You can study in the USA via EducationUSA
Matshaba Mothiane explains the open opportunity for South African learners to study in the United States to BONUS.
POLOKWANE – The US Embassy, she said, has a scholar programme called EducationUSA which helps South African students who want to apply to study at American universities.
The EducationUSA Scholar Program guides Gr 11 learners through the admissions process for colleges and universities in the United States. During the process the selected learners will work with EducationUSA over a period of 18 months to try and secure admission and financial assistance after they pass matric.
“It’s not so much a scholarship as it is an advising service. We do a variety of workshops on Scholastic Assessment Tests (SATs), a standardised test widely used for college admissions in the US.
“We have SAT boot camps because the SAT exam is the biggest exam you’ll have to write in order to get into any US university at an undergraduate level. We also offer workshops on filling applications to the university and we also have a financial aid workshop which teaches how to apply for financial aid,” Mothiane explained.
Although ESP financial assistance is not provided to all participants in the admission process, select students who need financial support in the upfront cost of applying to US universities or getting to monthly sessions can be considered for the Opportunities Funds but the candidate will have to prove financial need and have an A-grade average. In order to qualify, learners need a strong academic record with a minimum 70% average (excluding life orientation), evidence of leadership, service to community and school as well as demonstrating outstanding character.
Applications opened in August and close 30 November. The programme is strictly for Gr 11 learners, she added.
“We are dealing with strictly Gr 11 learners as it allows for the 18-month period to get the necessary paperwork sorted as well as the attendance of the various workshops, whereas with Gr 12 learners the time is very limited,” she explained.
For more information, find them on Facebook or go to ZA.USEmbassy.gov or EducationUSA.state.gov.
