Applications are invited for the United States–South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP) available studies to begin in August 2021. Scholarships are awarded to pursue Master’s and Bachelor’s degree study at the University of Hawai‘i in fields that are directly relevant to the development needs of Pacific island countries.

The Program provides educational opportunities for academically talented individuals from South Pacific countries to pursue bachelor’s degree study at UH Hilo or master’s degree study.

The East-West Center promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue.

Brief Description

• Course Level: Scholarships are available to pursue a bachelor or master’s degree study at the University of Hawai‘i.
• Study Subject: Priority areas of study include agriculture, business, communication/journalism, education, environmental studies, gender studies, NGO management, political science, public administration, public health, STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and other related fields. If a desired field of study is not among the priorities, the applicant should give special attention to explaining how this course of study would support the goals of the scholarship program. Support is not available for professional degrees such as architecture, law, and medicine.
• Scholarship Award: Scholarship recipients will receive the following:
• Tuition and fees are payable to the University of Hawai‘i.
• Housing in a student residence hall.
• Monthly allowance for food, clothing, and incidental expenses.
• Health insurance in accordance with Exchange Visitor (J-1 visa) regulations.
• An initial settling-in allowance.
• An annual book allowance.
• Initial and terminal transportation to all official activity sites.
• A mentoring program with the possibility of a follow-on summer internship arranged.
• This scholarship is subject to U.S. Federal government taxes as well as to State of Hawaii government taxes. Payment of taxes is the responsibility of the student.
• Nationality: Candidates from the following countries, who meet specific selection criteria, are eligible for the program: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
• Scholarship can be taken in the USA

Eligibility:

The following criteria must be met in order for applicants to be eligible for these scholarships:

• Bachelor’s Scholarship: Applicants must have completed secondary school by the deadline for submitting a university application for admission to their undergraduate program.  In some countries, this means having completed “Form 6.”  In other countries, this may mean having completed “Grade 12.”  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 and strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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, which upon completion allows for application to a master’s degree program.  Master’s programs may not require a bridging component, depending on prior study and academic performance during the first year.  The USSP program does not generally permit direct application and admission to a graduate degree program.  Those who currently possess both a bachelor’s degree and a post-graduate diploma or honours degree, or will have earned a post-graduate diploma or honours degree before the scholarship’s August start date, are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Because an objective of the program is to provide an educational exchange experience to those not previously afforded such an opportunity, preference will usually be given to candidates who have not had recent extensive experience in the United States.  Preference may also be given to candidates who have not had extensive opportunities for study at educational institutions outside the Pacific Islands region (i.e., outside the countries listed in paragraph one above).
• Note: Individuals who have dual citizenship, one being that of the United States, are not eligible.  U.S. non-citizen nationals and U.S. permanent residents are also not eligible for USSP.  All scholarship recipients must be able to meet the requirements of the Exchange Visitor (J-1 visa) program.

Scholarships in the USA

How to Apply: Applications should be submitted via post, fax or email.

 

Application Deadline: February 1, 2021 

Scholarship Link