US Discontinues Global UGRAD Exchange Programme for Pakistani Students After 15 Years

USEFP Confirms End of Iconic Semester-Long Academic Exchange Citing Funding Cuts; Encourages Students to Explore Alternative Opportunities

Islamabad [Pakistan], April 9: In a significant development, the United States Government has officially ended the Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme (Global UGRAD) for Pakistani students after running it successfully for 15 years. The announcement was made by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), as reported by Dawn on Tuesday.

The Global UGRAD programme, launched in 2010 and funded by the US Department of State, offered Pakistani undergraduates a life-changing opportunity to spend a semester studying at a U.S. college or university. While the programme did not grant degrees, it was widely appreciated for its focus on academic exposure, cultural exchange, leadership development, and community service.

“We regret to inform you that after 15 incredible years, the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Programme has come to an end,” stated USEFP. “The U.S. Department of State has notified us that the program will no longer be available.”

USEFP expressed deep disappointment over the termination, especially for students who had applied for the 2025 intake. The Foundation praised the programme’s long-lasting impact on thousands of Pakistani students who returned with enhanced academic skills, global perspectives, and a strong commitment to leadership and community development.

The programme’s closure comes in the wake of substantial funding cuts to U.S. overseas development assistance. According to Dawn, under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, international aid programmes saw budget reductions of up to 92%, amounting to USD 54 billion. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order freezing all foreign aid for 90 days, triggering a chain reaction of cancelled or scaled-back initiatives.

Despite the setback, USEFP remains committed to providing Pakistani students with international academic opportunities. “While this programme is ending, many other exchange and scholarship programmes are available, and we encourage students to pursue those in alignment with their educational goals,” the statement added.

Founded in 1950, USEFP is a bi-national commission created by the governments of the United States and Pakistan to promote educational exchange between the two nations.