Amid growing concern and media reports about the discontinuation of the Global Undergraduate Exchange (Global UGRAD) Program in Pakistan, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has issued an official statement to clarify the situation and reassure students and the public.
According to the statement, the US and USEFP reaffirm their strong commitment to fostering strong and enduring people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the United States. Currently, over 11,000 Pakistani students are enrolled in US universities, making the US one of the top choices for Pakistanis seeking higher education abroad, it added.
"We encourage Pakistanis to continue to choose the United States for higher education opportunities," the USEFP stated.
The statement confirms that the 54 Pakistani students currently in the US under the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program will complete their academic programs as planned and will continue to receive all benefits, including stipends, associated with the program. These students are expected to return to Pakistan after the conclusion of their exchange.
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Responding to rumours about the termination of other US-funded programs, USEFP strongly denied any such developments, especially regarding the prestigious Fulbright Program, which remains fully operational. Fulbright scholars in the United States continue to receive their funding, and any claims about stranded students or a halted program are entirely false.
However, the US Department of State is currently conducting a strategic global review of all its exchange initiatives to align them with the Trump administration’s evolving foreign policy priorities. USEFP assured that any updates regarding future changes will be communicated promptly.
Earlier, the USEFP had officially announced the cessation of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistani students. The decision, communicated by the US Department of State, marked the end of the program after 15 years.
The Global UGRAD Program was a significant platform for Pakistani students to gain academic exposure, leadership skills, and cultural experiences in the United States.
The USEFP, in its statement, expressed its regret over the discontinuation of the program but acknowledged the substantial impact it had over the years. "The program has provided life-changing experiences for thousands of students, helping them grow academically, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges," said the foundation.
