About the Scholarship
The U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP), sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and administered by the East-West Center, offers competitive, merit-based scholarships for Master’s and Bachelor’s degree study at the University of Hawai‘i. The program aims to address the development needs of Pacific island countries while fostering a deeper understanding of the United States among recipients. Alongside academic pursuits, USSP includes mentoring, potential summer internships, and opportunities for engagement in host family and volunteer service programs.
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship prioritizes fields directly relevant to Pacific island country development, including agriculture, business, communication/journalism, education, environmental studies, gender studies, NGO management, political science, public administration, public health, and STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Other related fields may also be considered if applicants demonstrate alignment with the scholarship program’s objectives. Professional degrees such as architecture, law, and medicine are not supported.
Selection Process
A U.S.-based academic review committee, comprising specialists from the East-West Center and University of Hawai‘i system, alongside representatives from U.S. Embassies and Pacific Islands, facilitates the selection process. Consideration is given to academic merit, potential contributions to the scholarship program’s goals, and candidates’ limited prior experiences in the United States or at educational institutions outside the Pacific Islands region.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s Scholarship: Applicants must have completed secondary school by the application deadline. Candidates with some undergraduate coursework or a three-year bachelor’s degree are eligible.
- Master’s Scholarship: Applicants must hold at least a three-year baccalaureate program. Those with a three-year Bachelor’s degree may apply for a bridging program of up to one year. Direct application to graduate programs is not typical; preference is given to those with bachelor’s degrees and post-graduate diplomas or honors degrees.
Dual citizens of the United States and non-citizen nationals or permanent residents of the U.S. are ineligible. All scholarship recipients must meet the requirements of the Exchange Visitor (J-1 visa) program.
Contact Information
East-West Center
Registrar’s Office/USSP
1601 East-West Road, John A. Burns Hall, Room 2066
Honolulu, Hawaii 96848-1601, USA
Email: ussp@eastwestcenter.org
Telephone: +1-808-944-7738
Visit the official website for more information and application.
