Global UGRAD Exchange Program (Israel)

Global UGRAD is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State and aims to recruit participants from underrepresented 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.

All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate coursework 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

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be citizens of Israel. Dual American-Israeli citizens and permanent residents of the United States are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be studying in an Israeli accredited academic institution, such as university or college.
• 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 full year to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program.
• Applicants must have completed secondary education in Israel.
• Applicants be able to begin studies in the U.S. in August 2025 or January 2026 (selected applicants may not choose their semester of participation).
• Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
• Applicants must be able to communicate in English. Must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 48iBT to be considered.  Students who score between 48-60 will be considered for the virtual English Language Training prior to the exchange portion of the program. Students must achieve a minimum score of 61 to be eligible to participate in the exchange portion of the program in the United States.
• Preference will be given to those who have had little or NO experience in the United States or outside of their home countries.
• Applicants are required to return directly to their home country after the completion of the program.
• Applicants must be over 18 years of age by August of the relevant academic year. For example, if you are applying to participate in the program for the 2025-2026 academic year, you must be at least 18 years old by August 2025.
• Prospective participants should request their academic transcripts and letters of recommendation as soon as possible as they cannot add additional documents to their application after the December 15th deadline. They can provide English translations of their updated transcripts once they have been selected as a finalist or alternate. If they do not have any transcripts from their current university, they can provide transcripts from their previous educational institution (including their high school).

Ineligibility Criteria

• U.S. Department of State, USAID, or any other USG employees and their immediate family members are NOT eligible to apply for MEPI exchange programs.
• Employees (and their immediate family members) of private or public agencies under contract to the U.S. Department of State for administrative services related to this program are also NOT eligible.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Israel.