In 2010, the Global Undergraduate Semester Exchange Program - Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan) was established by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State. The program is managed in Pakistan by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and in the U.S. by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).
Despite its relatively recent inception, the Global UGRAD program has quickly become highly popular among Pakistani university students. The inaugural group of 100 fellows from the 2010-11 Global UGRAD-Pakistan program returned to Pakistan to complete their undergraduate degrees.
The Global UGRAD program is specifically designed for undergraduate students currently enrolled in a Pakistani university. It provides a unique opportunity for cultural and academic exchange through a non-degree program for one semester at a university in the United States.
Applicants must be in their 14th year of formal education, which includes 12 years of education up to the Intermediate level. Students enrolled in both four-year and two-year bachelor’s programs are eligible to apply.
Summary
- Country; United States
- University: Different Universities
- Type: Fully Funded
- Duration: One Semester - Fall/Spring
- Grantees Begin Studies: Fall of the following year
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a Pakistani citizen
- Age between 18-24 years by the application deadline
- Currently enrolled in a college or university in Pakistan, with a commitment to return to their home institution after the program
- Must be in the 14th year of formal education
- Required to submit current, most recent, and previous transcripts with the application
Ineligibility:
- Dual U.S./Pakistani nationals or U.S. permanent residents
- Employees of the Fulbright organization, U.S. Department of State, or USAID, along with their spouses, siblings, children, dependents, and parents
- Students who have previously been to the U.S. on a J-visa or a U.S. government-funded grant
Benefits :
- The grant covers tuition for the semester.
- It provides textbooks needed for courses.
- Airfare to and from the United States is included.
- A living stipend is provided for daily expenses.
- Accommodation is arranged for the duration of the program.
- Health insurance is included to cover medical needs
How to Apply:
The Global UGRAD-Pakistan program is typically advertised in September/October each year (subject to availability). Applications must be submitted online, with all supporting documents, including scanned copies of all university-attested transcripts (including the most recent one), uploaded before submission. If the transcript does not specify CGPA or percentage, an explanation of the university's grading scale must be provided.
Selection Process:
The selection process for the program involves four stages:
Round 1: USEFP staff will initially screen all applications for completeness and to ensure they meet the minimum qualifications.
Round 2: Applications that pass the initial screening will be evaluated based on established criteria, and the most promising candidates will be shortlisted.
Round 3: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for in-person interviews, which will be held in Islamabad between January and February. The interview panels will consist of both U.S. and Pakistani citizens.
Round 4: Final candidates and alternates will be selected in April-May. Successful applicants will be notified by telephone, while those who are not selected will receive notification by mail.
The final approval for the selected candidates is granted by higher authorities in the U.S.
Note: Only selected students will be required to submit Reference Letters and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current academic institution.
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