Dashing the hopes of hundreds of bright students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has discontinued its Global Undergraduate Exchange Program for Pakistan (Global UGRAD).
“We regret to inform you that after 15 remarkable years, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program for Pakistan (Global UGRAD) has come to an end,” the USEFP stated.
“The US Department of State has informed USEFP that the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Program will no longer be offered.”
Education experts commented that the program had a significant and lasting impact on thousands of students, providing them with opportunities for academic and leadership development while fostering cultural exchange, adding that this announcement was deeply disappointing for students aiming to study overseas.
“We understand that this news may be upsetting, particularly for those who applied this year and were looking forward to this opportunity,” the USEFP acknowledged.
“Over the years, the Global UGRAD has provided transformative experiences to thousands of students, promoting academic growth, cultural exchange, and the development of leadership skills.”
Expressing pride in the scholarship’s success, the USEFP expressed regret over the termination of such a beneficial program, wishing past beneficiaries well in their future endeavors.
“We are incredibly proud of the positive impact this program has had on its participants and the communities they have engaged with,” USEFP added.
The USEFP stated that it still encourages students to remain attentive to opportunities for personal and academic advancement.
“We sincerely appreciate your interest in the program and your dedication to personal and academic development. While this chapter is closing, we encourage you to explore other exchange and scholarship possibilities that may align with your goals.”
In conclusion, USEFP extended best wishes to all participants for success in their future academic and professional paths. “We wish you all the very best in your academic and professional journeys.”
USEFP was established in 1950 to administer the prestigious Fulbright Program, the flagship scholarship program of the US government.
The Global Undergraduate Exchange (Global UGRAD) Program was established in 2010, through which more than 2,657 undergraduate students have had the chance to study for a semester at US colleges and universities.
The scholarship program has been discontinued as a consequence of the Trump administration’s funding freeze affecting several prominent international education grant programs in the US.
According to ICEF Monitor, over 10,000 students and professionals involved in international exchanges – both American and those from other countries – have had their funding withdrawn.
They have received no indication regarding when – or if – funding for their programs will be reinstated, according to a report published last month.
