The United States has officially ended the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistani students after running it for 15 years. This decision was made following instructions from the U.S. State Department. The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), which managed the program in Pakistan, shared the news and expressed deep regret over the decision. They also acknowledged the disappointment felt by students who had recently applied for the program and were hoping for a chance to study in the U.S.
The Global UGRAD program was launched in 2010 and has since helped more than 2,500 Pakistani students. It provided them with the opportunity to study for one semester at universities in the United States. The program focused not only on academics, but also on leadership development and cultural exchange. Many of the students who participated in the program have gone on to do great work in their communities, applying what they learned abroad to bring about positive change at home.
Ending the program marks the close of an important chapter in U.S.-Pakistan educational ties. The decision also reflects a larger shift in how the United States is reviewing and changing its visa and exchange policies. These changes are creating uncertainty for many international students who want to study in the U.S., not just from Pakistan but from around the world.
USEFP, which has been working since 1950, plays a key role in promoting educational and cultural ties between Pakistan and the United States. It has supported thousands of Pakistani students and professionals through scholarships, exchange programs, and advising services. Despite the end of the Global UGRAD program, USEFP has stated that it will continue to support other opportunities for Pakistanis to study in the U.S. and to keep building strong educational connections between the two countries.
