U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP) 2025. Study Undergraduate or Master’s Programs for Free in the U.S. The U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP) is an incredible opportunity for students from Pacific Island nations to earn undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Hawai‘i.
Application Deadline
January 15, 2025
About the USSP Program
Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the USSP is a merit-based scholarship aimed at fostering leadership and development in Pacific Island nations.
Key features of the program include:
- Studies aligned with the development needs of the Pacific Islands.
- Cross-cultural understanding between Pacific Island nations and the United States.
- Mentorship, community engagement, and potential internships.
The program is administered by the East-West Center and supports academic excellence and personal development.
Eligible Fields of Study
Scholarships are available in the following fields:
- Agriculture
- Business
- Communication and Journalism
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Gender Studies
- NGO Management
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility criteria:
For Bachelor’s Scholarships
- Completion of secondary school (Form 6 or Grade 12) with no U.S. four-year degree.
- May have some undergraduate coursework.
For Master’s Scholarships
- A three-year baccalaureate degree is required.
- A bridging program may be necessary before the master’s program.
General Requirements: U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP) 2025
- Limited recent experience in the U.S. or opportunities to study abroad.
- Not eligible: dual citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals, and U.S. permanent residents.
- Must meet J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Program requirements.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Academic merit.
- Relevance of their field of study to Pacific Island development.
- Recommendations from U.S. embassies and Pacific Islands specialists.
Benefits of the USSP Program
Selected scholars will receive:
- Full tuition coverage at the University of Hawai‘i.
- Living allowance and roundtrip airfare.
- Mentorship and potential summer internships.
- Participation in host family programs and community service activities.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Online application form (via East-West Center portal).
- Academic transcripts.
- Statement of purpose highlighting relevance to Pacific Island development.
- Letters of reference.
- Proof of eligibility for the J-1 visa.
Eligible Countries
Students from the following Pacific Island nations are eligible:
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Niue
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
University of Hawai‘i, United States.
Number of Awards
8 scholarships available.
Duration of the Award
Covers the full duration of the chosen program.
How to Apply
- Complete the online application through the East-West Center application portal.
- Submit all required documents by January 15, 2025.
- For technical issues, contact the East-West Center registrar.
This is a unique opportunity to advance your education while making a difference in your community. Apply now!
