U.S. Department of State Programs for High School Students

The State Department fully funds high school exchange and language programs — NSLI-Y for critical languages, CBYX for a year in Germany, YES Abroad for cultural exchange — flights, tuition, and homestays included.

These are the most generous international programs a U.S. high schooler can access, and they select on maturity and genuine interest in the world, not GPA perfection.

11 verified U.S. Department of State programs, 11 free — every listing includes cost, eligibility, deadline, and the official application link.

Featured programs

Browse 11+ curated programs for high school students:

  • Fulbright U.S. Student Program — U.S. Department of State / IIE: Prestigious international fellowship offering virtual research and teaching opportunities for high school seniors. Boosts college applications and bui
  • NSLI-Y Creative Content Fellowship — U.S. Department of State: State Department program combining critical language learning with creative content production. Unique blend of language skills and creativity.
  • Youth Ambassadors Program (U.S.) — U.S. Department of State & World Learning: Empower your leadership skills with this free hybrid exchange program for high schoolers. Gain hands-on experience in service, build your resume, and
  • Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study — U.S. Department of State: Transform your high school experience with a free year-long cultural exchange program. Build global skills, enhance college applications, and grow as
  • State Department Student Programs — U.S. Department of State: Explore leadership and government through free State Department internships and exchange programs. Gain hands-on diplomacy experience to boost college
  • National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) — U.S. Department of State: Immerse in a free summer program abroad to master critical languages, explore diverse cultures, and boost college applications. Perfect for ambitious
  • Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) - High School — U.S. Department of State (administered by AFS/CIEE/YFU): Merit-based full scholarship for an academic year in Germany with a host family.
  • Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) — U.S. Department of State: Transform your leadership skills in this free, fully funded summer program focused on transatlantic relations. Perfect for high school students buildi
  • Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program — U.S. Department of State: Fully funded year-long exchange program bringing students from Eurasia to live with American host families and attend U.S. high schools. Promotes mutu
  • National Security Language Initiative for Youth Creative Content Fellowship — U.S. Department of State: Fellowship creating digital content about language learning experiences. Alumni of NSLI-Y eligible. Combines language skills with creative communicati
  • Lugar YES Abroad — U.S. Department of State & American Councils: A other opportunity for high school students.

Frequently asked questions

Does U.S. Department of State offer programs for high school students?

Yes — ExtracurricularHub lists 11 verified U.S. Department of State programs open to high school students, each with cost, eligibility, deadline, and an official application link. The State Department fully funds high school exchange and language programs — NSLI-Y for critical languages, CBYX for a year in Germany, YES Abroad for cultural exchange — flights, tuition, and homestays included.

Are any U.S. Department of State high school programs free?

Yes — 11 of the U.S. Department of State programs featured on this page charge no participation fee. Funded programs are often the most selective, so apply early and to more than one.

Which U.S. Department of State deadlines are coming up soonest?

The next deadlines: Fulbright U.S. Student Program (October 6, 2026); Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (October 15, 2026); State Department Student Programs (October 15, 2026). Deadlines change every cycle — always confirm on the official U.S. Department of State page.

How competitive are U.S. Department of State programs?

It varies widely within one organization — flagship selective programs sit alongside broad-access options. Read each listing's eligibility, and treat the selective ones as reach applications: apply to several programs across organizations rather than betting a summer on one.