit-based selection process. Applicants must complete several stages before the final participants are selected.

Check Eligibility – Review the requirements for age, grade, academic performance, English proficiency, citizenship, residency, and U.S. visa eligibility.
Prepare Documents – Gather your academic records, school information, personal details, and other required information.
Submit Application – Complete and submit the official YES Program application according to the instructions for applicants.
English Proficiency Test – Eligible applicants must take an English proficiency examination.
Proctored Essay – Applicants write a proctored essay to evaluate their English writing and communication skills.
Interview – Shortlisted candidates participate in an interview as part of the selection process.
Final Selection – Finalists are selected based on merit and then complete the required pre-departure preparations before traveling to the United States.

YES Program 2027 Deadline

Each country has a different application deadline for 2027. In each of the nine qualifying nations, applications are now or will soon be accepted. For the most recent application dates and updates, candidates can visit the official website.

Apply Now

Image Credit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the YES Program?

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program is a U.S. Department of State-funded exchange program that allows eligible high school students to spend an academic year in the United States.

2. Is the YES Program 2027 fully funded?

Yes, the YES Program provides funding for major exchange-related expenses, including school, accommodation, meals, and other approved program costs.

3. Who can apply for the YES Program?

Eligible high school students from participating countries, including can apply if they meet the program’s age, grade, academic, and other eligibility requirements.

4. What does the YES Program provide?

Selected students live with a U.S. host family, attend an American high school, participate in cultural activities, and develop leadership and communication skills.

5. How are YES students selected?

The selection process is merit-based and may include an application, English proficiency examination, proctored essay, interview, and final evaluation.

6. Do I need English proficiency to apply?

Yes. Applicants should have sufficient English ability to participate successfully in the academic and cultural exchange program and must complete the required English assessment.

7. Where do YES students stay in the USA?

Students stay with carefully selected U.S. host families who provide a safe and supportive home environment during the exchange.

8. How long is the YES exchange program?

The YES Program generally provides an academic-year exchange experience in the United States.

9. When does the YES Program 2027 begin?

The Spring 2027 semester begins in January 2027, while the exact exchange schedule may depend on the student’s placement and program arrangements.

Share it :