14-April-2025

USEFP Clarifies Global UGRAD Changes Amid Public Concerns

In response to growing speculation and media reports regarding the future of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) in Pakistan, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has issued an official statement to provide clarity. The organization emphasized its unwavering commitment to educational cooperation between the United States and Pakistan.

Key Highlights from USEFP’s Statement

  • Global UGRAD is not terminated but is undergoing strategic changes.

  • Current participants (54 students) will complete their exchanges as scheduled.

  • Fulbright Program remains fully operational and unaffected.

  • The U.S. continues to host over 11,000 Pakistani students across various institutions.

  • Strategic global review of all U.S. academic exchange programs is ongoing.

Current Status of Global UGRAD Program in Pakistan

What is Global UGRAD?

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) offers one-semester scholarships to undergraduate students from Pakistan to study in the United States.

Recent Developments

USEFP confirmed that:

  • The program is not being discontinued, but revised.

  • The ongoing review is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. Department of State.

  • All current awardees are receiving their full stipends and benefits.

✅ Status of Current Participants (Spring 2025 Batch)

Participant Group Status Remarks
54 Pakistani Students Continuing as Scheduled Receiving full stipends and academic support

Clarification on Fulbright Program in Pakistan

In addition to addressing concerns about Global UGRAD, USEFP also responded to rumors about the Fulbright Program:

"Assertions that the Fulbright Program has been terminated or that students will be left stranded in the United States are false," said USEFP.

Current Status of Fulbright Program

Program Status Support Provided
Fulbright Pakistan Fully Operational Financial aid, stipends, academic support

USEFP’s Continued Support for Pakistani Students

🇺🇸 Academic Ties Between Pakistan and the U.S.

The U.S. continues to prioritize educational and cultural exchanges with Pakistan:

  • Over 11,000 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in U.S. institutions.

  • Multiple government-funded exchange opportunities remain open.

  • Strategic reviews are being conducted to enhance alignment with current U.S. goals, not to reduce opportunities.

📣 USEFP Reassures Students and Parents

USEFP encouraged students, parents, and institutions to rely only on official channels for updates and to disregard unverified social media rumors.

📌 Recommendations for Students:

  • Follow USEFP’s official website and social media pages.

  • Check for updates regularly regarding exchange programs.

  • Contact USEFP directly for any queries related to ongoing or upcoming exchanges.

Key Exchange Programs Still Open for Pakistan

Here are other U.S.-sponsored educational and exchange programs still actively running in Pakistan:

Program Name Target Audience Purpose
Fulbright Program Graduate Students, Researchers Master’s and Ph.D. studies in the U.S.
Humphrey Fellowship Mid-career Professionals Non-degree program for professional growth
Global UGRAD Undergraduate Students One semester study in the U.S.
YES Program High School Students Cultural exchange for a full academic year

USEFP's Commitment: Looking Ahead

While the Global UGRAD Program may be undergoing structural changes, the broader framework of U.S.-Pakistan educational collaboration remains robust and future-focused.

🔍 Why the Review?

The U.S. Department of State is conducting a global strategic review of all exchange initiatives. The objective is to:

  • Align programs with current foreign policy and development goals.

  • Increase program effectiveness and impact.

  • Ensure the sustainability of long-term exchange opportunities.