Global UGRAD Program
Global UGRAD is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, which provides a scholarship for one semester of academic study without obtaining a degree at a US university.
Successful candidates can count on in-depth acquaintance with American society, culture and academic institutions, as well as opportunities to improve their professional skills.
Participants cannot choose a host institution. Instead, participants are placed in the most appropriate host institution depending on the academic interests of the students. The program includes a diverse list of over 70 host campuses in 43 states, including colleges and universities in rural and urban areas. The Global UGRAD program does not consider obtaining a degree.
Successful participants receive a certificate of completion of the program issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Selection criteria:
- citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- students currently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan and studying at a Kazakh university;
- full-time students who after completing the Global UGRAD program and upon returning to their country will have at least one academic semester left to continue their studies at their Kazakh university.
- candidates for participation in the Global UGRAD program must demonstrate their leadership potential and confirm their active participation in studies, social events and the life of the surrounding community;
- in case of successful completion of the interview, candidates need to score a minimum score of 55 out of 120 possible to pass the further stage of the competition. Students who score from 48 to 60 points will be considered for virtual English language training before participating in the exchange program. Selected students must score at least 61 points to be eligible to participate in an exchange program in the United States. No TOEFL test results are required at the time of application. Candidates who have successfully passed the interview will be offered to take the TOEFL iBT test for free.
- preference will be given to candidates who have not been to the United States or outside their country;
- preference will be given to students studying in STEM, computer science, information technology, ecology, renewable energy and agriculture, as well as students studying at regional universities.
- candidates must return directly to their home country after completing the program.
- age – at least 18 years old at the time of the start of the program. (If you are 17 years old now, you can apply for the program);
- students with a general academic achievement (GPA) of 3.0 and higher out of a possible 4.0.