US Universities Parade Study Opportunities To Zim Students

In a statement the US embassy in Harare said over 1600 students from Zimbabwe are studying in different US higher learning institutions.

US ambassador, Charles Ray will attend the fair at Prince Edward School on Saturday that is expected to attract “A” level and prospective under-graduate students to get infromation on scholarships, and to know more about the different universities or colleges.
 
“The Fair will enable “A” level and other prospective undergraduate students to access more information about further study in the United States, including information on scholarships, campus and college life at a wide variety of colleges and universities,” the US embassy said.
 
“Ambassador Charles A. Ray will attend the Fair which will showcase more than 30 U.S. universities and colleges. There will be presentations on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), financial aid and other topics related to U.S. higher education application processes.”
 
The embassy said last year it granted 400 visas to Zimbabwe students to study in the US. The embassy has also been providing library facilities to Zimbabwe students and ordinary people in three main cities of Harare, Mutare and Gweru.

“Over 1,600 Zimbabwean students are studying in the U.S. in a wide range of fields and at a diverse group of institutions. Last year, the U.S. Embassy granted about 400 visas for Zimbabwean students to begin or continue their studies in the U.S. A large percentage of those who pursue U.S. studies from Zimbabwe do so under full or substantial scholarships given for their academic, artistic or sporting talent,” the embassy said.
 
Zimbabwe education which was not spared by the economic collapse in the last years has been in the doldrums. Students at the country main colleges and universities were struggling to pay fees and their upkeep resulting in some dropping out of school. Grants that were once provided by the government were scrapped as hyper-inflation sank the once stable economy. 

Most of the students that have gone overseas or in the region to study have been lured by the better working conditions and better salaries outside the country resulting in the country losing out on qualified personnel.