Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)

U.S. Department of State (run by World Learning)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizen and resident of a participating country (Bangladesh is one), aged over 18, enrolled as an undergraduate in good standing with at least one year left after the exchange, secondary education completed in the home country, strong English, eligible for a J-1 visa and committed to returning home after the programme.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Global UGRAD is a US Department of State exchange for outstanding undergraduates from participating countries. Participants take full-time non-degree courses for one semester and join community service, professional internships and leadership activities.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizen and resident of a participating country (Bangladesh is one), aged over 18, enrolled as an undergraduate in good standing with at least one year left after the exchange, secondary education completed in the home country, strong English, eligible for a J-1 visa and committed to returning home after the programme.
2. Note the deadline. Nov – Feb (annual; the call for Bangladesh is run by the US Embassy in Dhaka and has recently closed between mid-December and February - check the Embassy and World Learning for the current date) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
6. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)?

Citizen and resident of a participating country (Bangladesh is one), aged over 18, enrolled as an undergraduate in good standing with at least one year left after the exchange, secondary education completed in the home country, strong English, eligible for a J-1 visa and committed to returning home after the programme.

What does Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) cover?

A fully funded one-semester non-degree study programme at a US college or university, with an American studies course, community service, internships with US organisations and leadership training (the Bangladesh call describes it as a fully funded scholarship)

When is the deadline for Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)?

Nov – Feb (annual; the call for Bangladesh is run by the US Embassy in Dhaka and has recently closed between mid-December and February - check the Embassy and World Learning for the current date) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)?

Host countries: United States.

What documents do I need for Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) application?

High: Online application via the US Embassy / World Learning + English test or interview + academic records