Global Undergrad Exchange Fellowship (UGRAD)

Competition for the GLOBAL UGRAD program is merit-based. Candidates will be considered without respect to race, color, religion, national origin, or gender. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The competition is open to anyone who:

• Is a citizen of Nepal
• Is currently enrolled in first- or second full-time undergraduate study at the time of application at a registered academic institution in Nepal and is in good academic standing.
• Applicants must have one full year remaining at their home institution after the Global UGRAD Program year.
• Part-time students or correspondence students are not eligible;
• Is between the ages of 18-25;
• Submits a complete online application with all required documents by the application deadline;
• Is able to begin the academic exchange program in the United States;
• Is able to receive and maintain a J-1 visa;
• Is committed to returning to his/her home country after completion of the program; and
• Is proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application.

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

• S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States.
• Individuals currently participating in academic, training, or research programs in the United States.
• Individuals currently residing or working outside of participating countries.
• Individuals who have participated in an Exchange Visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. government (e.g., U.S. Department of State including U.S. Embassies, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or other U.S. government agency) for a period of more than six weeks and who have not fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement by the application deadline.
• Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.
• Employees, and their families, of non-profit organizations who administer the Global UGRAD Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. This provision does not disqualify self-supporting members of families who live apart from their parents.
• Local employees of U.S. missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State or USAID are ineligible during the period of their employment and for one year following the termination of employment.
• Immediate family members (i.e., spouses and dependent children) of U.S. Department of State employees and/or USAID are ineligible for a period of one year following the termination of such employment. This provision does not disqualify self-supporting members of families who live apart from their parents.

Under the terms of the grant and the laws governing the J-1 visa required for participation in the GLOBAL UGRAD Program, participants must return to their home country immediately upon completion of the program for a period of at least two years. Participants are not eligible for visa extensions under any circumstances. No exceptions will be made.

If selected, the GLOBAL UGRAD Program will cover a participant’s:

• J-1 visa support;
• Round-trip coach class travel from participant’s home city to host institution in the United States;
• Health benefits;
• Tuition and mandatory university fees (including required books and supplies);
• Room and board (housing and meals);
• Settling in allowance;
• Monthly maintenance allowance; and
• Other special allowances where applicable.

TOEFL scores are not required at the time of application. If you pass the initial screening then you are required to take the TOEFL test, which is offered free of cost by the Commission.