The United States has discontinued the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistan after 15 years, marking the end of a flagship initiative that provided life-changing academic and cultural experiences to thousands of Pakistani students. The announcement was made by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), which expressed regret over the decision, calling it “disappointing” for applicants who had hoped to participate this year.
Launched in 2010 and funded by the U.S. Department of State, Global UGRAD offered Pakistani undergraduates the chance to spend a semester at U.S. universities, fostering leadership skills, academic enrichment, and cross-cultural understanding. Over its 15-year run, the program benefited more than 2,500 students, creating lasting ties between the two nations.
USEFP, a binational commission established in 1950, acknowledged the program’s profound impact, stating it had “touched countless lives” through academic growth and community engagement. While no specific reason was given for the cancellation, the move aligns with broader cuts to U.S. foreign aid and exchange programs under the Trump administration, which slashed multi-year development contracts by 92% in a push to prioritize domestic interests.
“We sincerely appreciate your interest in the program and your commitment to growth,” USEFP said in a statement. “While this chapter is closing, we encourage you to explore other exchange and scholarship opportunities that may align with your aspirations.”
The termination of Global UGRAD leaves a significant gap in U.S.-Pakistan educational exchanges, but USEFP reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining people-to-people ties through remaining initiatives. For affected students, the foundation’s website continues to list alternative pathways for those seeking international academic exposure.
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