Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS ZAF FY26 02
The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) 2026 is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity run through the U.S. Mission to South Africa, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). It is an open, competitive call for an organization to implement and roll out South Africa's EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program. The central purpose of OFP is to help highly qualified South African students who want to study in the United States at the undergraduate or postgraduate level at accredited U.S. institutions. The program is designed for students who are strong candidates to receive full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities, but who cannot afford the up-front, pre-departure expenses that typically stand between them and completing the application and placement process.
In practical terms, this opportunity supports the scaffolding around high-achieving, low-income students who are already competitive for generous U.S. aid packages, but who need assistance covering early-stage costs that are not usually included in a university's financial aid award. While the notice does not list specific cost categories, "up-front costs" in this context commonly refers to expenses tied to preparing and submitting applications and meeting pre-enrollment requirements, such as standardized testing, application-related fees, document processing, and other preparatory steps that can prevent otherwise qualified students from moving forward. The grant is therefore oriented toward increasing access and removing early financial barriers so these students can successfully compete for admission and funding at U.S. institutions.
The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, which generally means the U.S. government expects an active partnership role during implementation rather than a fully hands-off grant. The opportunity is classified as discretionary funding, and it falls under CFDA number 19.022. The funding opportunity number is PAS ZAF FY26 02, and the title is EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) 2026.
Eligibility is limited to non-profit organizations based in South Africa or the United States. Eligible applicants explicitly include non-profit think tanks, civil society organizations and NGOs, and both public and private educational institutions, as long as they operate on a non-profit basis. Applicants are expected to provide proof of non-profit status if their status is not obvious from their documentation or organizational profile.
The U.S. Mission to South Africa expects to make one award under this competition. The maximum funding amount (award ceiling) is USD 67,500. The opportunity was created on April 28, 2026, and the original application closing date is May 29, 2026.Apply for PAS ZAF FY26 02
- The U.S. Mission to South Africa in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) 2026" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-04-28.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-05-29. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $67,500.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) 2026 grant opportunity?
The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) 2026 is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity administered through the U.S. Mission to South Africa, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). It is an open, competitive call to select an organization to implement and roll out South Africa's EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program.
Who is offering and administering this opportunity?
The funding is offered by the U.S. Department of State and run through the U.S. Mission to South Africa, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS).
What is the main purpose of the Opportunity Funds Program (OFP)?
The central purpose of OFP is to help highly qualified South African students who want to study in the United States (undergraduate or postgraduate) at accredited U.S. institutions, by reducing early financial barriers that can prevent them from completing the application and placement process.
Is this funding meant to pay U.S. university tuition or full study costs?
No. The program is designed for students who are strong candidates to receive full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities, but who cannot afford up-front, pre-departure expenses that are typically not covered by a university financial aid package.
What kinds of student expenses is the program intended to address?
The notice describes support for "up-front" and "pre-departure" expenses that commonly relate to preparing and submitting applications and meeting pre-enrollment requirements. While specific cost categories are not listed in the notice, examples in this context typically include standardized testing, application-related fees, document processing, and other preparatory steps that can block otherwise qualified students from moving forward.
Who benefits from the program supported by this award?
The program is intended to benefit high-achieving, low-income South African students who are already competitive for generous U.S. financial aid packages but need help covering early-stage costs to complete the application and placement process for study in the United States.
What levels of study does OFP support?
The program is intended to support South African students pursuing either undergraduate or postgraduate study at accredited U.S. institutions.
What type of award is this?
This award is structured as a cooperative agreement, which generally means the U.S. government expects to have an active partnership role during implementation rather than providing a fully hands-off grant.
Is this a competitive opportunity?
Yes. It is described as an open, competitive call for an organization to implement and roll out South Africa's EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program.
How many awards does the U.S. Mission to South Africa expect to make?
The U.S. Mission to South Africa expects to make one award under this competition.
What is the maximum funding amount available?
The award ceiling (maximum funding amount) is USD 67,500.
Is this funding classified as discretionary?
Yes. The opportunity is classified as discretionary funding.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number is 19.022.
What is the funding opportunity number and official title?
The funding opportunity number is PAS ZAF FY26 02, and the title is EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to non-profit organizations based in South Africa or the United States. Eligible applicants explicitly include non-profit think tanks, civil society organizations and NGOs, and both public and private educational institutions, provided they operate on a non-profit basis.
Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?
No. Eligibility is limited to non-profit organizations (including educational institutions operating on a non-profit basis) based in South Africa or the United States.
Do applicants need to provide proof of non-profit status?
Yes. Applicants are expected to provide proof of non-profit status if their non-profit standing is not obvious from their documentation or organizational profile.
When was this funding opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on April 28, 2026.
What is the application deadline?
The original application closing date is May 29, 2026.
What does "implement and roll out" mean in this context?
Based on the notice, it refers to carrying out the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program in South Africa in a way that helps highly qualified students overcome early, up-front financial barriers so they can complete the U.S. application and placement process and successfully compete for admission and full financial aid.
Does the notice specify an exact list of allowable cost categories?
No. The notice does not list specific cost categories, but it frames the need as covering up-front, pre-departure expenses tied to the application and pre-enrollment process.
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