Kherson State University

The Global UGRAD Program for Higher Education Students is a cultural exchange program administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and supported by the people of the United States.

Selection Criteria:
Academic excellence, leadership potential, community engagement, proficiency in written and spoken English, motivation, and willingness to participate in the exchange program.

Program Details:
Global UGRAD finalists will study for one academic semester without obtaining a degree at universities in the United States, regardless of their field of study. They will have the opportunity for intensive English language study if needed and will participate in volunteer activities, professional development seminars, and cultural enrichment events.

The program for selected finalists will begin in the U.S. in either September 2024 or January 2025.

Financial Support:
The program provides the following financial coverage: round-trip travel expenses to and from the U.S., tuition fees at an American university, accommodation and meals, health insurance, necessary textbooks, and a monthly stipend.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a Ukrainian citizen, reside in Ukraine, and be enrolled in a Ukrainian higher education institution as a 1st- or 2nd-year undergraduate student during the 2023-24 academic year.
- Must be at least 18 years old at the start of the U.S. academic program.
- Must be a full-time undergraduate student at a Ukrainian university, regardless of its form of ownership.
- Must demonstrate high academic performance, social engagement, and leadership potential.
- Must have sufficient English language proficiency for academic study and communication in an English-speaking academic environment.
- Must be available to begin studies in the United States in either September 2024 or January 2025. Finalists cannot choose their program dates or postpone participation.
- Must return to Ukraine after program completion and continue studies at a Ukrainian university for at least one academic year.
- Must meet the eligibility requirements for a J-1 exchange visitor visa to enter the U.S.

Required Application Documents:
- Applicants MUST submit a complete application package, which includes:
- Exchange Program Application Form – All responses must be complete, and all fields must be filled out in English.
- Copy of the first page of an international passport. If unavailable, applicants may submit a copy of their Ukrainian national passport.
- Two letters of recommendation with certified English translations. One letter must be from a university professor or academic advisor. The second may be from another professor, employer, coach, former exchange program coordinator, or a volunteer/community organization supervisor. Each letter must include the recommender’s contact details (phone, email, etc.). Family members and friends are NOT eligible to provide recommendations.
- Certified copy of the academic record (gradebook or transcript) covering the entire period of study and an official English translation. The copy must be certified with the university’s official stamp. The translation must be certified by the issuing institution or a translation agency. Note: Uncertified translations will NOT be accepted.
- For first-year students, in addition to the academic record: Certified copies of the high school diploma, diploma supplement, and their official English translations. These must be certified with the university's official stamp, and the translation must be certified by the issuing institution or a translation agency. Note: Uncertified translations will NOT be accepted.
- Official certificate from the university stating the name of the institution, faculty, and year of study (no translation required). This document must be uploaded in the "Portfolio" section of the application.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2023
For more details, visit: https://ua.usembassy.gov/uk/education-culture-uk/global-ugrad-uk/