In a huge letdown for Pakistani students looking to pursue studies in the United States, the US State Department has officially ended the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) for Pakistan.

The move ends a highly successful 15-year-old academic and cultural exchange program that had brought thousands of Pakistani undergraduates to the US for a semester of studies.

The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) confirmed the development via its official website and social media platforms. In its announcement, the organization expressed sympathy for students who had applied this year and were eagerly awaiting their chance.

“We understand this news will be particularly disheartening for those who applied and were looking forward to this opportunity,” the statement read.

Launched in Pakistan in 2010, the Global UGRAD program wasn't just about academics. It fostered cross-cultural understanding, polished leadership qualities, and gave students a taste of life in the US, all while building a strong network of young professionals who returned with broader perspectives.

USEFP acknowledged the program’s legacy, encouraging students to explore alternative scholarships and exchange programs aligned with their academic goals. The announcement ended with warm wishes for Pakistani students’ educational and professional success.

Adding to the concern, US media has reported a wave of abrupt visa cancellations for nearly 450 international students, many of them from Pakistan and other Muslim countries. These cancellations, done without prior notice or legal process, have affected students from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, and the University of Michigan.

Officials from several universities believe that the US government is quietly targeting students, particularly those who have shown support for Palestinian causes during on-campus demonstrations. However, some students reported having their visas cancelled despite having no involvement in any protests, raising questions about transparency and fairness.

For Pakistani students, the cancellation of Global UGRAD and sudden visa cancellations indicate a constricting environment for international educational opportunities in the US, making dreams of higher education overseas uncertain.