The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) announced on Tuesday the termination of the Global Undergraduate Exchange (Global UGRAD) Pakistan Programme, ending a 15-year run. 

The program, funded by the US government and launched in 2010, offered Pakistani undergraduates a semester of non-degree study at American universities and colleges.

““We understand that this news may be disappointing, especially for those who applied this year and were looking forward to this opportunity,” USEFP said in a statement.

The USEFP cited a decision by the US Department of State to discontinue the program.  While expressing regret, the USEFP highlighted the program’s positive impact, providing “life-changing experiences” for thousands of students and fostering academic growth, cultural exchange, and leadership development.

The decision follows significant budget cuts to overseas development and aid programs implemented by the Trump administration, including a 92 percent reduction ($54 billion) in multi-year contracts and an initial 90-day freeze on all US foreign aid. Trump added that the aid was being paused to review if it was being used in line with America’s foreign policy objectives.

Meanwhile, the USEFP encouraged students to explore other exchange and scholarship opportunities.