The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has announced the conclusion of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistani students after a 15-year run.

This program offered Pakistani undergraduates the opportunity to spend a semester at US colleges and universities, promoting academic enrichment and cultural exchange.

In a statement released today, USEFP expressed regret over the program’s termination, noting that the US Department of State had decided to discontinue the initiative. The foundation acknowledged the disappointment this may cause to prospective applicants and highlighted the program’s significant impact over the years.

Launched in 2010, the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Program aimed to enhance students’ community engagement, commitment to service, and leadership skills. Over its duration, more than 2,500 Pakistani students benefited from the program, many of whom have gone on to contribute positively to their communities and professions.

The decision to end the program follows substantial budget cuts to US overseas development and aid initiatives under the Trump administration, which reduced multi-year contracts by approximately 92%, amounting to $54 billion. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing all US foreign aid for 90 days to review spending and align it with the “America First” agenda.

USEFP encouraged students to explore other exchange and scholarship opportunities and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering educational and cultural ties between Pakistan and the United States.