Opportunity Information: Apply for AF HAR FY26 02
The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) grant is a U.S. Embassy Harare funding opportunity for a Zimbabwean organization to administer the 2026 to 2027 cycle of the OFP in Zimbabwe. The program is designed to expand access to U.S. higher education for high-achieving Zimbabwean students by reducing the up-front financial barriers that often prevent strong candidates from applying to U.S. colleges and universities. In practice, this means helping students navigate the U.S. admissions and financial aid process while also paying for many of the required expenses that come before a student ever receives an offer of admission or scholarship.
The U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe, through the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section, will select one grantee to manage the program logistics in close coordination with EducationUSA advisers in Zimbabwe. The target participants are university students who want to pursue undergraduate or graduate study at U.S. institutions, including branch campuses of U.S. colleges and universities. Student selection will be handled by an OFP selection committee led by EducationUSA advisers, using criteria developed by the Public Diplomacy Section and those advisers. The grantee is therefore not being asked to independently choose students, but rather to implement and support the program as designed and guided by the Embassy and EducationUSA.
The award ceiling is up to USD 54,000, with one expected award. The work is organized into two main phases covering the full pathway from application preparation to eventual departure or online study participation. Phase One focuses on the application and advising process for selected students. During this phase, the grantee pays approved costs that are typically required to apply and become eligible for admission, such as standardized testing fees, application fees, certifications, and other pre-approved expenses tied to enrollment in a U.S. higher education program. Alongside the financial support, the grantee provides logistical and programmatic support so EducationUSA advisers can deliver intensive advising. This advising includes the U.S. application process, how to approach financial aid, and guidance on online degree programs and other accredited alternative U.S. education options. The grantee also disburses stipends to regional advisers who contribute to delivering these activities, which helps extend support beyond a single location.
Phase Two covers what happens after students succeed in earning admission and funding for study. Here the grantee manages travel and pre-departure costs for students who will begin programs in the 2027 to 2028 U.S. academic year, including cases where the funded program or institution is located outside the United States (for example, U.S.-affiliated programs or placements elsewhere globally). The grantee also provides approved logistical support for students selected for EducationUSA online study programs, recognizing that not all opportunities involve physical travel but still require coordination, onboarding, and practical support.
A key feature of the opportunity is flexibility in delivery. Both phases may be implemented virtually, which is intended to make it easier to reach students across Zimbabwe regardless of location and to maintain continuity when in-person engagement is difficult. The funding also allows administrative costs up to 10 percent of the total award, giving the implementing organization room to cover essential management expenses while keeping the majority of funds focused on direct program support.
Eligible applicants are Zimbabwean organizations, specifically not-for-profit entities (including think tanks and civil society or non-governmental organizations) as well as public or private educational institutions. The opportunity is issued as a discretionary grant by the U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe (CFDA 19.022) under Funding Opportunity Number AF HAR FY26 02, with an application deadline listed as August 2, 2026.Apply for AF HAR FY26 02
- The U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-05-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-02. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $54,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) grant in Zimbabwe?
The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) grant is a U.S. Embassy Harare funding opportunity for one Zimbabwean organization to administer the 2026 to 2027 cycle of the OFP in Zimbabwe. The program is meant to expand access to U.S. higher education for high-achieving Zimbabwean students by reducing up-front costs that can prevent strong candidates from applying to U.S. colleges and universities.
Who is offering this grant?
The grant is offered by the U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe through the U.S. Embassy Harare, managed through the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section.
What problem is the OFP designed to address?
The OFP is designed to reduce the up-front financial barriers that often stop qualified students from applying to U.S. higher education programs. It supports students as they navigate admissions and financial aid processes and helps cover required costs that occur before a student receives an admission offer or scholarship.
Who can apply for this funding opportunity?
Eligible applicants are Zimbabwean organizations, including not-for-profit entities (such as think tanks and civil society or non-governmental organizations) and public or private educational institutions.
How many awards are expected, and what is the maximum award amount?
One award is expected. The award ceiling is up to USD 54,000.
