ISLAMABAD: The United States (US) Department of State has ended the Global Undergraduate (Global UGRAD) exchange programme for Pakistani students after 15 years.
This decision follows President Donald Trump’s broader aid cuts. These cuts aim to pressure governments to align with US foreign policy. They have affected food, education, medical, and cultural exchange programmes.
The US launched Global UGRAD in 2010. It allowed Pakistani undergraduate students to study in the US for one semester. The programme promoted mutual understanding through cultural and academic exchange.
Over 15 years, more than 2,500 Pakistani students joined the programme. According to the US Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), it helped students grow as leaders, gain academic skills, and learn about other cultures.
“We regret to inform you that after 15 incredible years, Global UGRAD has ended,” said USEFP. “The US Department of State informed USEFP that the Global UGRAD-Pakistan programme will no longer be offered.”
USEFP called the news “disappointing,” especially for students who applied this year. It praised the programme for changing lives and creating long-term impact.
However, several other US programs are still available. The Fulbright Programme continues to offer fully funded scholarships for graduate students. Mid-career professionals can apply for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship. Young English teachers may join the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Programme.
The Community College Initiative Programme (CCIP) offers one-year technical certificates. The Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Programme helps government school teachers improve their classroom methods.
