Introduction

The U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP) is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. It offers opportunities for Master’s and Bachelor’s degree study at the University of Hawai‘i in fields relevant to the development needs of Pacific Island countries. The program aims to provide recipients with a broader understanding of the United States. It includes a mentoring component, potential summer internships, and opportunities for host family and volunteer service programs.

Scope of Work

The USSP program funds Master’s and Bachelor’s degree studies at the University of Hawai‘i. The program prioritizes fields of study that are directly relevant to the development needs of Pacific Island countries, including agriculture, business, communication/journalism, education, environmental studies, gender studies, NGO management, political science, public administration, public health, STEM fields, and other related fields.

Eligibility

The USSP program is open to candidates from the following countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Bachelor’s Scholarship

• Applicants must have completed secondary school by the application deadline.

• Individuals who have completed some undergraduate-level courses but have not obtained the equivalent of a U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree are also eligible.

Master’s Scholarship

• Applicants must have completed at least a three-year baccalaureate program.

• Those with a three-year Bachelor’s degree may apply for a bridging program of up to one year.

• Those with both a bachelor’s degree and a post-graduate diploma or honours degree are strongly encouraged to apply.

Budget and Duration

The scholarship provisions include:

• Tuition and fees

• Housing in a student residence hall

• Monthly allowance

• Health insurance

• Initial settling-in allowance

• Annual book allowance

• Initial and terminal transportation to and from home country

Additional Information

The East-West Center administers the USSP program for its funder, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Support for professional degrees such as architecture, law, and medicine is unavailable.

Key Dates

The application deadline is January 15, 2024.

Selection Process

The selection process is competitive and merit-based. The East-West Center will review applications and select candidates based on academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to serving their home country.

Contact Information

For more information, visit the East-West Center website: https://www.eastwestcenter.org/

Reporting Requirements

The USSP program may require recipients to submit reports on their academic progress and activities during their studies.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.