EducationUSA Malaysia 2026-2027

The EducationUSA Malaysia program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section. This funding opportunity is part of the broader EducationUSA global network, which promotes U.S. higher education opportunities to international students. The program aligns with U.S. foreign policy objectives, including strengthening bilateral educational ties, expanding prosperity through educational exchange, and promoting American excellence. The 2026–2027 cycle also incorporates the Freedom250 initiative, requiring applicants to integrate themes celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States into programming. The primary purpose of this grant is to support an implementing partner that will manage EducationUSA advising services across Malaysia. This includes maintaining at least three physical advising centers in key regions—Klang Valley, Penang, and East Malaysia—and delivering outreach activities such as education fairs, school presentations, and workshops. The program aims to increase the number of Malaysian students receiving accurate advising about U.S. higher education, improve participation in EducationUSA activities, and ultimately grow enrollment of Malaysian students in U.S. institutions. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, with substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy. The total available funding is up to $224,000, with anticipated awards supporting projects for up to three years. Funds must be used for programmatic activities such as advising services, outreach, educational materials, and staffing directly related to implementation. However, strict funding restrictions apply, including prohibitions on construction, direct social services, fundraising, partisan activities, and most activities conducted in the United States. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Eligibility is open to a broad range of organizations, including nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, and government entities. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. While individuals are not required to register, organizational applicants must meet federal compliance requirements. Certain project types are explicitly excluded, such as those involving religious activities, lobbying, or commercial ventures. The application process requires submission of several mandatory federal forms, including SF-424 series documents, along with a detailed proposal narrative of up to 15 pages. Applicants must also provide a comprehensive budget and justification narrative, supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status or registration. The proposal must clearly articulate project objectives, implementation plans, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and anticipated outcomes aligned with EducationUSA goals. Applications are evaluated based on multiple criteria, including alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities, organizational capacity, quality of project design, partnerships, budget justification, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Proposals are scored across these categories, with emphasis on measurable outcomes such as number of students advised and enrolled in U.S. institutions. Applicants can expect notification of results approximately 120 days after the submission deadline. The application deadline is July 31, 2026, with projects anticipated to begin on September 21, 2026. The period of performance is up to three years. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Public Affairs office at PublicAffairsKL@state.gov.

Align proposal closely with EducationUSA objectives demonstrate measurable student outcomes build strong partnerships with Malaysian institutions and ensure clear monitoring and evaluation metrics