FY 2026 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD), administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State, aims to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by providing emerging international leaders with the opportunity to study at U.S. colleges and universities. The FY26 Global UGRAD program builds on this longstanding mission by offering a comprehensive academic and cultural experience for approximately 160 participants from strategically important regions around the world. The funding opportunity, identified as DFOP0017975, provides up to $4.8 million in federal support, contingent on the availability of funds. Global UGRAD targets students from diverse backgrounds and places them at a variety of U.S. institutions, including community colleges, rural campuses, and minority-serving institutions. The program emphasizes exposure to American academic practices and culture, with all participants required to take courses in U.S. history, civic engagement, and American studies. Additionally, students gain skills in high-priority fields such as entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, engineering, supply chain resilience, and semiconductors—areas that align with U.S. strategic interests. Beyond academics, participants engage in volunteer activities, leadership training, and networking opportunities to deepen their personal and professional development. The program operates under a cooperative agreement model, allowing the U.S. Department of State to be substantially involved in major program decisions, including final participant selection and agenda approvals. The cooperative agreement is expected to be awarded to a single U.S.-based organization with proven experience in managing international exchange programs. Only U.S. not-for-profit organizations and accredited educational institutions with at least four years of relevant experience are eligible to apply. Applications must include all required federal forms, a proposal narrative, a detailed budget with justification, and supporting documentation. Applications are due by June 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time and must be submitted through Grants.gov. Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process for SAM.gov and Grants.gov well in advance due to processing timelines. Only one proposal will be accepted per organization, and late or incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible. Submissions must strictly follow the format and guidance outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document, and the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI). Evaluation of proposals will be based on several criteria, including program design and planning, institutional capacity, multiplier effect, cost-effectiveness, and the quality of monitoring and evaluation plans. Special consideration will be given to proposals that demonstrate creativity in promoting cross-cultural understanding, the ability to transition to virtual programming if needed, and alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives. The anticipated award date is August 14, 2026, and the performance period for the cooperative agreement will be 36 months. Pending the availability of funds and satisfactory program implementation, ECA may renew the award for two additional years before re-competing the opportunity. For questions regarding this funding opportunity, applicants should contact Stephanie Sanders at the Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Multi-Regional Programs Branch, via phone at 202-634-0616 or email at [email protected]. Full details, including application requirements and performance metrics, can be found in the full NOFO document and its associated attachments. The program reflects the U.S. government’s continued investment in international education as a tool of diplomacy and global leadership.

Highlight strong monitoring and evaluation plan using the MODE Framework; demonstrate institutional capacity and experience with international exchanges.