The United States Department of State has paused funding for study-abroad programs, as of Feb. 13, 2025, leaving many scholars stranded, according to The Associated Press.

In addition to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, other programs paused include the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, the IDEAS Program and the Critical Language Scholarship Program, according to the Association of International Educators, also known as NAFSA.

These programs support young professionals and students in exploring their academic fields globally through teaching, internships and research through culturally immersive opportunities. 

The 15-day temporary pause was scheduled to be lifted on Feb. 27, 2025, but no federal action has been taken, NAFSA said.

“The move appears to be in line with the White House’s initiative to sharply slash government spending, a shakeup that has affected scores of (many) federal agencies,” the AP said.

According to NAFSA Deputy Executive Director Jill Allen Murray, the funding freeze will have an everlasting impact on the scholars who are now put into a “state of limbo” and full financial neglect.

“The fact remains that the freeze hasn’t been lifted,” Murray said. “This is still a huge problem for participants and the programs that support them, with major long-term ramifications for the U.S. economy and national security.”

According to NAFSA, although partial funds have been “dribbling out” the funding pause has not recovered with 85% of the funding still pending payment, according to Murray.

Murray said the funding movement only addresses the monetary deficit caused by the pause, while the international programs’ partners are being paid with a delay.

According to the Fulbright Association February 2025 newsletter, the pause will impact more than 12,500 American students and professionals who are scheduled to be part of the U.S. Department of State programs in the next six months.

“The funding freeze has sparked panic among grant recipients who are stranded outside their home countries without clarity on the future of their programs or the money needed to support themselves,” the AP said.