USEFP Discontinues Global UGRAD Program for Pakistani Students: Impact and Alternatives

The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) recently announced that the highly renowned Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistani students would be discontinued. This marks the conclusion of a 15-year relationship aimed at offering transformative academic experiences for Pakistani undergraduates in the United States.

“We regret to inform you that after 15 incredible years, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program for Pakistan (Global UGRAD) has come to an end,” the USEFP said in a statement.

Overview of the Global UGRAD Program

The Global UGRAD initiative, which began in 2010, allowed undergraduate students from Pakistan to study for one semester at authorized US schools and universities. Throughout its lifetime, the program helped nearly 2,500 students gain vital exposure to academic institutions in the United States, as well as cultural interchange and leadership development.
The program was created to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Pakistan, allowing students from various backgrounds to form worldwide networks and improve their academic credentials. It quickly became one of the most popular options for Pakistani students seeking international experience and personal development.

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Impact on Pakistani Students

The discontinuation of the Global UGRAD program is especially noteworthy for Pakistani students, who have long regarded it as a prestigious and life-changing opportunity. The program not only provided students with the opportunity to pursue academic excellence in the United States, but it also assisted them in developing important leadership qualities and broadening their professional opportunities. The disappointment among students who planned to apply for or participate in the 2025 cohort is apparent.
USEFP has acknowledged the decision's impact and expressed concern for the interruption to students' goals. For many, the Global UGRAD program represented a unique opportunity to study abroad, connect with different cultures, and obtain new insights that would help them in their academic and professional lives.

Looking Ahead: Other Opportunities for Pakistani Students

While the discontinuation of Global UGRAD is unfortunate, it does not mean the end of chances for Pakistani students interested in overseas education. USEFP encourages students to look into additional exchange programs and scholarships available to them, both in the United States and abroad. The non-profit organization is still dedicated to providing alternative educational programs that benefit Pakistan's young.
Furthermore, numerous American colleges and other organizations continue to provide other scholarship programs, such as the Fulbright Program, which remains a good option for individuals seeking graduate-level study and research opportunities in the United States.