The application for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) 2022-2023 for Young Africans to Study in the USA is now open for all eligible interested applicants from all over the country. So read carefully to understand how to apply for the opportunity funds program.
There are many determined and talented, low-income students in Africa who only require financial resources and access to information to better their educational future. For the 11th year, the United States Embassy in the whole of Africa seeks to identify academically qualified and highly motivated, low-income students in Africa to join the (OFP).
The Opportunity Funds Program was created to support high-achieving low-income students and give them access to further their education in the United States.
U.S. Embassy & Consulate EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) Aims
OFP’s mission is to assist talented and determined, low-income students who are good candidates for financial assistance from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front cost of obtaining admission.
OFP works closely with students through regularly scheduled meetings and seminars to assist them throughout the application process to secure admission and scholarships to attend colleges and universities in the United States.
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The U.S. Embassy & Consulate EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) finances the cost of the application process, including registration fees for required standardized examinations, and provides free membership to the U.S. EducationUSA Advising Center for its participants.
OFP expects a sincere commitment from the students to give their energy and time to the program so that they may achieve their dreams of studying in the United States.
Applicants are welcome from all the states in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. However, students must be able to reach U.S. Embassy & Consulate offices in Abuja or Lagos on a monthly basis during the program for full participation.
Participants will work with U.S. Embassy & Consulate EducationUSA Advisors from June 2022 – August 2023 to try to secure places and financial assistance to begin study in the U.S. in August 2022.
EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) Selection Criteria
The selection of finalists for OFP 2022 is highly competitive, given limited funding. We look for applicants with:
- Strong academic record/ transcript
- Robust participation in extracurricular activities
- Involvement in leadership roles
- Excellent community service participation
- Financial Need
NOTE: Undergraduate Applicants– If WAEC results are not available; the student must be currently in SS3. If WAEC results are available, they must be from May/June WAEC.
Students who have already started a University education are NOT eligible to apply.
U.S. Embassy EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) Requirements
- Complete Application Form
- Academic Results:
Undergraduate Applicants– Attach a copy of your WAEC “O” Level results (from the WAEC website). Include Cambridge A’Level or IGSCE results if applicable or available.
Graduate Applicants– Attach a copy of your Final year results and degree results (if available) First Class only (STEM majors preferred).
- Letters of recommendation:
Undergraduate Applicants: Request a teacher or your school principal to complete a letter of recommendation form, attesting to your character, talent, and skills. Please do not include a basic testimonial that does not talk about you as an individual.
Graduate Applicants: Provide the details of a lecturer, professor, or Head of Department (HOD) that we can contact to find out more about you. - Transcript:
Undergraduate Applicants: Send a scanned copy of your transcript from JS1 to SS3 including your mock and first term results, if possible.
Graduate Applicants– Send a scanned copy of your transcripts that show a GPA of 4.5 or above on a 5.0 scale. - Essays:
Write two essays, one from Group A and one from Group B, each of about 250– 300 words. The essay topics will be on the application form you receive. (Essay topics will be found on the form)
How to Apply for EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) 2022-2023
- Apply on the Opportunity Funds Applications website
For inquiries send an email to AbujaEducationusa@state.gov or LagoseducationUSA@state.gov
OFP 2021 Undergraduate Application Form
Please complete this application form; return it together with the required documents listed at the end of the application form no later than May 31, 2022
Read directions carefully: It is essential that you attach to your OFP 2021 application the documents listed below. Please do not send originals of certificates or reports as we cannot guarantee the return of any documents to unsuccessful candidates. Please send the completed application and attachments together.
Attach to this application the following documents:
- SS1 & 2 end-of-year report and mock WAEC result or WAEC result (word or PDF files only)
- WAEC Result (word or PDF files)
- Other supporting documentation(word or PDF files only)
Go to the official OFP 2022 undergraduate application form web page at https://opportunityfundsnigeria.org/apply
OFP 2022 Graduate Application Form
Please complete this application form; return it together with the required documents listed at the end of the application form no later than May 31, 2022
Read directions carefully: It is essential that you attach to your application the documents listed below. Please do not send originals of certificates or reports as we cannot guarantee the return of any documents to unsuccessful candidates. Please send the completed application and attachments together.
Attach to this application the following documents:
- Copy of your university transcript-if available (word or PDF files only)
- Copy of Statement of Result/Degree (word or PDF files)
- Submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae(word or PDF files only)
- Scanned copy of any supplementary certificates of achievement(word or PDF files only)
- Copy of GRE result (Recommended for Engineering students) word or PDF files only
Go to the official EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) 2022-2023 graduate application form at https://opportunityfundsnigeria.org/apply to complete the online application form.