In a move that has drawn deep disappointment across academic circles in Pakistan, the United States has officially discontinued the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistani students.
The announcement, made by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) on Tuesday, brings an end to a transformative educational exchange initiative that had spanned 15 years.
UGRAD —legacy of Academic and Cultural Exchange
Launched in 2010 by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State, the Global UGRAD Pakistan Program offered undergraduate students from Pakistan a unique opportunity to spend one semester at American colleges and universities. Administered by USEFP in Pakistan and IREX in the United States, the initiative focused on academic enrichment, cultural exchange, and community service.
Over 2,500 Pakistani students benefited from the program, which placed special emphasis on inclusion, seeking applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, remote regions, and underrepresented communities. Many participants returned home with refined leadership abilities, broadened global perspectives, and a strengthened commitment to civic engagement.
USEFP confirms UGRAD termination
The formal announcement from USEFP read: “We regret to inform you that after 15 incredible years, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program for Pakistan has come to an end. The U.S. Department of State informed USEFP that the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Program will no longer be offered.”
The Foundation acknowledged the emotional weight of the news, especially for students who had applied for the upcoming cycle, and noted the life-changing impact the program had on its alumni and their communities.
“Over the years, the Global UGRAD program has provided life-changing experiences to thousands of students, fostering academic growth, cultural exchange, and leadership development. We are immensely proud of the impact this program has had on its participants and the communities they have touched,” USEFP stated.
In response to public concerns about the announcement of the termination of the Global UGRAD program, USEFP clarified that the 54 Pakistani students currently studying in the U.S. under the UGRAD program “will complete their programs and return to Pakistan as planned.” USEFP also stated that the U.S. Department of State is currently “conducting a strategic global review of U.S. exchange programs to ensure close alignment to Administration priorities.”
Budget cuts and policy shifts behind closure
Though no official reason was cited in the statement, sources within the education and foreign policy sectors point to a larger reconfiguration of U.S. foreign aid priorities. The closure of the UGRAD program is believed to be a direct consequence of significant cuts to foreign assistance under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. These included a 92% reduction in multi-year contracts affecting education and cultural exchange initiatives.
The Trump-era funding freeze targeted what were termed “non-essential” programs, leading to the review, reduction, or cancellation of several flagship projects, including UGRAD and the Fulbright scholarship program.
Is Fulbright program also in jeopardy?
The Fulbright Program, often regarded as the pinnacle of U.S.-Pakistan educational cooperation, has been in limbo since early 2025, following a sudden suspension of ECA-administered exchanges. Despite accepting applications for the 2026 cycle, insiders suggest the outlook remains grim.
USEFP continues to review Fulbright submissions in the hope of resumption, but current scholars in the U.S. are already facing disruptions, with stipend payments reportedly delayed. The Institute of International Education (IIE), which manages Fulbright program globally, has furloughed staff as uncertainty persists.
Chairman of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, expressed concern over the developments: “In my personal opinion, this should have continued… It was a very good program.” He also called for current scholars in the U.S. to be allowed to complete their education without disruption.
More than 4,000 Pakistani students have availed the Fulbright scholarship since it was launched in 195, according to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
Growing anxiety among Pakistan students
With around 11,000 Pakistani students enrolled in U.S. institutions during the 2023–24 academic year—a 16% increase from the previous year—Pakistan ranks among the top 15 countries sending students to the United States. However, recent policy shifts have created an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Students now face increased scrutiny, including visa delays and tighter regulations. Even minor infractions, such as traffic violations, have reportedly jeopardized visa statuses. One student studying in the Midwest shared their experience: “There’s a constant fear now. You don’t know whether a simple mistake will cost you your degree, your status, or your future.”
As the summer break approaches, many students are torn between returning home—with the risk of being denied re-entry—and staying in the U.S. under growing uncertainty.
Opportunities diminish, Hope persists
The discontinuation of the Global UGRAD Pakistan Program signifies the closing of a significant chapter in US-Pakistan educational ties. USEFP, while expressing pride in the program’s impact, urged students to explore alternate exchange opportunities and scholarships still available.
Since its inception, more than 9,300 Pakistanis and 935 Americans have participated in USEFP-administered program, reflecting the scale of bilateral cooperation in education. As one door closes, the educational community in Pakistan remains hopeful that future policies will once again prioritize people-to-people engagement and academic exchange.
This news was updated on April 11, 8:10pm