global-undergraduate-exchange-program 2024/25



(Last Updated On: November 2, 2023)

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 15, 2023, 21:59 EST

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides a diverse group of emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university. Global UGRAD is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State and aims to recruit participants from underrepresented backgrounds who have not had other opportunities to study in the United States. Successful applicants can expect an in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture, and academic institutions, as well as opportunities to enhance their professional skills.

Participants will be required to enroll in at least two courses in their major and one course in a U.S. Studies field (such as history, literature, art, or government) to enhance their understanding of the United States. Participants will live in campus housing facilities with American peers and will be required to participate in 20 hours of community service. The program will include a pre-departure orientation, a virtual arrival orientation, and an in-person end-of-program workshop in Washington, DC. The scholarship covers international travel, tuition, room and board, medical insurance, required books, and a small monthly stipend.

All academic fields of study are eligible. Per J-1 visa regulations, for the students of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology or other clinical fields of study, the direct patient care, including animal care, is not permitted, and therefore academic coursework and/or program activities at participating U.S. institutions may be limited.

For application information and instructions, and to apply please visit the Global UGRAD online application

Eligibility for the Global UGRAD Program:

  1. Applicants must be a citizen of the country in which they apply for the Global UGRAD Program, currently residing in that country.
  2. Applicants must be studying in the country in which they apply for the Global UGRAD Program.
  3. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate, in good standing, at any accredited university.
  4. Applicants must have at least one year remaining in their undergraduate studies at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program.
  5. Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
  6. Applicants must have a solid command of written and spoken English.
  7. Preference will be given to those who have had little or no experience in the United States or outside of their home countries.
  8. Applicants are required to return directly to their home country after the completion of the program.
  9. Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. (http://www.miusa.org) 

Individuals in the following circumstances are not eligible for the Global UGRAD Program:

  1. U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States;
  2. Individuals currently studying, residing, or working outside of their home country;
  3. Anyone who has already graduated from university;
  4. Immediate family members (i.e., spouses and children) of U.S. Department of State and USAID employees; family members are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment.

Before you begin/Useful tips:

  • Prospective participants should request their academic transcripts and letters of recommendation as soon as possible, as they will not be able to add additional information after the December 15, 2023 deadline. They can provide English translations of their updated transcripts once they have been selected as a finalist or alternate.
  • Recommendation letters – One reference must be academic and written by a professor or assistant professor from the candidate’s major field of study. A second reference may come from a non-academic aspect of the candidate’s life and work.
  • Essay writing tips
  • Be patient and persistent! It takes longer than two hours to submit a quality proposal.

For additional information please write to: BelgradeG-UGRAD@state.gov

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