In a move that’s left many young scholars in shock, the United States has officially ended the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistan. For over 15 years, this prestigious program offered life-changing academic and cultural opportunities for hundreds of talented Pakistani students. But now, the door has been shut—abruptly and without much explanation.
The announcement came through an official statement from USEF Pakistan, the organization responsible for administering UGRAD in Pakistan. They confirmed that the U.S. State Department has decided to discontinue the program specifically for Pakistani applicants. This decision is reportedly tied to an ongoing, intensified national security review being carried out by U.S. authorities—a move that’s already affected visa approvals and educational ties with several countries.
For many Pakistani students, UGRAD was more than a scholarship—it was a dream. It provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in the U.S., experience global diversity, and return home with enhanced leadership skills and academic insight. With the program’s closure, countless aspiring students now face uncertainty and disappointment.
What makes the decision even more disheartening is the legacy of UGRAD. Over the years, it helped thousands of students build careers, develop international networks, and contribute positively to their communities back home. Ending such a successful initiative without a clear explanation raises questions and concerns about future educational cooperation between the two nations.
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This isn’t an isolated incident either. Reports suggest the U.S. is reviewing and revoking a significant number of visas worldwide, even affecting green card holders, hinting at a larger policy shift in the name of national security.
For now, Pakistani students are left with fewer international exchange options and a gap in U.S.-Pakistan academic collaboration. It’s a loss for education, cultural diplomacy, and the bright minds who looked to the UGRAD program as a launchpad for their future.