Free registration from September 16th to October 10th
Many brilliant students miss the opportunity to earn an international degree due to lack of financial resources. Others can’t afford the tests to apply for universities. For 15 years, the Academic Opportunities Program, one of the initiatives developed by EducationUSA–the network of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Brazil–has been covering all expenses related to university applications of accepted students with above-average academic performance, but with limited financial resources to enter U.S. universities. Registration for those interested in pursuing Masters and PhD programs in the United States opened September 16, 2021 with support from the Fulbright Commission and Lemann Foundation.
The first step in applying for the Academic Opportunities program, via the www.educationusa.org.br website, is to fill out an online form in English, which includes essays in English, and then to send documents including school records and proof of family finances. Once selected, EducationUSA and its network will guide participants through the process for at least one year. The program will pay for participants’ expenses, such as study material for tests, accommodation during test-taking, food, and student visas and flight tickets, as well as exemption from various fees related to sending and translating application documents.
The Candidate Profile to participate in the Academic Opportunities program
Candidates must have intermediate to advanced levels in English and a history of excellent academic performance. In addition, the program values extracurricular activities, such as participation in research projects, academic internships and social impact projects. The program goal is to get participants into U.S. Masters or PhD programs with full scholarships.
“Since it was created in 2006, more than 500 participants have entered this program both at undergraduate and graduate levels, and more than 260 have been admitted to North American universities. In the case of Master’s and PhD candidates, last year more than 60% were women, people of African descent, or indigenous people. We believe in empowering and transforming students in academic spaces. We have been wanting to expand opportunities to include more students, and are very happy we have done so,” said Jake Jacanin, Public Affairs Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil.
Indigenous Student will be the pioneer of his tribe in the USA
Jósimo Constant–or Kãdeyruya, in the native language of his Puyanawa people–from Aldeia Barão, Acre, was one of those selected by EducationUSA in the last edition of the Academic Opportunities program. From the age of 4, Jósimo grew to love English by listening to U.S. missionaries who visited his village. His next academic goal is to earn a Doctorate in Political Science at a U.S. university so that he can work to improve Brazil’s policies related to indigenous health.
”I want to study the medical practices aimed at indigenous peoples in Brazil and help change the reality of the country. In living with my mother who has schizophrenia, I realized how difficult it can be for our people to have access to health care, and they still have very precarious treatment regimens. With the opportunity offered by EducationUSA and its partners, I will be able to grow, to inspire other young people, and to bring the stories of my people to the world,” says Kãdeyruya, whose name means “good teacher” in his native dialect.
DETAILS:
Master’s and PhD Academic Opportunities Program
What it offers: Guidance at all stages of the application process to American universities, in addition to covering all costs of the process: translation of documents, study materials, test fees, accommodation when necessary, etc.
Who can participate: Students with limited financial resources who have intermediate/advanced levels of English and completed a Bachelor’s degree in 2020
When: From September 16 to October 10
Free registration link: bit.ly/OPPGrad2021
More information: https://www.educationusa.org.br/oportunidades-academicas-pos-graduacao
About EducationUSA: EducationUSA is the State Department’s official network for U.S. study information and has a global network of more than 400 guidance centers. EducationUSA has 42 offices in various parts of Brazil, including “American Spaces – Binational Centers”, universities and non-profit organizations. The network’s mission is to facilitate free access to information on U.S. study opportunities. More information about EducationUSA in Brazil here: https://www.educationusa.org.br
