Find answers to the most frequent
inquiries about the Opportunity Funds Program path.
What is the Opportunity Funds Program?
The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds program assists highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities, but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs to apply.
I have read that the Opportunity Funds Program is not really a scholarship. What then is it?
The Opportunity Funds Program is not a scholarship because we do not pay tuition fees. In reality, all we cover are the upfront costs of applying to U.S. Colleges and Universities such as testing, application fees, airfare etc. i.e. whatever may be a barrier that could hinder an academically gifted student from applying to U.S. institutions.
What are the selection criteria to be on the Opportunity Funds Program?
Strong academic record (at least 6As for undergrads & 1st class for grads)
Robust participation in extracurricular activities
Involvement in leadership roles
Excellent community service participation
Financial Need
What if I did not make a first class as a graduate student or I do not have at least 6 A1s in the WAEC exam, may I still apply?
Yes you may but we will give a much stronger preference to applicants who meet our basic eligibility requirements.
It seems that most graduate scholars are STEM Graduates, What if I did not study a STEM related course for my Bachelor’s degree, may I still apply?
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.
What if I did not do well in the May/June WAEC but I have an amazing GCE or NECO result, may I still apply?
No, we prefer the May/June WAEC result and will consider only those results.
What is the selection process for the Opportunity Funds Program?
Each applicant sends in a detailed application with supporting documents. It is advisable to apply via our website. After careful review of all applications, shortlisted applicants are interviewed by an EducationUSA Adviser, alumni of the program and a staff of the Public Affairs Section of a U.S. Embassy/Consulate. We also conduct a test to determine academic ability. Only few applicants are selected each year due to our limited funds.
How much does it cost to apply for the program?
Nothing. As in, you don’t pay a dime. It is free.
What expenses does the Opportunity Funds Program cover?
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 to applying to U.S. institutions. We will cover the cost of taking a 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).
What expenses does the Opportunity Funds Program NOT cover?
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 CSS profile fee, credential evaluation or application to certain institutions, we will not cover such fees.
Why do U.S. Universities sponsor Opportunity Funds Scholars?
They do because OFP Scholars add value to each institution that admits them. In addition to academic abilities, Opportunity Funds students bring cultural and socio-economic diversity to U.S. campuses. More than 100 colleges and universities have enrolled Opportunity Funds students since 2006.
When does the application open and close?
The application is available for six weeks: it is open April 15th of every year and closes on May 31st of that same year. Any application submitted outside that window is invalid.
How exactly will the Opportunity Funds Program help me?
Through periodic seminars, you will be guided by EducationUSA Advisers to navigate the college application process. We will start with an application boot camp in late July/early August and then, throughout the year, conduct seminars using our Five Steps to U.S. Study process: 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 are required to be present in Lagos or Abuja to attend meetings. When must this occur? Will students be paid?
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. NOTE: Our funds do not cover expenses related to travel and lodging in Lagos/Abuja.
I have read that Opportunity Funds Program Scholars become part of a network. What does this mean?
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.
Must Opportunity Funds Program Scholars return to Nigeria?
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.
What kind of visa will Opportunity Funds Program Scholars receive?
Opportunity Funds Program Scholars are issued F-1 student visas.
Can dependents accompany scholars to the U.S.?
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.
May Opportunity Funds Program Scholars work while on campus?
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 and to let their designated school official know.
What other benefits does the Opportunity Funds Program offer?
Successful Opportunity Funds Program Scholars become U.S. Government Alumni and are eligible to apply for program grants as all other USG alumni.
What if I apply this year and I am not selected, may I reapply another year?
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.
If an applicant is not selected for the Opportunity Funds Program, can you share the specific reasons for the rejection?
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.
Where can I read the profiles of successful OFP scholars?
We launched a brand new website for the Opportunity Funds Program for Nigeria.
You can read all about it on www.opportunityfundsnigeria.org
How can I get in touch with alumni of the Opportunity Funds Program?
Many of the scholars are on social media and have LinkedIn accounts.
Is the OFP only available in Nigeria?
No. There are more than 50 countries around the world that receive Opportunity Funds. The list of participating countries changes slightly each year depending on individual country needs, priorities of Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and EducationUSA, and the budget situation.