US Slashes $100M in Study Abroad Funding, Threatening Global Exchange Programs

What Happened?

The US State Department has cancelled 22 cultural and study abroad exchange programs worth $100 million, even though the funding had already been approved by Congress for 2025.

This decision has shocked universities, students, and exchange organizations because these programs support around 10,000 students every year.

 Why Is This Important?

• These programs were designed to promote cultural exchange, education, and US soft power around the world.
• Cutting them means fewer international students and scholars can come to the US, and fewer Americans can study abroad.
• Stakeholders say it undermines 75+ years of work in public diplomacy and cultural understanding, including the legacy of the Fulbright program.

 The Reason Given by the Government

The State Department said the cuts were due to “budget priorities” and fiscal pressures. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stepped in and blocked the funds, even though Congress had already approved them.

Critics argue this move could be illegal and unconstitutional, because the executive branch is overriding Congress’s power to allocate funding.

 Who Is Affected?

Some of the most well-known programs being cancelled include:

• Kennedy-Lugar YES Program – brings students from Muslim-majority countries to the US.
• Global Undergraduate Exchange Program – gives scholarships for international students.
• Mandela Washington Fellowship – supports young African leaders.
• Community College programs – support global cooperation with US colleges.
• TechWomen&YSEALI Fellowships – build leadership and technology skills among young people.

Altogether, 22 programs will lose funding, leading to:

• Job cuts in exchange organizations.
• Students losing life-changing opportunities.
• US losing influence abroad.

 Why Stakeholders Are Worried

1. Impact on Students &Organizations – Around 10,000 students directly affected; many cultural exchange organizations may face layoffs or even closure.
2. US Image Abroad – These programs were built to strengthen relationships with other countries and improve global perceptions of the US. Cutting them could isolate America internationally.
3. Dangerous Precedent – If OMB can block funds that Congress already approved once, it could do so again, threatening the future of all international exchange programs.

 The Bigger Picture

• Critics say this is part of a wider “war on international education” under the Trump administration.
• It risks undoing decades of soft diplomacy that helped the US build goodwill around the world.
• At a time when global understanding is needed the most, these cuts may weaken US influence while strengthening competitors like the UK, Canada, Germany, or China, who continue to invest heavily in exchange programs.

In summary: The US government has cancelled $100m worth of study abroad and cultural exchange programs, despite Congress approving the funds. This affects thousands of students worldwide, threatens American soft power, and raises constitutional concerns about whether the executive branch can override Congress’s budget decisions.

At a time when cultural understanding and global cooperation are needed the most, these cuts risk disrupting opportunities for thousands of students worldwide?

For guidance on exploring alternative study abroad opportunities and fully-funded programs still available in other countries, contact us today:

📩Email: info@wacconsultants.com
📞WhatsApp: +92 320 9422666
🌐Website:www.wacconsultants.com