Global Undergraduate Exchange Program 2025-26 (Nepal)

The program is designed to increase participants’ understanding of the United States and enhance their leadership skills through academic coursework, community service, and professional development activities.

During the exchange semester, Global UGRAD students live and learn on-campus alongside their American peers, complete 20 hours of community service, and enroll in full-time undergraduate coursework, including one U.S. Studies course. Students also participate in an end-of-program workshop in Washington, DC, to develop their leadership skills further, network with their global cohort, and prepare for re-entry.

This program 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.

Students cannot choose their host institution and will be placed at the most appropriate host institution based on students’ academic interests. All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate coursework chosen from their host institution’s existing curriculum.

Goal 

• The candidates’ goals should align with the goals of the program – to encourage their leadership potential, commitment to civic engagement and community service, and interest in mutual understanding between their home country and the United States. Since the program is limited to one semester and participants do not receive degrees, it is important that their goals are flexible and realistic.

Benefits

• J-1 visa support;
• Round-trip 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.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Global UGRAD Program is open to anyone:
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the program’s start.
  • Applicants must be a citizen of Nepal.
  • Applicants must be studying in Nepal.
  • Scholarships will be granted to students who currently are enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs only, having completed a minimum of one semester of study by January 2025.
  • Participants must have at least one year remained in their undergraduate studies 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 48 iBT 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.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Individuals in the following circumstances are not eligible for the Global UGRAD Program:
  • Individuals currently studying, residing or working outside of Nepal.
  • Anyone who has already graduated from university.
  • Individuals who are younger than 18 years’ old.
  • Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. government for a period of more than six weeks and who have not fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement by the time of application.
  • Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.
  • Local employees of the U.S. missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); employees are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment.
  • Immediate family members (i.e., spouses and children) of U.S. Department of State and USAID employees; family members are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment.

For more information, visit USEF Nepal.