Global UGRAD Program, what you should know about it.
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) offers scholarships for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university.
It’s run by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.
What’s the UGRAD Program About?
You get to experience U.S. society, culture, and academic life. Plus, you can boost your professional skills.
What You’ll Do
- Study full-time for one semester in non-degree undergraduate courses.
- Take a 3-credit U.S. studies course.
- Live in campus housing with American students.
- Do 20 hours of community service.
- Attend a virtual arrival orientation and an in-person workshop at the end of the program.
Who Can Apply?
- You must be a Thai citizen.
- Studying in Thailand.
- Enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs, with at least one semester completed by January 2024.
- Have at least one year left in your undergraduate studies.
- Show leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
- Score a minimum of 48iBT in TOEFL. If you score between 48-60, you’ll do virtual English Language Training before the program. You need at least 61 to go to the U.S.
- Preference for those with little or no experience outside their home countries.
- You must return to Thailand after the program.
- At least 18 years old.
How to Apply for the UGRAD Program
Applications open from November 1 to December 15, 2023, for the 2024-2025 academic year. Apply at https://webportalapp.com
You’ll go to a U.S. university either in the fall 2024 (August – December 2024) or the spring 2025 (January to May 2025).
Deadline: December 15, 2023
Interviews: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews in January 2024 at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.
Finalists will be notified by April 2024
Ask your questions at:
Email HoontrakoonA@fan.gov with “Global UGRAD Inquiry 2024-2025”.
More Eligible Countries
Here are the countries eligible for the Global UGRAD program listed in bullet points:
- Albania
- Algeria
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Brunei
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cambodia
- China
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Fiji
- Georgia
Conclusion
Since 2008, over 2,500 students have seized the Global UGRAD opportunity, facilitated by World Learning. Equipped with leadership skills, they return home ready to make a difference.
Many alumni excel in business and government, earn prestigious Fulbright awards, and secure top international internships.
The program aims to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other nations.