The United States Government Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Scholarship 2027 offers secondary-school students from selected countries an opportunity to live and study in the USA through a fully funded cultural and educational exchange programme. Participants attend American high schools, live with volunteer host families and develop valuable leadership and intercultural communication skills.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Programme promotes international understanding through education and cultural exchange. The programme has announced a spring 2027 exchange running from January to June, while information about 2027–2028 opportunities is available through the official exchange programme channels.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): U.S. Department of State
- Host Institution(s): Participating American High Schools
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Scholarship Worth: Full programme funding
- Number of Awards: Varies by participating country
- Study Level: Secondary School (High School)
- Eligible Nationalities: Selected participating countries
- Programme Duration: One academic semester or year, depending on the programme
Also Check: U.S. Government Future Leaders Exchange Global Program to Study in USA
Programme Overview
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Programme is an international educational exchange initiative established by the U.S. Congress in 2002 and launched in 2003.
The programme enables selected secondary-school students to experience American education and culture while sharing their own traditions and perspectives with host communities.
Participants live with American host families, attend local high schools and engage in community service, civic education and leadership development activities.
The programme is designed to strengthen mutual understanding and encourage young people to become active leaders in their communities.
See Also: Government of Quebec Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Canada
Eligibility Criteria
Although specific requirements vary by country, applicants generally must:
- Be citizens and residents of a participating country.
- Be enrolled in an eligible secondary school at the time of application.
- Meet the age requirements established for their country and intake.
- Demonstrate satisfactory academic performance without significant failing grades.
- Possess sufficient English language ability to participate in an American high school.
- Meet the eligibility requirements for a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa.
- Demonstrate maturity, adaptability and an interest in cultural exchange.
- Meet any additional requirements established by the authorised recruitment organisation.
Applicants who have already completed secondary school before the programme begins are generally ineligible.
Important: The programme is not intended for students seeking admission to undergraduate degree programmes at American universities.
Eligible Countries
The YES Programme has historically recruited students from selected countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Countries and territories represented in its programme network include:
- Africa: Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania and Tunisia.
- Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand.
- Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Türkiye.
- Middle East and other participating locations: Bahrain, Israel’s Arab communities, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the West Bank and Suriname.
Note: Historical participation does not guarantee that recruitment is available in every listed country for the 2027 or 2027–2028 intake. Applicants should confirm their country’s current recruitment status through the official programme website.
Scholarship Benefits
The YES Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for selected participants.
Benefits generally include:
- Round-trip international airfare to and from the United States.
- Placement with a volunteer American host family.
- Enrolment in an American secondary school.
- A monthly allowance for personal expenses.
- Health coverage during the exchange.
- Programme orientation and preparatory activities.
- Leadership development, community service and cultural exchange opportunities.
- Support and supervision from authorised programme coordinators.
The scholarship covers major programme expenses, although participants may remain responsible for certain personal costs.
Application Procedures
How to Apply: Interested applicants should follow the application instructions published for their country.
- Visit the official YES Programme website and check the available country information.
- Confirm the age, school enrolment, citizenship and academic requirements for the relevant intake.
- Contact the authorised recruitment organisation or follow the application instructions provided for your country.
- Complete the required application forms and participate in the selection assessments, which may include an English examination, written essay and interviews.
- Submit all required documents and complete the selection process according to the instructions provided.
Selection is competitive and based on merit, programme eligibility and the applicant’s suitability for an international exchange experience.
Application Documents
Depending on the country, applicants may be required to provide:
- Completed YES Programme application form.
- Academic transcripts or school reports.
- Proof of citizenship and age.
- School enrolment information.
- Written essays or personal statements.
- Parent or guardian consent forms.
- Additional identification or medical information if shortlisted.
Applicants should consult their country’s recruitment organisation for the complete documentation requirements.
Application Deadline
Varies by participating country and exchange intake.
Applicants seeking opportunities for the 2027–2028 academic year should consult the official programme website and the Discover FLEX Global platform for updated recruitment information.
And it is recommended to verify country-specific deadlines before preparing for submissions.
