Islamabad: The US Embassy in Pakistan has officially opened applications for the Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, inviting eligible Pakistani high school students to apply for a fully funded exchange semester in the United States.

Scheduled to begin in January 2027, the program allows selected participants to reside with American host families and attend local high schools while engaging in cultural exchange, leadership development, and community activities. The initiative is open to Pakistani citizens aged 15 to 17 enrolled in Grades eight to ten or equivalent O Level streams, provided they maintain a minimum of 60 percent marks across major subjects with no failing grades or academic gaps over the past three years.

Applicants must complete their initial registration online via the official YES Program portal before submitting printed, hand signed forms along with school attested academic records and valid NADRA identity documentation to the Society for International Education in Karachi. Applications sent via post or courier must be received by September 15, 2026 to be considered under the program's merit based selection process.