The Embassy of the United States of America in Kazakhstan is pleased to announce the academic year 2021 – 2022 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD).

This program provides a scholarship for one semester of non-degree, full-time academic study at a U.S. college or university, combined with community service, professional development workshops, and cultural enrichment activities. 

All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate course work chosen from their host institution’s existing curriculum. Participants will be required to take one, 3-credit U.S. studies course to enhance their understanding of the United States. Participants will live in campus housing facilities with American peers, and will be required to participate in twenty hours of community service. There will also be a virtual arrival orientation and an in-person end-of-program workshop.  

Global UGRAD is a non-degree program. Successful participants receive a program certificate of completion issued by the U.S. Department of State. The program does not assist with credit transfers between participants’ U.S. host and home institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to verify with their home institutions whether any credits accumulated during the Global UGRAD program will be transferred. Candidates should be prepared that this aspect may delay their graduation from their home university. The program cannot guarantee enrollment in specific courses for the purposes of transfer. 

The scholarship covers

• Travel (international travel to and from the United States for the program and travel within United States to required program events). World Learning secures travel arrangements;
• Payment of tuition at the assigned host institution;
• Participants are housed in campus facilities with American roommates;
• Limited accident and sickness coverage that meets the requirements of J Exchange Visitor Program regulations;
• Monthly stipend;
• Pre-departure orientation at the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan;
• Virtual arrival presentation;
• In-person end-of-program workshop in Washington, DC.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be a citizen of the country in which they apply for the Global UGRAD Program
• Applicants must be studying in the country in which they apply for the Global UGRAD Program.
• Scholarships will be granted to students who currently are enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs only, 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 should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
• Applicants must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 45ibt.
• Preference will be given to those who have had little or NO experience in the U.S. or outside of their home countries.
• Applicants are required to return directly to their home country after the completion of the program.
• Applicants are over 18 years of age.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Kazakhstan.