Educational Advising
EducationUSA Center
EducationUSA centers promote U.S. higher education around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, objective, and timely information about educational opportunities in the United States and guidance to qualified individuals on how best to access those opportunities
Hours of Service for Walk-in Service
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
10:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-4:30pm
US Educational Advising Center
7th Floor, Goldbridge, Eastgate Building, Harare
Introductory Group Advising Sessions
Introductory group advising seminars, regarding U.S. study, are held the first and third Wednesday of every month at 3pm in Harare and the last Friday of every month at 3pm at the Bulawayo American Corner, Bulawayo Public Library. These sessions include a powerpoint presentation, question and answer period and book. All first time visitors are required to attend a group session before joining the US Educational Advising Center as members.
US Educational Advising Center
In May 2001, the US Embassy's Public Affairs Section launched the USEAC in order to provide more comprehensive services to serious Zimbabwean students seeking to further their education in the United States. The USEAC is a membership-based center that works closely and personally with its members to ensure that they are successful in identifying appropriate colleges and universities, completing the application requirements for those universities and financing their education.
Member services and resources comprise the following:
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Individual Advising with trained Educational Advisors
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Internet and Email Access for Admissions and College Selection Purposes
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Educational Reference Book and Software Collection
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College and University Video Library
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Test preparation reference library, software and practice tests, lending library and bookstore
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Mock SAT examinations at discount
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Workshops and seminars on application and standardized test preparation as well as guest speakers from US colleges and universities
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Individual admissions file kept at center with advising tailored to your qualifications, interests and needs
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10% discount on bookstore purchases
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Pre-Departure Orientation Program
USEAC Membership Criteria
In order to become a member of the USEAC, a student must submit the following:
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In order to become a member of the USEAV, a student must submit the following:
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Completed application form
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driver license size photographs
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Photocopy of academic certificate showing 5 "O" levels including English, math and science (undergrad) or university transcript showing 2.2 or higher pass (graduate)
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Annual membership fee of US$40.
Eligibility for College and University Admission
Undergraduate Study
Colleges and universities in the United States vary considerably in their admissions standards and requirements. To be considered for membership into the USEAC and for a student visa, a student must have a minimum of 5 O= level passes of a "C" or higher, including English and mathematics, a science and a social science subject. Most four year colleges and universities also require Zimbabweans to take either the SAT I or ACT standardized tests. Highly selective schools and applications for scholarships require excellent "O" and "A" level passes and sometimes SAT II exams as well.
Graduate Study
The applicant must be in possession of a Bachelor's Degree in good standing (i.e. 1.0 or 2.1 degree classification) from a recognized local or overseas university. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) are requirements for admission to a graduate program, as are letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose and research interests.
English Proficiency
Most institutions require students whose native language is not English to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in order to prove that their academic, spoken and written English is proficient to succeed at the university level in America.
Financing your education
The average cost of an academic year in the USA including tuition, fees and living expenses varies from US$20,000 to US$45,000 per year. This figure does not include air transportation from Zimbabwe to the U.S. institution. Substantial financial assistance for undergraduates is very difficult to obtain. Students without their own finances must have excellent academic records at "O" and "A" level or be nationally-ranked athletes in order to compete for the few available scholarships from colleges and universities.
Foreign students are allowed to work 10 - 20 hours per week for the college/university they are attending to earn pocket money.
Estimated earnings for one academic year would be ~U.S.$1500 - $3000. Foreign students cannot apply to work off-campus except for rare special circumstances.
Scholarships And Financial Aid
International students should initiate planning for U.S. study at least 12-18 months in advance of their intended enrollment. Advanced planning is more critical when financial assistance is required.