2018/2019 EducationUSA Opportunity Funds program

U.S. Embassy South Africa Public Affairs Section, U.S. Department of State (PAS) is pleased to announce that funding has been requested for the following project: The grantee will work in coordination with the Public Affairs Sections in Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg in support of the 2018/2019 EducationUSA Opportunity Funds program. This program assists highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs of international and domestic airfare, visa fees, SEVIS fees, and settling-in allowance. U.S. Mission to South Africa EducationUSA advisors located in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg will select and advise the Opportunity Funds students. Institutions interested in bidding on this grant are asked to submit a quote to administer the Opportunity Funds of US$76,320 and manage two phases of the EducationUSA selection process. The first phase requires coordination and payment for qualified perspective students to take standardized tests. The second phase requires the recipient to manage the travel logistics of approximately 14-18 students, including visa and SEVIS fees, international airfare, domestic airfare, settling-in allowance, and other related expenses. The grantee will communicate with the students, coordinate visa appointments at the appropriate U.S. consulate, make travel arrangements for domestic and international travel, and coordinate payment to the student of settling-in and other related allowances. The successful grantee will demonstrate an ability to effectively handle funds, coordinate logistics, and finalize payments in a timely manner. The authorizing statute for this funding opportunity is the Fulbright-Hays Act.