History of USEFP
Scholarship Programs
The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) was established in 1950 to manage the prestigious Fulbright Program, the flagship scholarship program of the U.S. Government. Overseen by a board of an equal number of Pakistanis and Americans, the first group of Pakistani grantees traveled to the United States in 1951, while the first American grantees visited Pakistan in 1952 as Fulbighters. In 1980, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for mid-career professionals was added, sending the most promising Pakistani professionals for one year of academic and cultural exchange in the United States. Another approximately dozen exchange programs have also been managed by USEFP, including the popular Global Undergraduate Exchange (Global UGRAD) Program set up in 2010, under which more than 2,657 undergraduates have had the opportunity to study for a semester at U.S. colleges and universities.
USEFP is committed to merit-based selection for all our programs and fostering diversity in all its aspects. Our outstanding and accomplished candidates come from all the provinces and regions of the country, including the underserved areas. About half of our selection comprises women, and we actively encourage and support applicants with disabilities. This commitment to diversity is a cornerstone of our mission and ensures that our programs are inclusive and representative of Pakistan's diverse talent.
The USEFP's program department is proud of its efficiency and output. From 2007 to 2024, it received and processed 244,010 applications. In total, over 7,499 Pakistanis have traveled to the U.S. on USEFP programs since 2005. This number includes candidates selected for the Fulbright, Humphrey, Global UGRAD, FLTA, Journalist program, Program for Public Administrators, CCIP, CCAP, FSSP, NESA, and TEA programs, showcasing the impact and reach of our programs.
Alumni Department
Although USEFP has been generating alumni since the first Fulbrighter was selected in 1950, our alumni department was only established in 2005. The department was created in response to the phenomenal increase in the number of Fulbright grants supported by the U.S. Department of State. Since 2005, Pakistan has had the world's largest Fulbright Program, sending approximately 150 grantees each year to complete Master's and PhD degrees at top universities in the United States. In addition, a few scholars come to Pakistan from the U.S. as Fulbright Specialists/Scholars each year. Since 1980, USEFP has also managed the prestigious Humphrey Fellowship in Pakistan, sending mid-career professionals for a combined academic/professional experience in the United States. We invite all Fulbright and Humphrey alumni from Pakistan to register with us. Alumni of other USEFP-managed programs are encouraged to register with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) at the USEFP office.
Why register? The department holds a vast digital archive of every grantee dating back to 1951. We want to know what you have achieved since participating in your program, as this helps demonstrate the value of these programs to both countries. Alumni are entitled to various post-grant opportunities to engage in activities as part of giving back to Pakistan. Sustained alumni engagement is integral to USEFP's national educational outreach program and its selection process for future grantees. Our Fulbright and Humphrey alumni directories enable you to network with other alumni.
If you are seeking employment or looking for U.S. degree-holding employees, you may use our job portal.