Global UGRAD Exchange
The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) officially announced on Tuesday that the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistani students has been discontinued.
The program’s closure comes as a directive from the U.S. Department of State, bringing an end to a 15-year-long academic exchange initiative that has benefited thousands of Pakistani undergraduates.
This decision has been met with widespread disappointment among students and educators in Pakistan, especially those who had applied for the 2025 cohort and were eagerly awaiting a chance to participate.
The Global UGRAD Program was widely regarded as one of the most prestigious academic and cultural exchange platforms, allowing Pakistani students to study for one semester at American universities while engaging in community service, leadership training, and cultural immersion.
In a heartfelt statement, the USEFP expressed deep regret over the discontinuation of the program, emphasizing the transformative impact it had on countless students over the years. “The Global UGRAD Program has provided life-changing experiences for Pakistani youth, fostering academic development, leadership qualities, and meaningful cultural engagement with the United States,” the statement noted.
Over the years, the program played a vital role in strengthening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the United States. Students who participated often returned with broadened perspectives, enhanced academic skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Many alumni of the program have gone on to serve in leadership roles in academia, business, civil society, and public service, contributing to their communities and the broader national development.
The USEFP acknowledged that while the conclusion of the Global UGRAD Program is a significant loss, it urged aspiring scholars not to be disheartened. “Although this chapter is closing, we encourage students to explore other international scholarship and exchange programs that align with their academic and professional goals,” the statement read.
The foundation thanked all those who had applied and shown interest in the program over the years, and extended its best wishes to students for their future endeavors.
Pakistani students are encouraged to visit the official USEFP website (www.usefp.org) for updates on other educational opportunities and available scholarships.
The closure of the Global UGRAD Program marks the end of an era in U.S.-Pakistan academic collaboration, but it also opens the door for new initiatives and pathways for global learning.
