Global UGRAD: One-Semester Exchange in the United States

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) is a program of the U.S. Department of State, run by World Learning. It brings undergraduate students from over 60 countries and areas to the United States for one semester of non-degree study. It suits full-time undergraduates who want to study and do community service at a U.S. college.

What you get

• A one-semester, non-degree exchange at a U.S. college or university.
• Full-time coursework, community service and campus life.
• A pre-departure orientation.
• An online professional and academic learning course.
• A three-day leadership workshop in Washington, DC.
• Virtual English language training first, for some students.
• A voucher for the TOEFL or Duolingo exam, for finalists.
• A J-1 visa (DS-2019), for finalists.

The program calls its offer a scholarship.

Who can apply

You must be a citizen of one of the participating countries or areas. There are over 60. Check the official page for the list.

• You are at least 18 years old by August of the exchange year.
• You are a full-time undergraduate in good standing at an accredited institution.
• You have at least one full academic year of undergraduate study left after May of the exchange year.
• You can communicate in English.
• You are committed to community service.

You cannot apply in these cases:

• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• You are now in a U.S. academic, training or research program.
• You live or work outside the participating countries.
• You applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.
• You have an unfulfilled J-1 two-year home residency requirement.
• You work for the organizations that run the program, or you are a family member of their employees.
• You are a local employee of a U.S. mission abroad. The same applies for one year after the job ends.
• You are a spouse or dependent child of a U.S. Department of State employee. The same applies for one year after the job ends.

How to apply

1. Check that your country or area takes part and that you meet the rules.
2. Apply during the application window, usually November to December, on the official Apply page.
3. If selected, interview with your U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission. Interviews usually take place in January and February.
4. If you are a finalist, take the TOEFL or Duolingo exam and confirm the scholarship offer.

Key dates

• Deadline: not announced here. Dates differ by country.
• Opening date: not announced here.
• Applications usually run November to December for the following academic year.
• Interviews: usually January to February.
• Next round: not announced yet. Check the official Apply page or your local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission.

Before you apply

• Read the full eligibility rules on the official page before you start.
• Ask your local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission for the exact deadline in your country.
• Check your university records. You need proof that you are a full-time student with enough study time left.
• Submit a few days early. The portal can be slow near the deadline.

StudyFree is independent. We list programs and the provider decides who is selected. Official page: globalugrad.org.