Deadline: 28-Feb-21
The U.S. Embassy in Minsk is pleased to announce the open competition for the 2021-2022 Global UGRAD Program. Global UGRAD provides Belarusian outstanding undergraduate students with one-semester scholarships for non-degree, full-time study in the United States. Students should be enrolled in the first two years of four-year Bachelor programs or the first three years of five-year Bachelor or Specialist programs at Belarusian universities.
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.
Participants cannot choose their host institution and will be placed at the most appropriate college or university based on their academic interests. Students who are not enrolled in pre ACADEMIC English may indicate a preference for a fall or spring semester, but final placement will be made by the organizers. All academic fields of study are eligible.
The program is fully sponsored by the U.S. government, and includes:
- international travel from home city to U.S. host university,
- tuition at U.S. universities and living expenses,
- pre-departure orientation,
- virtual arrival orientation,
- In-person end-of-program workshop.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should be highly motivated and demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. They must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in Belarus and have at least one semester to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program. The UGRAD program cannot be the final academic term of a student’s undergraduate study.
The Global UGRAD Program is merit-based and is open to anyone who fits the eligibility criteria:
- a citizen of Belarus, who is currently residing and studying in Belarus ;
- at least 18 years of age at the start of the UGRAD Program in the United States;
- enrolled as an undergraduate student in good standing at any university, public or private and having completed a minimum of their first semester of study;
- has at least one semester or an equivalent term to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program.
- has a solid command of written and spoken English;
- able to begin studies in the United States in the fall of 2021 or in January 2022;
- eligible to receive and maintain U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program;
- cleared by a physician to participate in the program;
- have little or no prior experience in the U.S. or elsewhere outside of their home countries;
- be committed to returning to his or her home country after the completion of the program.
For more information, visit https://by.usembassy.gov/education-culture/educational-exchange/