Global UGRAD Program in Kazakhstan

Deadline: 28-Jan-22

The Embassy of the United States of America in Kazakhstan is pleased to announce the application period for the Global UGRAD Program for 2022-2023.

The Global UGRAD program allows students to study for 1 academic semester at a college or university in the United States, gain cultural and educational experience in the United States, and expand your knowledge and skills to learn more about American culture and values.

Global UGRAD is an international student exchange program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Programs of the US Department of State for full-time students in Kazakhstan and for at least one semester after graduation in the United States. The program is open to students of 1-3 courses and any specialties in all Kazakhstani universities. Program participants are determined on a competitive basis.

The Global UGRAD program provides scholarships for one full academic semester at a US university. The participant of the program will study in a four-year university accredited in the United States and will be accommodated in a student dormitory. If necessary, finalists can take an intensive English language course. (Only 25% of program finalists are given this opportunity). In the fall of 2022, an English language training course will be held. Students taking this English preparatory course will begin their basic training in the spring of 2023. In addition, during the program, participants can actively participate in social work, participate in professional seminars and events.

Taking into account the academic orientation and general indicators, the Global UGRAD program places students in the appropriate universities. Therefore, Global UGRAD students do not choose American universities.

The program is fully funded by the United States and provides the following costs:

• International ticket to the host American University;
• Study and residence in the United States;
• Health insurance;
• Free tuition – a monthly stipend;
• During the training, participants eat daily (can eat three times a day);
• Participation in a preparatory meeting for a trip to the United States in Kazakhstan;
• Online meeting upon arrival in the United States;
• Participate in a seminar for alumni in Washington, DC.

Eligibility Criteria

• The selection process for the Global UGRAD program is based on an open competition, taking into account the personal and social achievements of the candidates. Students who meet the following requirements can apply for this competition:
  • Students who have citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan and are currently studying at a university of the Republic of Kazakhstan and living in Kazakhstan;
  • After the completion of the Global UGRAD program and their return to Kazakhstan, Kazakhstani students who will stay at a Kazakh university for at least one semester and study full-time.
  • After May 2023, if there is one semester left at the Kazakh university, students majoring in any specialty, including medical specialties, can apply for the program;
  • Candidates for the Global UGRAD program must demonstrate their leadership potential, as well as their educational achievements and public activism;
  • Upon successful completion of the interview, candidates will be sent to take the TOEFL iBT English language test. To advance to the next stage, candidates must score at least 45 out of 120 points;
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously studied in the United States and have not been in the United States or abroad;
  • Agrees to return to Kazakhstan on a mandatory basis in January or May 2023 after graduation in the United States;
  • By the beginning of the program, the participant must be 18 years old. (If you are now 17, you can submit your documents to the program now);
  • Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher.
• Documents based on the following requirements will not be accepted for the Global UGRAD program:
  • U.S. citizens and citizens residing in the United States;
  • Applicants who have previously studied in the United States or abroad will not be accepted;
  • Students studying outside the Republic of Kazakhstan and students studying and working in other countries;
  • Local US Embassy, Consulate General, USAID staff;
  • Close relatives and family members of US State Department and USAID staff;
  • World Learning staff and close relatives; from family members.

For more information, visit https://kz.usembassy.gov/kk/global-ugrad-kk/