In a heartfelt announcement, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) confirmed that the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program for Pakistan (Global UGRAD) has officially come to an end after 15 years of transformative academic and cultural exchange.
The decision, communicated by the U.S. Department of State, means that the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Program will no longer be offered in the future. The program, which began in 2010, has provided thousands of Pakistani undergraduate students the opportunity to study in the United States for one semester, promoting cross-cultural understanding, academic development, and leadership training.
“This is a bittersweet moment,” a USEFP spokesperson said. “While we are saddened to see this chapter close, we are deeply proud of the immense impact the program has had on individuals and communities across Pakistan.”
The announcement comes as a disappointment to many hopeful applicants, particularly those who had applied for the upcoming cycle. However, USEFP emphasized that this should not deter students from pursuing their academic and personal goals. They encouraged aspiring scholars to explore alternative exchange and scholarship opportunities available through other programs.
Over the years, Global UGRAD alumni have gone on to become leaders in various fields, citing their time in the program as a defining period in their personal and professional development.
As the Global UGRAD Program bows out, its legacy of fostering mutual understanding and empowering young minds remains a lasting testament to the power of international educational exchange.
