The Global UGRAD, a transformative study in USA opportunity, invites undergraduate students worldwide to participate in a one-semester US exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Administered by World Learning globally and USEFP (United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan) for Pakistani students, this non-degree program immerses participants in U.S. higher education at accredited colleges and universities. Open to all academic disciplines, including Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, Arts, Environmental Studies, and Sciences, it fosters cross-cultural academic odyssey, equipping scholars with skills to address global challenges like climate change and social equity.

The US exchange programs offer full-time undergraduate coursework, including a mandatory 3-credit U.S. Studies course, to deepen understanding of American society and values. Participants engage in 20 hours of community service, such as volunteering at local nonprofits, and attend professional development workshops, including a capstone event in Washington, D.C.. Engineering students explore innovative technologies, while Social Sciences scholars analyze global policy trends. Arts candidates contribute to cultural projects, and Environmental Studies participants tackle sustainability issues, enhancing global knowledge. With a 90% program satisfaction rate, alumni excel as community leaders, entrepreneurs, or policy advocates, supported by networks like the Global UGRAD Alumni Association.

The Global UGRAD champions global cultural networking. Scholars collaborate with American peers and international students from over 50 countries, fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Administered by World Learning and IREX for Pakistan, the program emphasizes inclusivity, recruiting from underrepresented communities. Cultural immersion activities, like Thanksgiving celebrations or campus festivals, and student societies, such as UGRAD Cultural Ambassadors, enrich the diverse exchange experience, with 15% of participants initiating community-driven projects post-program.

Studying in the USA, scholars experience a cross-cultural academic odyssey. They explore landmarks like New York’s Statue of Liberty, San Francisco’s Alcatraz, or Chicago’s Millennium Park, engaging with America’s cultural vibrancy. Events like Fourth of July celebrations, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, or Boston’s Freedom Trail tours deepen immersion. U.S. campuses, with state-of-the-art libraries, research labs, and student centers, support a global exchange immersion, enhanced by connectivity to London, Tokyo, and Dubai. The USA’s safe, dynamic environment (U.S. News Best Countries 2025) complements academic pursuits.

Join a global cohort to pioneer cultural exchange, embrace U.S. academic excellence, and shape a transformative future with Global UGRAD!

Global Undergraduate Exchange Program:

Host Country:

The United States of America.

Sponsored By:

The Global UGRAD exchange program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Administrated By:

World Learning.

Program Duration:

The duration of the international exchange program is one semester.

No. of Applicants:

300 undergraduate students.

Benefits of the Global UGRAD Program:

The Global UGRAD Program provides funding for:

•Pre-departure travel allowance.
•Roundtrip international airfare (economy class).
•Tuition and required university fees.
•On-campus housing and meals.
•Required textbooks.
•Monthly stipend for living expenses.
•Basic health benefits.
•Costs for attending the End of Program Workshop in Washington, DC.

Eligibility Requirements of Global UGRAD:

1. Must be a citizen of one of the participating countries.

2. Must be at least 18 years old at the time of the program’s academic year.

3. Must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate in good academic standing at an accredited institution.

4. Must have at least one full academic year of undergraduate study left after at the time of the program year.

5. Must be able to communicate in English.

6. Must be dedicated to serving their community.

7. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.

Ineligibility for the Global UGRAD Program:

1. U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.

2. Individuals currently studying, training, or doing research in the U.S.

3. Individuals living or working outside the participating countries.

4. Those who participated in U.S. government-funded exchange programs for over six weeks and haven’t fulfilled the two-year home residency requirement.

5. Applicants who applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.

6. Employees and immediate family members of non-profits administering Global UGRAD on behalf of the U.S. Department of State (except self-supporting family members who live separately).

7. Local employees of U.S. missions or USAID abroad, ineligible during employment and for one year after employment ends.

8. Immediate family members of U.S. Department of State employees and/or USAID staff, ineligible for one year after employment ends (except self-supporting family members living separately).

List of the Global UGRAD Participating Countries:

•Africa (Sub-Saharan): Eligible countries from Sub-Saharan Africa include Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, and Zimbabwe.

•East Asia and the Pacific: Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pacific Islands (Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu), Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

•Europe and Eurasia: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine.

•Near East (Middle East and North Africa): Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories (West Bank), Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia.

•South and Central Asia: Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

•Western Hemisphere: Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, and Venezuela.

Documents required for Global Undergraduate Exchange Program:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate high school degree.

3. Academic transcript of high school program (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).

7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).

Scholarship Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in December 2025.

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.