Each year, the U.S. Department of State supports the US South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP), which enables students from the South Pacific region to pursue either bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
For the USSP Scholarship is provided by the University of Hawai’i in the United States. It covers all educational and travel expenses for successful applicants.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this opportunity and how to apply effectively.
Continue Reading to See How to Apply
US South Pacific Scholarship Program Summary
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Study Abroad: Study in the USA
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: 11 Selected Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | Travel Expenses | Internship | Mentorship
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: January 15
US South Pacific Scholarship Program Details
The US South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP) is established by the U.S. Congress and funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs within the U.S. Department of State.
The USSP Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based program that offers opportunities for Master’s and Bachelor’s degree studies at the University of Hawai‘i in the USA. Students can focus on undergraduate and postgraduate fields that directly support the development needs of Pacific island countries, helping them gain a broader understanding of the United States.
Eligibility Requirements for the USSP Scholarship
To qualify for the USSP Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Bachelor’s Scholarship:
- Applicants must have finished secondary school by the application deadline for admission to an undergraduate program.
- In some countries, this means completing “Form 6,” while in others, it may mean finishing “Grade 12.”
- Individuals who have taken some undergraduate courses but do not hold a U.S. equivalent four-year bachelor’s degree are also eligible and encouraged to apply.
Master’s Scholarship:
- Applicants must have completed at least a three-year bachelor’s program.
- Those with a three-year bachelor’s degree may apply for a bridging program of up to one year, which allows them to later apply for a master’s degree program.
- Depending on prior studies and academic performance, some master’s programs may not require a bridging component.
- The USSP program typically does not allow direct applications for graduate degree programs. Candidates with both a bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate diploma or honors degree, or those who will complete such qualifications before the scholarship starts in August, are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Preference will usually go to candidates with limited recent experience in the United States or those who haven’t had extensive educational opportunities outside the Pacific Islands region.
Eligible countries include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Benefits of the US South Pacific Scholarship Program
The US South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP) covers all costs associated with studying at the University of Hawai’i, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Living stipends
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
Additionally, the program includes a mentoring component and may offer a summer internship, along with opportunities for host family involvement and volunteer service.
Eligible Fields for the USSP Scholarship
Priority study areas include:
- Agriculture
- Business
- Communication/Journalism
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Gender Studies
- NGO Management
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Other related fields
If your desired field is not listed as a priority, be sure to explain how it aligns with the scholarship’s goals.
Please note that professional degrees such as architecture, law, and medicine are not supported.
Scholarship Reminder
Don’t miss out on any scholarship opportunities! Set a reminder now to get alerts about available scholarships.
How to Apply for the US South Pacific Scholarship Program (Step by Step)
To apply for the US South Pacific Scholarship Program, interested applicants should:
- Click the button below to access the program’s webpage.
- Complete an online application for the scholarship through the East-West Center scholarship website.
A U.S.-based academic review committee, which may include specialists from the East-West Center and University of Hawai‘i system, as well as a representative from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and a Pacific Islands student representative, will conduct the selection process.
If you encounter any issues with the online application that you cannot resolve, please contact the EWC Registrar’s Office for assistance at:
Email: USSP@EastWestCenter.org
Telephone: (808) 944-7738
