UGRAD program closure not to affect students already in US

ISLAMABAD: Following termination of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistan, the United States has issued a clarification stating that current Pakistani students enrolled under the program will be allowed to complete their education and continue receiving all associated benefits.

Earlier, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) had announced that after 15 successful years, the program would no longer be offered. The announcement disappointed many applicants who had recently applied and were hoping for the opportunity.

However, US officials have confirmed that the 54 Pakistani students currently in the United States under the exchange program will continue their academic activities as per schedule and will receive their stipulated allowances and other benefits.

The US State Department also dismissed reports of the Fulbright Program’s termination, stating that educational exchange programs worldwide are being reviewed to align with the priorities of the current US administration. In the meantime, several exchange programs, including Fulbright, remain available to Pakistani students.

The statement emphasized that Fulbright participants are continuing to receive their scholarships and allowances as usual.

This clarification comes in response to growing concern among Pakistani students and academic circles following reports about the discontinuation of the Global UGRAD program for Pakistan.