ISLAMABAD (Khyber Mail): In a significant development reflecting the evolving U.S.-Pakistan relationship, the United States has officially terminated the prestigious Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistan. The decision, confirmed by the U.S. Department of State and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), brings an end to a flagship educational exchange initiative that benefited over 2,500 Pakistani students since its launch in 2010.
The Global UGRAD program offered undergraduate students from Pakistan the opportunity to study at American universities for one semester, covering tuition, travel, accommodation, and cultural activities. More than just an academic initiative, the program served as a vital bridge for cultural exchange and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
“This program was not just about academics—it created cultural bridges,” said one Pakistani UGRAD alum. “Its closure is a major loss for aspiring students.”
The termination follows a broader reassessment of U.S. foreign aid and international exchange programs. In January 2025, the Trump administration announced a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid spending, which affected USAID-funded programs and initiatives across multiple regions, including Pakistan and Central Asia. The Global UGRAD program appears to be a casualty of these sweeping cuts.
Analysts suggest that the move also reflects a broader strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Pakistan. A recent report by Lawfare noted that U.S.-Pakistan ties have increasingly taken on a transactional tone, with both countries reassessing the long-term scope of their cooperation.
Despite the disappointment over the program’s closure, its impact remains undeniable. Participants consistently returned with enhanced academic insight, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of global issues. Many alumni have since become leaders in their communities, advocating for education, social change, and international dialogue.
As both nations continue to navigate the shifting contours of their relationship, the end of the Global UGRAD program underscores the challenges ahead for bilateral educational and cultural collaboration. Further updates on future exchange initiatives and bilateral engagements are expected in the coming weeks.