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 upfront costs of obtaining admission, such as testing, application fees, or airfare. This program promotes the State Department’s objectives of broadening outreach to youth and underserved audiences, advancing mutual understanding, and supporting social inclusion.

The Opportunity Funds Program provides comprehensive individual and group advising for each student. This program also covers certain expenses, as determined necessary by the EducationUSA advising team and by the progress and individual circumstances of each student:

• Standardized exams (TOEFL iBT/IELTS/Duolingo, GRE, as applicable), test logistics, and score reports.

• Up to 8 U.S. university application fees.

• Translations and administrative costs required for U.S. university applications. 

• Travel costs within Ecuador (to present exams and/or apply for the student visa).

• Visa and SEVIS fees.

•  One-way airfare to begin studies in the U.S.

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.

Ecuadorian citizens or Ecuadorian 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/)

• To hold a bachelor’s degree from a four/five-year institution, a master’s degree, or those pursuing the last semester of their academic programs and who will likely graduate before August/September 2025. (Technical or vocational programs will not be considered for this call.) 

• To be an Ecuadorian citizen or a Ecuadorian Resident living in Ecuador. Ecuadorian residents must hold a legal migratory status or a Ecuadorian national I.D.

• Ecuador citizens physically living in Ecuador at the moment of the application process: application and if they get chosen during the advising process. 

• Students who do not have any application process open with U.S. institutions. 

• To have an English level at the B2 level, according to the CEFR (at this moment, applicants’ level of English proficiency will not have to be certified through an official exam.) 

• To have an 8.5 minimum GPA. 

• Demonstrated leadership qualities at university and extracurricular activities. 

• Economic Disadvantage

• Motivation to study in the U.S. 

To apply, you'll need to look through all the information on this page in detail. Complete and submit the online application form at Opportunity Funds Platform by December 22nd, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., Ecuadorian time. Applications submitted after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required documents (to be uploaded as part of the online application):

Students must complete the application form in English at the following link: https://forms.gle/PV4ACuNfnSufE7Sb8

They must upload the following documents in PDF format to the form:

• Personal statement

• CV in English

• University transcripts

If there are issues attaching these documents in the application, please email them to opportunityecuador@gmail.com.

If these 3 documents are not submitted, your application will be automatically disqualified.

If you have questions that aren’t answered on this page, you may contact ecuador@educationusa.org