Islamabad, June 26, 2025: The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) had earlier declared that the Global Undergraduate Exchange Pakistan Programme (Global UGRAD-Pakistan) has concluded after operating for 15 years. However, this announcement has sparked concern that the Fulbright scholarship scheme, which enables students and professionals to study or carry out research in the United States, might be discontinued next.
Amid growing concern and media reports, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has issued an official statement to clarify the situation and reassure students and the public. According to the statement, the US and USEFP reaffirm their strong commitment to fostering strong and enduring people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the United States.
The Fulbright initiative is active in more than 160 nations and accommodates around 4,000 scholars annually who pursue either a master’s or doctoral degree, as per its official site. Over the past decade and a half, the Global UGRAD opportunity allowed thousands of Pakistani students to study in the US.
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In 2024, Pakistani students participated in the programme for the final time. Back in February, the US State Department put a temporary halt—initially for 15 days—on exchange schemes run by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), but that pause is still in effect. Although USEFP is still taking applications for 2026, it remains unclear whether the programme will resume or not.
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Further complicating the matter is a possible new travel restriction that could limit access to student visas. For now, students must wait to see whether Fulbright funding will persist or if the ongoing pause will lead to its complete discontinuation.
