US Ends Global UGRAD Program for Pakistanis

In a significant development, the United States has officially shut down the Global Undergraduate Exchange (UGRAD) Program for Pakistani students after 15 years of operation. The decision marks the end of one of the most impactful academic exchange programs between the two countries. Launched in 2010, the Global UGRAD Pakistan Program provided fully funded opportunities for Pakistani undergraduate students to study one semester at U.S. universities, gaining academic experience, leadership training, and exposure to American culture. Over the past decade and a half, the program benefited over 2,500 Pakistani students, many of whom have gone on to become community leaders, entrepreneurs, and contributors to various sectors in Pakistan. In an official statement, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad acknowledged the program’s success and thanked participants for their contributions to strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations. However, no specific reason was provided for the discontinuation.

The U.S. Mission to Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to educational collaboration and stated that it would continue to support other exchange and scholarship programs, such as the Fulbright Program, which remains one of the largest in the world for Pakistani students. The decision has drawn disappointment from students and alumni across the country. Many took to social media to share their gratitude for the life-changing experiences they gained through the initiative. Education analysts noted that while the discontinuation may be part of a broader shift in U.S. foreign aid or educational funding strategies, it highlights the need for Pakistan to expand local and regional exchange opportunities to fill the gap. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has yet to issue an official statement regarding the closure but is expected to address the situation in the upcoming weeks. As Pakistan looks toward strengthening its youth through global exposure and skills development, the end of the Global UGRAD Program represents both a challenge and an opportunity to explore new partnerships and invest in indigenous exchange initiatives.