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 an assigned U.S. college or university.
The program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S 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. All academic fields of study are eligible.*
The scholarship covers international travel, tuition, room and board, medical insurance, required books, and a small monthly stipend. All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate coursework chosen from their host institution’s existing curriculum. Students are required to enroll in at least two courses in their major and at least one course in a U.S. Studies field, such as U.S. history, literature, art, or government. Students are required to participate in a minimum of twenty hours of community service activities during the program. Global UGRAD participants will live in campus housing facilities with American peers. The program will include a pre-departure orientation at Post, a virtual arrival orientation, and an in-person program symposium in Washington, DC.
For application information and instructions, and to apply please visit the Global UGRAD online application
Eligibility for the Global UGRAD Program:
- Applicants must be a citizen of the country in which they apply for the Global UGRAD Program.
- Applicants must be studying in the country in which they apply for the Global UGRAD Program.
- Scholarships will be granted to students who currently are enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs only, having completed a minimum of their first semester of study. Participants must have at least one semester or an equivalent term to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program.
- Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
- Applicants must demonstrate a command of written and spoken English. The TOEFL exam will be required of those selected as finalists or alternates.
- Preference will be given to those who have had little or NO experience in the U.S. or outside of their home countries.
- Applicants are required to return directly to their home country after the completion of the program.
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. (www.miusa.org/storymap)
Individuals in the following circumstances are not eligible for the Global UGRAD Program:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States;
- Individuals currently studying, residing, or working outside of their home country;
- Local employees of the U.S. missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); employees are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment;
- 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 January 6, 2022 application closing. They can provide English translations of their updated transcripts once they have been selected as a finalist or alternate.
- Student recommendation guidelines.
- Visit Global UGRAD Facebook page for the information about the Global UGRAD students’ and alumni activities.
- 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
* 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.