Program Eligibility

Global UGRAD is open to all academic fields of study and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability. 

The Global UGRAD Program is open to anyone: 

• Over 18 years of age by August 1, 2023
• Must be a citizen of Nepal
• Must be studying in Nepal
• Scholarships will be granted to students who currently are enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs only (first or second or third year full-time undergraduate study at the time of application at a registered academic institution in Nepal), having completed a minimum of their first semester of study. Participants must have at least one semester or an equivalent term to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program. Applicants must demonstrate excellent educational standing
• Must have a solid command of written and spoken English (English Language training for some finalists is possible)
• A TOEFL score is not required at the time of application; however, a TOEFL score is required for participation in the program
• Able to begin studies in the U.S. in August 2023 (selected participants may not defer to a later date)
• Eligible to receive and maintain the U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program. Applicants are required to return directly to their home country after the completion of the program
• Should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities
• Preference will be given to those who have had little or NO experience in the United States or outside of their home countries

Individuals in the following circumstances are not eligible for the Global UGRAD Program:

• Individuals currently studying, residing or working outside of Nepal
• Anyone who has already graduated from university
• Individuals who are younger than 18 years’ old
• Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. government for a period of more than six weeks and who have not fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement by the time of application
• Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years
• Local employees of the U.S. missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); employees are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment
• Immediate family members (i.e., spouses and children) of U.S. Department of State and USAID employees; family members are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment