Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)

Overview

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) is a fully funded one-semester exchange scholarship for undergraduate students, administered by World Learning on behalf of the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It provides outstanding undergraduates from over 60 countries — including Nepal — with a semester of non-degree study at a US university, combined with community service, professional development, and cultural enrichment.

For Nepali students, Global UGRAD is one of the most accessible US government exchange programmes available. Unlike Fulbright, which requires a completed undergraduate degree, UGRAD is specifically for current undergraduate students — making it the right entry point for Nepali students at TU, KU, PU, or other universities who want US study experience while still completing their degree.

The programme is administered in Nepal through USEF-Nepal (the Fulbright Commission in Kathmandu), which manages applications, document attestation, and selection. Nepal has a strong track record with this programme — USEF-Nepal alumni include UGRAD participants who have gone on to Fulbright and other prestigious scholarships.

Note: Global UGRAD is funded by the US Department of State. The programme has continued uninterrupted through the 2025-26 cycle. Monitor the USEF-Nepal website for any announcements regarding future cycles, as US government exchange programme funding is subject to annual budget approvals.

Eligibility

• Nepali citizen currently residing in Nepal
• Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in good standing at a registered academic institution in Nepal — TU, KU, PU, and other recognised universities qualify
• Must have at least one full year remaining at your home institution after the Global UGRAD programme year — students in their final year are not eligible
• Completed secondary education (SLC/SEE and +2 or equivalent) in Nepal
• Over 18 years of age at the time of application
• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Able to begin studies in the US in August (fall semester) or January (spring semester)
• Eligible to receive and maintain a US J-1 student exchange visa
• Committed to returning to Nepal after completing the programme

Who is Not Eligible

• US citizens and permanent residents of the United States
• Students currently participating in academic, training, or research programmes in the United States
• Part-time or correspondence students
• Students in their final year with less than one year remaining at their home institution after the programme

Priority Candidates

Global UGRAD actively recruits participants from underrepresented backgrounds — students from outside Kathmandu Valley, women, students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with no prior international experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

In Nepal, Global UGRAD applications are managed entirely through USEF-Nepal. The process runs from October to December each year.

1. Check the USEF-Nepal website — visit usefnepal.org in October when the new cycle opens. Application instructions, the online portal link, and required document formats are posted there.
2. Prepare your documents — gather the following before starting your online application:
   • Attested academic transcripts from SLC/SEE onwards
   • Completed letters of recommendation in the specified UGRAD format
   • English proficiency evidence
3. Get documents attested — photocopies of all documents must be attested by the issuing institution, Government of Nepal, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, or a government-approved notary public. USEF-Nepal also provides attestation services directly.
4. Submit the online application — register on the UGRAD application portal (use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox — Internet Explorer does not work well). Each student must create only one account. The email address used must match your registered account. Submit all documents and letters of recommendation before the deadline — you cannot add information after it closes.
5. Application deadline — 15 December at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time). This is firm — no extensions.
6. Shortlisting and interview — shortlisted candidates are called for interview and may be required to take an English language proficiency test.
7. Orientation and departure — selected students attend an orientation and depart for the US in August (fall) or January (spring).
8. End-of-programme workshop — all UGRAD scholars attend a leadership and re-entry workshop in Washington DC at the end of their semester.

Contact USEF-Nepal for application queries: 01-5907008 or visit usefnepal.org/global.