SUSI stands for Study of the U.S. Institutes, a fully funded summer exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It offers undergraduate students from Pakistan (and other countries) an immersive academic and cultural experience in the U.S. through leadership development and public policy learning.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, a student must meet the following:
- Citizenship & residency — be a Pakistani citizen currently living in Pakistan
- Age requirement — be 18–25 years old by the program start (June/July 2025)
- Education status — be an undergraduate student at a university in any field, with at least one semester remaining after returning home
- Academic & language skills — maintain a good academic record and demonstrate English proficiency suitable for studying
- Leadership & community involvement — display leadership potential and experience in community service, volunteering, or student leadership roles
- Travel experience — preference given to those without prior U.S. study or residence
- Commitment — must fully participate and return to Pakistan to continue studies
- Restrictions — U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and those with immediate family at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate are not eligible
In short: the program wants young Pakistani undergraduates (18–25) who are good students, active in their communities, and ready to return home after learning in the U.S.
SUSI 2025 Application Timeline
- Applications opened: October 2024
- Deadline to apply: November 11, 2024
- Shortlisting & interviews: December 2024 – January 2025
- Final selection announced: early 2025 (Feb–March)
- Visa & pre-departure orientation: April–May 2025
- Program duration in the U.S.: June–July 2025 (5–6 weeks)
Application Process
- Online application form — fill in personal info, academics, leadership, and community work
- Required documents — attach transcripts, CV/resume, ID/B-Form, and recommendation letters
- Submit application — before the deadline (November 2024 for SUSI 2025)
- Shortlisting — applications reviewed; selected students called for interviews
- Interview & essays — online/phone interview plus short written tasks
- Final selection — successful candidates notified in early 2025
- Visa & orientation — attend sessions and get a J-1 visa
- Travel to the U.S. — join the program in June–July 2025 for 5–6 weeks
Duration of Stay
5 to 6 weeks, usually held in June–July every year. Students stay at a U.S. university campus (dorms) with cultural trips to different American cities.