FY 2026 U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program

The U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP) is a long-standing initiative administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) within the U.S. Department of State. Established under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 and further directed by Public Law 103-236, the program aims to enhance mutual understanding between the United States and Pacific Island nations through educational exchange. Specifically, the program provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from sovereign South Pacific nations to pursue degree programs in the U.S. in disciplines critical to their home countries’ development. For fiscal year 2026, ECA invites proposals from U.S. public and private non-profit organizations to administer the USSP. The selected organization will receive a cooperative agreement valued at approximately $925,000 to support up to eight students. The grant period will span 55 months, covering the full cycle of participant recruitment, placement, degree study, enrichment activities, and follow-up. This includes the administration of optional internships, orientation and re-entry programming, monitoring and evaluation, and alumni engagement. The award recipient will closely coordinate with U.S. Embassies in the East Asia and Pacific region and other Department of State units to ensure the program’s alignment with diplomatic priorities and regional needs. Eligible students must be from one of the following countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, or Vanuatu. Students typically pursue undergraduate or master's degrees in pre-approved fields, with bridging semesters possible for those with three-year baccalaureate degrees. Participants must not already be residing in the U.S. or have significant third-country academic experience. Compliance with J-1 visa requirements, including the two-year home residency mandate, is a condition of participation. The organization receiving the award will be responsible for comprehensive program management tasks. These include recruiting and screening applicants, convening academic review panels, securing U.S. institutional placements, managing travel and visa arrangements, and overseeing students' academic and cultural adjustment. Orientation programs, student support services, and enrichment activities must be culturally responsive and designed to foster leadership, civic engagement, and community service. The recipient will also be responsible for administering stipends, health insurance (through ASPE), and all logistics related to participant welfare. The submission process requires applicants to complete and submit materials through Grants.gov by May 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Required documents include the SF-424 form, a detailed proposal narrative, budget documents (SF-424A, line-item budget, and narrative), and any additional supporting documentation as noted in the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI). Only one application per organization will be considered, and all applicants must have an active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Applicants are encouraged to register early due to potential delays in processing. Proposals will be evaluated based on clarity of objectives, institutional capacity, cost-effectiveness, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and potential for long-term impact. Programs that offer innovative cultural exchange components, robust alumni tracking, and cost-share contributions will be viewed favorably. Award notifications are expected around July 15, 2026, with the program performance period commencing approximately on July 1, 2026, and running through June 31, 2031. This grant opportunity is anticipated to recur, following historical patterns of the USSP program’s administration.

Emphasize cost-efficiency, cultural programming, and robust M&E plans in proposals. Strong performance history in international exchanges is essential.