EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Colombia 2026-27
Call for Applications is OPEN!
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Deadline is Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., Colombian time
EducationUSA Colombia Opportunity Funds program, a U.S. Department of State-funded program, will support students who are eager to pursue studies at U.S. universities, demonstrating exceptional academic skills and a strong understanding of the U.S. academic system. By selecting candidates with the necessary qualifications, this initiative not only fosters academic excellence but also strengthens America's global leadership in research, innovation, and education. These students are equipped to contribute to advancements in science, technology, and research and will undoubtedly be a great source of academic knowledge and innovation.
The program will cover the up-front application costs, such as testing and test prep, application fees, and document translations. The Opportunity Funds program covers these costs and, once the student is admitted, also funds the visa/SEVIS payment, travel to the U.S., a settle-in fee, and additional expenses.
The Opportunity Funds Program in Colombia is for applicants interested in graduate degree programs (master’s or doctorate) in any area of study except clinical studies including medicine, veterinary, or dentistry. It is not for students looking to enroll in undergraduate studies, short-term exchange programs, English learning, or other types of study.
WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM INTENDED FOR?
This program offers advising services and financial support for students to complete the application process to U.S. graduate programs in master’s or doctorate programs that start in the fall semester (August/September) 2027; however, this program does not guarantee acceptance into or scholarships from universities in the U.S.
WHAT IS COVERED BY THE PROGRAM?
The Opportunity Funds Program provides comprehensive individual and group advising for each student. This program also covers certain expenses, depending on funding available and as determined necessary by the EducationUSA advising team and by the progress and individual circumstances of each student:
■ Standardized exams (only TOEFL iBT, GRE, as applicable), test logistics, and score reports.
■ Application fees to 8 U.S. universities
■ Translations and administrative costs related to academic documents required for the admissions process.
■ Travel costs within Colombia to present exams and/or apply for the student visa.
■ Visa and SEVIS fees.
■ Air ticket to the U.S. to begin studies.
■ One-time settling-in allowance in the U.S.
■ Additional pre-travel expenses.
Please note that EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program cannot be used to cover tuition costs. Program participation and program funding are contingent upon budget availability and approval of annual funding cycles.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Colombian citizens or Colombian residents whose countries do not have the Opportunity Funds Program (please contact the adviser center in your country of citizenship for more information https://educationusa.state.gov/)
REQUIREMENTS
■ Hold a bachelor’s degree from a five-year program, a master’s degree, or be in the final semester of their academic program with an expected graduation before June 2026.
■ Be a Colombian citizen or a Colombian Resident living in Colombia. Colombian residents must hold a legal migratory status or a Colombian national I.D.; those applicants whose countries do not have an Opportunity Funds Program will be eligible for this call and should hold a valid passport (Maximum expiration date: February 2028).
■ Be a Colombian citizen physically living in Colombia at the moment of the application process and if they get chosen during the advising process.
■ Not be currently in the process of applying to U.S. graduate programs.
■ Demonstrate a C1 level of English proficiency according to the CEFR. While an official certification is not required at this stage, applicants may be asked to take a mock test as part of the selection process.
HOW TO APPLY AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
To apply, please review all the information on this page in detail. Complete and submit the online application form on the Opportunity Funds Platform by May 28th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., Colombian time. Applications submitted after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered.
The application form includes several essays and required documents (below). On the application platform, you can save your progress and then return to complete the application at any time before the deadline of May 28th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., Colombia time.
Essays generated or written with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will result in immediate disqualification from the application process.
Required documents (to be uploaded as part of the online application):
■ Cedula (See conditions for resident applicants above)
■ For residents (from other nationalities), you will need to hold a valid passport through November 2026.
■ Copy of your university diploma if you have already graduated.
■ If you are pursuing the last semester of your academic program, you should have a certificate from the university that indicates that you are in your last semester or about to graduate.
■ Undergraduate transcript (list of courses taken and grades)
This document does not need to be translated into English for application.This document can be an unofficial copy of your transcripts downloaded from your university platform. (Be aware that if selected for the program, you must submit the official ones.)
■ Transcripts for any additional studies after high school. For example, technical/vocational, diplomado, especialización, master’s, and/or doctorate.This document does not need to be translated into English for application.
HOW IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?
HOW IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?
Each candidate undergoes a rigorous selection process conducted by EducationUSA Colombia advisers, the Regional Educational Advising Coordinator (REAC), and the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy - Bogotá. Since 2006, more than 150 U.S. universities have admitted students from the Opportunity Funds Program worldwide.
Phase 1: Academic profile
Once the application cycle closes, the selection committee will review each applicant’s profile and academic documents.
Phase 2: Video
Pre-selected candidates will be required to record a video to demonstrate their english proficiency.
Phase 3: Final interview
Pre-selected Candidates will participate in a virtual interview in English (details will be shared by email).
All applicants will be contacted in between June and July 2026 regarding the results of the pre-selection process. Pre-selected participants will receive further instructions.
PROGRAM CALENDAR
This program is highly rigorous; applicants must be able to commit 15 hours per week and assist to the virtual sessions in order to complete it successfully.
Phase 1: July to October 2026
Students must build their list of universities, prepare their CV, essays, standarized exams and request their letters of recommendations.
Phase 1: November 2026 to February 2027
Send the applications to the 8 U.S. universities selected and approved
Phase 2: February and June 2027
Receive acceptance letters from U.S. institutions. Complete the passport and student visa process.
Phase 2: July to August 2027
Travel to the United States to begin their program at a U.S. university.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM?
If you have questions that aren’t answered on this page, you may contact colombia@educationusa.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This program covers tuition and living expenses in the U.S.?
No, Opportunity Funds program only covers the up-front application costs, such as testing and test prep, application fees, and document translations.
If I have already been accepted to a U.S. university, can I apply for the scholarship?
No, applicants should not have a letter of acceptance at the time of applying, as the program supports candidates from the beginning of the application process.
I am about to graduate from high school. Could I apply to the program?
Here in Colombia, the program is only for students seeking to pursue a graduate program (master’s or Ph.D. programs) in the United States.
If I have not graduated from my undergraduate degree, could I still apply to the program?
You must graduate from your undergraduate program by June 2026 to be able to apply to the program.
Would I be able to travel with my spouse and/or children if I’m chosen?
The program only covers your up-front costs related to applying and obtaining admission for the candidate selected.
Do I need to know English to apply?
Ideally, you should be a C1 because the program does not cover an Intensive English Program here in Colombia or in the United States. All the cohort advising sessions are done in English, and contacting university professors, contacting faculty, reading information about the program you plan to apply to, and so much more are also done in English.
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