EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program

The U.S. Embassy in Harare, through its Public Diplomacy Section, invites eligible organizations to submit applications to administer the 2026–2027 EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) in Zimbabwe. This program promotes U.S. higher education opportunities for high-achieving Zimbabwean students and helps them overcome the up-front costs of applying to U.S. colleges and universities.

The program targets university students seeking either undergraduate or graduate study with U.S. institutions or branch campuses of U.S. colleges and universities.  Participants will be selected based on criteria developed by the Public Diplomacy Section and EducationUSA advisers in Zimbabwe.  The OFP selection committee will also be led by these advisers.

The successful organization (the grantee) will receive up to US $54,000 to manage the logistics of two phases of the advising and support process for the 2026–2027 cycle.

Phase One involves the grantee covering all required standardized test fees, application fees, certifications, and other approved costs for selected students to enroll to a U.S. higher education program. The grantee will also provide programmatic and logistical support to EducationUSA advisers delivering intensive advising on the U.S. application, financial aid process, online degree programs, and other U.S. accredited alternative education options. The grantee will disburse stipends to regional advisers who support these activities.

Phase Two involves managing travel and any pre-departure costs associated with successful students who gain admission and funding to U.S. programs or institutions across the globe in the 2027–2028 U.S. academic year. The grantee will also provide approved logistical support to students selected for EducationUSA online study programs.

Both phases can be implemented virtually, allowing flexible support for students across Zimbabwe.  Administrative costs of up to 10 percent of the total award are allowed under this funding opportunity.