In a significant development, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has announced the end of historic Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistan in April 2025.
In a press release published by the USEFP, it stated, “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 U.S. Department of State informed USEFP that the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Program will no longer be offered.”
Global UGRAD program in Pakistan provided abundant opportunities to undergraduate students across the country, particularly those marginalised socio-economic backgrounds.
“We understand that this news may be disappointing, especially for those who applied this year and were looking forward to this opportunity,” the press release stated.
Under this program, few dozen students were chosen after a rigorous process who would outcompete thousands of applicants from across the country. The program provided amazing opportunity to numerous students to study a semester abroad in US universities.
“Over the years, the Global UGRAD Program has provided life-changing experiences to thousands of students, fostering academic growth, cultural exchange, and leadership development,” the USEFP stated.
“While this chapter is closing, we encourage you to explore other exchange and scholarship opportunities that may align with your aspirations. We wish you all the best in your academic and professional journeys,” it concluded.
The news of Global UGRAD-Pakistan ending has come as a shock and disappointment for many students in Pakistan. THE USEFP did not specify the reason why the funding was ended for the amazing exchange program. However, it clarified that the US Department of State closed the UGRAD-Pakistan program.
What is the status of Fullbright Degree Program?
The Fullbright Master’s and PhD Program funds graduate study in the United States. Like Global-UGRAD, the Fulbright is also a very prestigious and renowned scholarship opportunity which comes under the purview of USEFP.
Many students are concerned whether the US Department of State will close down the ambitious Fullbright Master’s and PhD program.
As of now, the USEF Pakistan has not released any statement regarding the status of Fullbright program in Pakistan.
Social media users expressed shock and disappointment over the development, with one user commenting, “Fullbright is next.”
Another student, wrote, “Ahhh. I tried so hard for this.” While another user commented, “This program had been instrumental for so many and it is really disappointing to know that it won’t be offered anymore.”
One user wrote: “Before getting into the university i always wanted that one day i will apply and i did but sadly i didn’t knew this gonna happen 💔”
