The Embassy of the United States of America in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is pleased to announce the academic year 2021-2022 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) competition for BiH.

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides a diverse group of emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university. The program is sponsored by the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and aims to recruit participants from underrepresented, non-elite backgrounds, who have not had other opportunities to study in the United States. Successful applicants can expect an in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture, and academic institutions, as well as opportunities to enhance their professional skills.

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
• Funding for books
• Payment of room and board 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. This coverage is not all-purpose health insurance and it is subject to specific limitations including, but not limited to, pre-existing conditions, dental, and vision care. It is not intended to replace the participants’ regular medical insurance plan, which should be maintained or secured during the scholarship period at the participants’ expense
• A small monthly stipend
• Pre-departure orientation at the U.S. Embassy in BiH in Sarajevo
• Virtual arrival presentation
• In-person end-of-program workshop in Washington, DC
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket program related expenses for finalists, subject to conditions and limitations. For example, reimbursable expenses may include domestic travel to required program events and procedures, certified English translation fees, or medical clearance related fees
• The program does not cover passport related fees.

Eligibility Criteria

Global UGRAD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability. Students from non-elite or less-privileged backgrounds—from rural and urban areas—are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to those who have had little or no prior experience in the United States or overseas.

The Global UGRAD program is open to anyone who is/has:

1. At least 18 years of age by the start date of their program in the United States
2. A BiH citizen currently residing in BiH and qualified to hold a valid BiH passport
3. Completed secondary education in BiH
4. Enrolled in good standing in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited university, public or private, in BiH
5. Completed their first year of undergraduate study prior to starting the Global UGRAD
6. Has at least one semester or equivalent term to complete at their home university at the conclusion of Global UGRAD. The program cannot be the final academic term of a participant’s undergraduate study
7. A solid command of written and spoken English. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score is not required at the time of the application. Finalists and alternates are required to take the TOEFL exam and achieve a score of score of 48ibt. Subject to conditions and limitations, pre-academic English language training for participants with inadequate TOEFL scores may be possible. Participants who are enrolled in the pre-academic English language training will begin their program in the fall semester and will continue with coursework in their fields of study during the spring semester
8. Able to begin studies in the United States in January 2022. Selected participants may not defer to a later date
9. Cleared by a physician to participate in the program(finalists only)
10. Eligible to receive and maintain the exchange visitor J-1 non-immigrant visa required for the program. Participants do not have to pay fees for a J-1 visa, but need to be interviewed by the Embassy’s Consular Section
11. Committed to returning directly to BiH after the completion of the program for a minimum of two years. As J-1 visa holders, participants are subject to the two-year home-country foreign residency requirement.
12. Preference will be given to those who have had little or NO experience in the U.S. or outside BiH.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Bosnia & Herzegovina.