Submissions open for YES Program 2025-26 (Nigeria)

High school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for an academic year in the United States through the U.S. Department of State’s exchange program.

Participants live with a host family, attend an American high school, acquire leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about U.S. society and values; they also help educate Americans about their home country and culture.

The program officially launched in Nigeria hopes to expand communication between the people of the United States and Nigeria in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, over 402 Nigerian students have completed the YES program and now participate as alumni.

Eligible Costs

• The YES scholarship covers costs related to:
  • round-trip airfare from your home country to the United States
  • the cost of a Pre-Departure Orientation
  • placement with a U.S. host family for 10 to 11 months
  • a modest monthly stipend
  • health insurance
  • the cost of program activities and materials.

Ineligible Costs

• Costs associated with obtaining a passport
• Required medical examinations and immunizations
• Extra pocket money while on program.

Eligibility Criteria

• In keeping with the U.S. Government-sponsored initiatives, dedicated to democratic reform, the competition for the Youth Exchange and Study scholarship is merit-based and open at no cost to all applicants who meet the following requirements:
  • Be between the ages of 15-18 by the start of program (August 15, 2025)
  • Must be enrolled in a secondary school in Adamawa, Bauchi, Katsina, or Taraba states
  • Must have completed JS3 class by August 2025
  • Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades
  • Not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the U.S. in the last five years
  • Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa)
  • Be a resident and citizen of Nigeria
  • The program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Applicants who have completed or graduated from any secondary school before the start of the 2025-26 program year are not eligible for a YES scholarship. This applies to all program countries.

Selection Criteria

• There are multiple rounds to the YES application and selection process. All applicants are required to take an English proficiency exam, write a proctored essay, complete a YES program application, and participate in group and individual in-person interviews. All finalists are selected on the basis of merit.

For more information, visit Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study.