Global Undergraduate Semester Exchange Program (UGRAD)

Current Status: Open
Deadline: September 25, 2024

The Global Undergraduate Semester Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistan was launched in 2010 by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State. The program is administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and in the United States by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).

Since its inception, the Global UGRAD program has quickly gained popularity among Pakistani university students. The first cohort of 100 fellows from the 2010-11 Global UGRAD-Pakistan program returned home to complete their undergraduate degrees at Pakistani universities after a transformative semester in the United States.

The USEFP is particularly focused on reaching out to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and remote areas who would not otherwise have access to such opportunities. The program strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and people with disabilities.

Program Details

– Tentative Announcement: September/October
– Duration: One Semester (Fall or Spring)
– Program Start: Fall of the following year

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Global UGRAD program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

– Be Pakistani citizens
– Be between 18-24 years old by the application deadline
– Be currently enrolled in a college or university in Pakistan and committed to returning to their home institution after completing the program
– Be in their 14th year of formal education (typically the 2nd year of a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application)
– Submit current/most recent and previous academic transcripts with the application

Ineligibility Criteria

Applicants will not be eligible if they:

– Hold dual U.S./Pakistani nationality or U.S. permanent residency
– Are employees or immediate family members of employees of the Fulbright organization, the U.S. Department of State, or USAID
– Have previously visited the United States on a J-visa or received a U.S. government-funded grant

Apply here.