Embassy of the United States Moscow, Russia

The Opportunity Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to support the application process to U.S. higher education institutions for students who are unable to cover expenses related to the application process but who are highly competitive for full financial aid. The Opportunity Program provides funds to talented international students without the financial means to apply to universities in the United States and who are not eligible for (or not funded by) U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs. The Opportunity Program offers no guarantee of acceptance or financial aid awards at U.S. institutions.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Opportunity Program, a student must:

• be a citizen of Belarus, the Russian Federation or Ukraine;
• work closely with an EducationUSA Adviser throughout the application process;
• apply to degree programs at accredited U.S. higher education institutions (AA/AS, BA/BS,
• LLM, MA/MS, MBA, Ph.D., etc.);
• demonstrate that they and their family are not able to pay for the application process.
• Note: Alumni of the Fulbright and Muskie programs and students currently studying at a U.S. higher education institution are not eligible for the Opportunity Program. FLEX and UGRAD alumni are eligible. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not eligible for the Opportunity Program.

Opportunity Program Application Process

1. Consult with an EducationUSA Adviser, either in person or via internet / phone to discuss educational opportunities in the U.S.
2. Complete Self-Assessment for Undergraduate or Graduate Admission (as appropriate) and a TOEFL practice test; discuss your results with your EducationUSA Adviser.
3. Apply to the Opportunity Program as early as possible after completing Steps 1-2. It is recommended to apply at least 6-8 weeks prior to expenditure to allow sufficient time for payments to be processed.

Two separate forms are required: the Application Form and the Budget Form. The forms must be signed and submitted electronically (.pdf format) to your EducationUSA Adviser.

All information is confidential and is reviewed only to determine the applicant’s financial need and eligibility.

The EducationUSA Adviser reviews each application to verify that it is complete and accurate and that the student meets all eligibility requirements. You will be asked to submit any missing information or to verify inaccurate or incomplete information. Advisers themselves do NOT participate in the selection process.

Complete applications are sent by EducationUSA Advisers to a Selection Committee of experts at the U.S. Embassy for evaluation. The experts are selected according to their expertise in the U.S. education system and experience teaching and advising undergraduate and graduate students. The Selection Committee evaluates each nomination individually based on demonstrated financial need, prior academic achievements, potential for admission with financial aid to a U.S. higher education institution, and leadership. The Selection Committee supports equal opportunity for all without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, geographical region, or academic discipline.

The Selection Committee invites nominees who otherwise would not be able to pay for their application process and who show strong test scores and positive recommendations on their evaluations to apply to the Opportunity Program. Finalists are required to notify their EducationUSA Adviser of any and all offers (or rejections) of admission and financial aid from U.S. universities. Nominees who are not selected for funding will receive letters notifying them of their status.

Funding

The Opportunity Program may cover up-front expenses including, but not limited to:

• testing fees and transportation to testing sites located far from the student's home;
• application fees for U.S. institutions and international courier fees to send applications to the U.S.;
• translations and certifications of official documents and records (if required by the U.S. institution);
• U.S. visa fees, including transportation for the purpose of a visa interview if the U.S. Consulate is located far from student's home;
• SEVIS fees;
• transportation to the U.S. institution where the student will study;
• one-time settling-in allowance to help cover the initial costs of living in the U.S.

All decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Funding for selected grantees is at the discretion of the U.S. Embassy and may be discontinued at any time if the student does not meet his/her responsibilities (e.g., meeting test and application deadlines).

Opportunity Program awards are provided by the U.S. Department of State through American Councils for International Education. All payments are made directly to the organizations and institutions. In exceptional cases, funds can be disbursed to applicants.

EducationUSA Centers promote U.S. higher education around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, impartial, and timely information about educational opportunities in the United States and guidance to qualified individuals on how best to access those opportunities.

Any questions should be directed to an EducationUSA Adviser.

• www.EducationUSA.state.gov