Opportunities for U.S. higher education institutions to host international undergraduate students
IREX seeks regionally accredited institutions of higher education in the United States to host undergraduate students for two U.S. Department of State-funded international exchange programs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Programs include:
- The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan) provides emerging youth leaders from diverse communities across Pakistan with the opportunity for one semester of full-time, non-degree study at higher education institutions across the United States.
- The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) provides opportunities for full-time undergraduate university/institute students from Tunisia to spend one academic year of full-time, non-degree study at higher education institutions across the United States.
International students bring a wealth of ideas, knowledge, and experiences to host institutions. In addition to providing institutions with diverse perspectives, these students foster mutual understanding and respect and help promote cultural exchange.
Interested institutions should complete the online U.S. Academic Host Institution Application. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Monday, March 3, 2025.
How to Apply
Please read the Host Institution Application Program Overview carefully before filling out the online application form. The online host application works best in the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
To apply to host for either of the programs, please submit all application materials through the online application system.
Host applicants are able to save and return to the application using the "save and continue" feature within the application system. All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
Expectations of Host Institutions
The U.S. academic host institutions are critical partners for the programs. Host institutions will be selected based on:
- Demonstrated ability to provide a well-rounded program experience (with strong academic and cultural components)
- Ability to provide personalized care
- Experience and ability to work with students from the targeted regions
- Ability to engage students in the local community
- The proposed cost-share and per student cost
Host institutions will be responsible for providing each student with academic, cultural, community and logistical support. Responsibilities are explained in more detail in the Host Institution Application Program Overview.
Final selection of host institutions and placement of students is contingent upon the availability of U.S. Government funding and approval and receipt of J-1 visas by program participants.
More information about the programs
All programs provide the following support to students:
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from student’s home city to host institution in the United States
- Tuition and mandatory university fees
- Room and board (housing and meals)
- A small incidentals allowance
- A limited allowance for books
- A limited allowance for cultural enrichment activities
- Alumni networking opportunities
- Accident and sickness limited health care benefit plan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan program only)
Global UGRAD-Pakistan is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Department of State and implemented by IREX.
Contact
Please direct all questions to IREX via email at ugradhosts@irex.org.