What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA listing?
The Funding Opportunity Number is AF HAR FY26 02. The opportunity is issued as a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.022.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is listed as August 2, 2026.
What is the grantee expected to do?
The selected grantee is expected to manage program logistics in close coordination with EducationUSA advisers in Zimbabwe. The grantee implements and supports the program as designed and guided by the Embassy and EducationUSA, including managing approved payments and logistical arrangements across two program phases.
Does the grantee select the student participants?
No. Student selection will be handled by an OFP selection committee led by EducationUSA advisers, using criteria developed by the Public Diplomacy Section and EducationUSA advisers. The grantee is not being asked to independently choose students.
Who are the target participants the program is meant to support?
The target participants are university students who want to pursue undergraduate or graduate study at U.S. institutions, including branch campuses of U.S. colleges and universities.
How is the work structured?
The work is organized into two main phases that cover the pathway from application preparation to eventual departure or online study participation.
What happens in Phase One?
Phase One focuses on application preparation and advising for selected students. During this phase, the grantee pays approved costs typically required to apply and become eligible for admission (such as standardized testing fees, application fees, certifications, and other pre-approved expenses tied to enrollment in a U.S. higher education program). The grantee also provides logistical and programmatic support so EducationUSA advisers can deliver intensive advising, including guidance on the U.S. application process, approaches to financial aid, and information on online degree programs and other accredited alternative U.S. education options.
What kinds of costs can be covered in Phase One?
Based on the information provided, Phase One may cover approved pre-application and application-related expenses such as standardized testing fees, application fees, certifications, and other pre-approved costs tied to enrollment in a U.S. higher education program.
Does Phase One include advising support, or is it only financial support?
Phase One includes both. In addition to paying approved costs, the grantee provides logistical and programmatic support so EducationUSA advisers can deliver intensive advising on applications, financial aid, and online or alternative accredited U.S. education options.
What is meant by "logistical and programmatic support" for advisers?
The opportunity states that the grantee supports the logistics and program delivery so EducationUSA advisers can provide intensive advising. The specific examples provided include facilitating advising on applications and financial aid, guidance on online degree programs, and supporting delivery beyond a single location through stipends for regional advisers.
Are regional advisers part of the program, and what does the grantee do with them?
Yes. The grantee disburses stipends to regional advisers who contribute to delivering activities, which helps extend support beyond a single location.
What happens in Phase Two?
Phase Two begins after students succeed in earning admission and funding for study. The grantee manages travel and pre-departure costs for students who will begin programs in the 2027 to 2028 U.S. academic year. Phase Two also includes approved logistical support for students selected for EducationUSA online study programs, since online opportunities still require coordination, onboarding, and practical support.
When do supported students begin their academic programs?
For students supported through Phase Two travel and pre-departure costs, the opportunity specifies programs beginning in the 2027 to 2028 U.S. academic year.
Does Phase Two only apply to travel to the United States?
No. Phase Two includes cases where the funded program or institution is located outside the United States, such as U.S.-affiliated programs or placements elsewhere globally.
Does the program support online study options?
Yes. The description includes advising on online degree programs and other accredited alternative U.S. education options in Phase One, and Phase Two includes approved logistical support for students selected for EducationUSA online study programs.
Can the program be implemented virtually?
Yes. Both phases may be implemented virtually. This flexibility is intended to help reach students across Zimbabwe and maintain continuity when in-person engagement is difficult.
How much of the budget can be used for administrative costs?
Administrative costs are allowed up to 10 percent of the total award.
How will the grantee coordinate with the U.S. Embassy and EducationUSA?
The opportunity states that the grantee will manage program logistics in close coordination with EducationUSA advisers in Zimbabwe, under the guidance of the U.S. Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section and EducationUSA advisers.
What is the overall intent of the grant-funded activities?
The intent is to support high-achieving Zimbabwean students through the full pathway of pursuing U.S. higher education by reducing up-front barriers, supporting intensive advising, and covering approved pre-application, application, and (when applicable) pre-departure or online program participation logistics.
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