Most teenagers believe studying abroad means one thing. A huge tuition bill their family cannot afford. That belief stops a lot of good students from even trying.
But the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program known as YES breaks that pattern. It is fully funded by the U.S. government. And for Spring 2027, it is open to secondary school students from more than 35 countries.
No tuition. No hidden fees. Just merit.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study YES Program |
| Type | High school exchange semester |
| Period | January to June 2027 |
| Funding | Fully funded by U.S. Department of State |
| Placement | American host family and local U.S. high school |
| Eligible | Secondary school students from participating countries |
| Age range | Roughly 15 to 17 still enrolled in secondary school |
| Application | Through country-specific YES offices |
| Deadlines | Vary by country often mid-September 2026 |
What Exactly Is the YES Program
YES is not a university scholarship. It is a high school exchange program.
Selected students spend one semester from January to June 2027 living with an American family and attending a regular U.S. high school. It is run by the U.S. Department of State which means the funding comes directly from the government not a private donor or a university.
This is important. Government funded programs tend to be more stable, more structured and more transparent about who gets selected and why.
Which Countries Are Included
YES does not accept applications from every country in the world. It works through a fixed list of participating countries and communities grouped roughly by region.
Some examples:
- Middle East and North Africa
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Morocco
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Tunisia
- Libya
- West Bank
- South and Southeast
- Asia
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Ghana
- South
- Africa
- Senegal
- Tanzania
- and several others
- South America
- Suriname
- Europe and the Balkans
- Türkiye
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- North Macedonia
- Bulgaria
If your country is not on this list you cannot apply this year. That is worth checking first before spending time on the rest of the process.
What Does YES Actually Pay For
This is where the program becomes genuinely life changing for many families.
YES covers:
- Round trip flights to the United States
- A pre-departure orientation before travel
- Placement with a screened approved host family
- Enrollment at a local U.S. high school
- A monthly stipend for personal expenses
- Medical and accident insurance during the exchange
Families still need to handle a few things themselves. That includes the student’s passport, any required vaccinations or medical checks and extra spending money beyond the stipend. But compared to the total cost of a semester abroad these are small expenses.
Who Can Apply? The Age Question
There is no single age rule across all countries. Each country sets its own birth date window.
As a general guide, most participating countries look for students around 15 to 17 years old at the start of the exchange. Students must still be enrolled in secondary school when they apply. If you have already graduated, you are not eligible.
Because the exact cut off dates differ by country, the smart move is this. Find your country’s official YES page and check the eligibility section directly. Do not assume your age qualifies just because it fits the general 15 to 17 range.
When Are the Deadlines
There is no single global deadline. Each country closes its applications on its own schedule usually in September 2026 for the Spring 2027 intake.
A few confirmed dates:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina 15 September 2026
- Egypt 15 September 2026
- Kosovo 15 September 2026
- North Macedonia 15 September 2026
- Pakistan 15 September 2026
Countries like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Malaysia have not published an exact date yet in some announcements. If you are applying from one of these countries do not assume 15 September applies to you. Follow your national YES recruitment office directly for the confirmed date.
How the Application Process Actually Works
The process has several stages and it is designed to filter for genuine merit, not just paperwork.
- Find your country’s official YES page
- Check your country’s specific rules on age, school grade and residency
- Apply through the YES office or partner organization in your country
- Submit your academic records and initial application
- If shortlisted, complete an English language assessment
- Some candidates also write a proctored essay as part of the full application
- Attend an interview or additional selection activity
- If selected, complete medical checks, visa paperwork, and pre departure steps
Selection is competitive. It is not first come, first served. Strong English skills, solid academics and a genuine interest in cultural exchange all matter here.
Why This Program Is Worth Taking Seriously
A fully funded U.S. high school semester is not a small opportunity. It gives students real exposure to American educational culture and independence at an age when that experience can genuinely shape their future choices about college and career.
It also removes the biggest barrier that usually blocks international education funding. Families who could never afford a semester abroad on their own now have a legitimate government backed path.
If you are a high school student between roughly 15 and 17 and your country is on the YES list, this deadline is worth marking on your calendar now. September 2026 is closer than it feels and a strong application takes real preparation, not a last minute rush.