The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has officially announced the call for applications for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program for the 2023–24 academic year. This program offers Bangladeshi high school students a unique opportunity to study in the United States free of cost. Interested students can apply online until November 15.
About the YES Program
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the YES Program provides scholarships to Bangladeshi students in grades 8 through 11, allowing them to study at a U.S. high school and live with an American host family for up to one academic year. The program is fully funded, merit-based, and completely free to apply.
Since its launch in 2004, more than 300 Bangladeshi students have participated in the YES program.
Information Session:
Hosted by Mushfiq Hasan, YES Program Manager, U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.
What the Program Offers
Live and Study in the United States: Participants will attend a local high school and live with a host family, gaining firsthand experience of American culture and society. They can explore a variety of subjects and join extracurricular activities such as robotics, debate, and art clubs.
Leadership Development and Global Networking: Students will participate in community service projects, learn leadership skills, and become part of a global alumni network that fosters cross-cultural understanding and respect for diversity.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
Eligibility Requirements (for more information, please visit the www.iearnbd.org):
Be between 15 and 17 years old by August 15, 2023 (Date of birth must be between August 15, 2006, and August 15, 2008).
Be currently enrolled in grade 8, 9, 10, or 11 in a Bangladeshi high school or college. Students from coaching centers or studying abroad are not eligible.
Have a B average or higher with no failing grades.
Provide academic transcripts from 2020, 2021, and 2022. Applicants must not have repeated or skipped any academic year during this period.
Be a citizen and resident of Bangladesh. Dual citizens and U.S. permanent residents are not eligible.
Not have spent more than 90 days in the U.S. in the last five years.
Meet J-1 visa requirements (U.S. citizens are not eligible).
Have a strong command of the English language.
Have no parent currently employed by the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Mission.
