An initiative by the United States government is offering Burmese youth opportunities for quality higher education across multiple Asian countries, including the Philippines. Launched by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on February 29, the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program is a five-year, $45 million initiative providing full scholarships to students from Burma. These scholarships enable enrollment in diverse public and private universities in the Philippines, along with access to online programs offered by the University of Arizona.
Through the program, USAID is forging close partnerships with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to simplify the admissions procedures for Burmese students and offer support services to aid their transition to studying in Philippine universities. These universities include Batangas State University, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, St. Louis University in Baguio, the University of the Philippines-Diliman, and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños.
The anticipated arrival of Burmese scholars in the Philippines is scheduled for July 2024, enabling them to commence their studies in the upcoming academic year. “Through our partnership with USAID, [the commission] is honored to support Burmese youth in higher education,” said Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III DPA of CHED. “We continuously advocate for equitable, quality, and inclusive higher education, aiming to empower students from all backgrounds. Together, we’re breaking barriers, building bridges, and driving transformative change through higher education”.
The Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program by USAID aims to offer high-quality educational opportunities to emerging community leaders in Burma, particularly individuals from marginalized and vulnerable communities. Additionally, the program extends grants to Asian higher education institutions to enhance their ability in supporting international students. This is achieved through fostering partnerships, cultivating regional networks, and expanding community service-oriented initiatives.
“This scholarship program is a strategic investment in higher education institutions in the region,” said USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer. “It recognizes our shared commitment to education as a catalyst for positive change in Burma and around the world”.
