The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has announced the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) for 2024, a unique opportunity for Pakistani students to experience academic and cultural exchange in the United States. The program is open to students in their 14th or 15th year of formal education, which includes those enrolled in either a four-year or two-year bachelor’s program.
UGRAD offers an enriching experience that goes beyond academics. Selected students will be provided with round-trip airfare to and from the United States, tuition fees, accommodation, and meals during the program, a limited allowance for books and study materials, health coverage for accidents and sicknesses, and a monthly allowance for personal expenses.
The eligibility criteria for the UGRAD 2024 Study Exchange Program stipulate that applicants must be Pakistani citizens aged 25 or younger, and currently enrolled in a college or university. They must also commit to returning to their home institutions upon completing the program. Proficiency in English, strong leadership qualities, academic excellence, and a sincere interest in cross-cultural learning are highly valued. The program encourages applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially those with limited international exposure.
However, certain categories of individuals are not eligible for the UGRAD program. These include applicants with dual U.S./Pakistani nationality or U.S. permanent residence status, individuals with a parent, spouse, or fiancé who holds U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency, employees of the Fulbright organization, U.S. Department of State, USAID, or HEC and their immediate family members, and students in their final year of university.
The application process for the USEFP UGRAD 2024 Study Exchange Program is digital and straightforward. Applicants are required to submit their applications online, attaching essential supporting documents, including transcripts with grading scale explanations. University-attested transcript copies, including the latest one, should be uploaded before submitting the application. Only selected candidates will be requested to provide reference letters and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current academic institution.
The application window for UGRAD 2024 closes on September 27, 2023. This program presents an incredible opportunity for Pakistani students to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in a new academic and cultural landscape.