Opportunity Funds Program Scholars do not receive a scholarship from EducationUSA to study in the U.S. The scholar must
work hard to apply to U.S. institutions that can provide full funding for them. We will cover the upfront costs of applying to
U.S. institutions. We will cover the cost of taking standardized tests, application fees (limited amount), international passport,
a flight ticket to the U.S, visa and SEVIS fees, and if available, a settling-in allowance. In extenuating circumstances and funds
permitting, we may cover the cost of a credential evaluation, mailing transcripts and I-20 forms
or additional score reports, internet data (if we are operating virtually).
We will not cover the cost of mandatory immunizations, medical tests, expenses for which you can get a fee waiver.
If OFP Scholars receive a voucher for expenses such as the CSS profile fee,
credential evaluation or application to certain institutions, we will not cover such costs.
Through periodic seminars, you will be guided by EducationUSA Advisers to navigate the College Application process.
We will start with an application boot camp and throughout the year, conduct seminars on researching your options,
funding your studies, completing your application including how to write a personal
statement or college essay, applying for a student visa and preparing for departure.
Opportunity Funds Program Scholars must attend all group sessions held at the location to which they applied: Lagos or Abuja. Advisers will need to spend time with each scholar so as to provide the best guidance for them. This will take place from the time of selection in July of the year you apply until at least December of that year. However, meetings will continue to take place until you receive a fully funded admission and leave for the U.S. in August of the following year.
All OFP Scholars must commit their time and energy towards applying to institutions that can offer a full scholarship. They must put in what we call “sweat equity.” They must also be willing to mentor the next cohort of scholars and demonstrate an ethos of giving back.
Successful Opportunity Funds Program Scholars become U.S. Government Alumni and are eligible to apply for program grants as all other alumni.
Opportunity Funds Program Scholars are issued F-1 Student visas.
Yes, they may. However, the OFP does not provide any support to scholars to enable them process a visa for their dependents.
We also strongly advise against doing so in the first year of your studies. If, for any reason you believe that you must go along with a dependent,
we encourage you to start saving towards it as the Opportunity Funds do not cover expenses for any dependent.
Opportunity Funds Program Scholars, like all international students, are permitted to work part-time
on campus for up to 20 hours a week when school is in session. We envisage that they might wish to pursue
internship opportunities in the United States which are closely aligned with their research or academic interests.
In such instances, we urge them to start on time to identify such opportunities.
Yes you may but we will give a much stronger preference to applicants who meet our basic eligibility requirements.
Yes you may but please note that students who want to study STEM related courses have a higher chance of receiving a full scholarship from many U.S. institutions.
No, we prefer the May/June WAEC result and will consider only those results.
Opportunity Funds Program Scholars will join their counterparts to form a network of OFP scholars in Nigeria and
around the world. We encourage scholars
to stay in touch, meet and exchange ideas with their peers and connect via social media.
Yes you may. However, kindly review the eligibility requirements to ensure that you are still eligible and you can present a stronger application next time.
No. However, please note that the program is very competitive and we often receive more applications than we can often fund each year so we must select only the numbers we can afford to fund.
We encourage Opportunity Funds Program Scholars to return home to Nigeria. Some, however, may work in other African countries on issues related to their areas of training and, in so doing, 'give back' to the continent of Africa.