The Community College Initiative Programme (CCIP) 2025-2026 is now open for applications.
The Community College Initiative Programme (CCIP) is a U.S. Department of State exchange programme that provides a one–year, non-degree academic and personal development experience at a U.S. community college. Designed to build technical skills in applied fields, enhance leadership capabilities, and strengthen English proficiency, the program seeks applicants who can articulate their commitment to returning home to apply their skills for community impact. CCIP participants will engage with the program’s five core pillars:
- Academics
- Cultural exchange
- Service learning
- Internships
- Leadership and community impact projects
For more information on the programme, refer to the Community College Initiative Programme website.
Degree level
Non-degree programme.
Fields of Study
Participants study one of the following fields:
- Agriculture
- Applied Engineering
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Early Childhood Education
- Information Technology
- Creative Economy and Media
Deadlines
The deadline to apply is 24 November 2024.
Who can apply?
CCIP is a merit-based programme open to applicants who:
- Are citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of South Africa with a valid passport from the Republic of South Africa;
- Currently reside in South Africa;
- Are 18 years or older by 1 July 2025;
- Has successfully earned a secondary school diploma (Grade 12 or equivalent);
- Has not completed the equivalent of three years toward a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of study the applicant is nominated to pursue. Nominees without substantive post-secondary education will be given placement priority;
- Demonstrate commitment to their chosen field through academic or professional experience;
- Have basic English proficiency;
- Have limited or no previous overseas study experience, especially in the United States;
- Are eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa and able to meet the programme’s requirements;
- Are physically and mentally able to complete the programme, including activities scheduled on any day of the week;
- Are committed to returning to South Africa to contribute to their community.
Note: All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Applicants with disabilities or requiring special accommodations are strongly encouraged to apply.
What the scholarship offers
The Fulbright programme provides a high level of support to candidates.
- J-1 visa support;
- Round-trip travel from the participant’s home country to host institution in the United States and return travel at the end of the programme;
- Tuition and college fees;
- Housing and meals;
- A small allowance for books and incidental expenses;
- Limited accident and sickness coverage compliant with the J-1 visa;
- Access to personal and professional development activities.
Application process
Complete the application here: CCI Programme AY 2025-2026 Application_South Africa system by midnight SAST on 24 November 2024. Submit the application form along with transcripts and academic records to
Please use SURNAME, Name – Programme – City (format) on application form, supporting documents and subject line of your email.
- e.g. DOE, John – CCIP 2025-2026 – Bloemfontein
NB: Passport, English test, and medical report are not required during the application stage.
Documents and links
Community College Initiative Programme
CCI Programme AY 2025-2026 Application_South Africa application link
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
