Are you a low-income SA student dreaming of studying in the US? Here’s a funded opportunity!

Opprotunity Summary

The U.S. Mission to South Africa is excited to announce this scholarship opportunity through the #EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) for high performing, low-income SA students!

Closing date: 10 April 2024

OFP covers the upfront costs of studying in the U.S. and provides application assistance. Spaces are limited!

Background Information

Many determined and talented, low-income students in South Africa only require financial resources and access to information to better their educational future. This year, the U.S. Mission to South Africa seeks to identify academically qualified and highly motivated, low-income students in South Africa to join the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP).

OFP’s mission is to assist talented and determined, low-income students who are good candidates for financial assistance from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front cost of obtaining admission.

OFP works closely with students through regularly scheduled meetings and seminars to assist them throughout the application process to secure admission and scholarships to attend colleges and universities in the United States.

OFP finances the cost of the application process, including registration fees for required standardized examinations, and provides free membership to U.S. EducationUSA Advising Centers for its participants. OFP expects a sincere commitment from the students to give their energy and time to the program to achieve their dream of studying in the United States.

Applicants are welcome from all South African citizens and permanent residents. However, students must have access to the internet, monthly, during the program for full participation. Participants will work with our EducationUSA Advisors from May 2024 – August 2025 to secure places and financial assistance to begin study in the U.S. in August 2025.

NOTE: ENTRANCE INTO THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SCHOLARSHIP OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STUDY IN THE U.S.

Selection Criteria

The selection of finalists for OFP is highly competitive, given limited funding. We look for applicants with:

• Strong academic record/ transcript (Distinction Average)
• Robust participation in extracurricular activities
• Involvement in leadership roles
• Excellent community service participation
• Financial Need

NOTE: Undergraduate Applicants– If National Senior Certificate (NSC) results are not available, they must be currently in Grade 12/Matric. If NSC results are available, they must be from 2024 or 2023. Students who have already started a university education are NOT eligible to apply for undergraduate admission (i.e., Current Grade 12s or Gap Year students ONLY).

Requirements

1. Complete the Application Form (below)

2. Academic Results:

Undergraduate Applicants– Attach a copy of your Matric/Cambridge/Diploma Results and/or Grade 9-11 final reports. Also, only if your first term results of Grade 12 are available. (80% averages and above only- not including Life Orientation)

3. Letters of recommendation:

We will request the name, position, and email address of a recommender to reach out to complete a recommendation on your behalf.

Undergraduate Applicants: This should be a teacher who knows you well and can attest to your character and aptitude in comparison to your peers at your current or previous school. Ideally, it should be a Grade 11 or Grade 12 teacher.

4. Essays:

Write two essays, one from Group A and one from Group B, each of about 250– 500 words. The essay topics are listed in the application. Please fill in the application and click through to the Essay sections for more details.

How to Apply

OFP Application Deadline: 10 April 2024

Please continue on to the application form we have attached below:

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