The United States Embassy in Paraguay has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Hayes Scholarship Programme. This prestigious initiative offers a three-year, fully funded intensive English language course to university students in Asunción in the Central Department, and surrounding areas.
The programme, delivered at the Paraguayan-American Cultural Centre (Centro Cultural Paraguayo Americano or CCPA), employs a dynamic and communicative teaching methodology with a focus on American culture. It is designed to enhance academic and professional opportunities for outstanding students with limited financial resources.
Successful candidates will benefit from improved job prospects and increased ability to pursue studies in the United States, or to establish their own businesses. The scholarship is a joint initiative of the United States Embassy, the Paraguayan-American Chamber of Commerce (Cámara de Comercio Paraguayo-Americana), the AMCHAM Foundation (Fundación AMCHAM), and associated businesses, in partnership with the CCPA.
English language scholarships eligibility criteria
To be eligible, applicants must be Paraguayan citizens or hold permanent residency, reside in Asunción, Central Department, or nearby areas, and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate university degree programme, even in their final year. Preference will be given to students in fields such as International Trade, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Accounting, Commercial Engineering, Marketing, Tourism, Communications, Public Relations, Human Resources, and other science, technology and innovation-related fields.
Applicants must have completed at least the first semester or first year of university, maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and demonstrate limited financial resources through supporting documentation. They must also commit to completing the three-year English language course and actively participating in all extracurricular activities. Strong communication skills and prior involvement in leadership or community service will be favourably considered.
Ineligible candidates
Students already studying English at a language institute, those with intermediate or advanced English proficiency, and those pursuing postgraduate studies (specialisations, master’s degrees, or doctorates) are not eligible to apply. The use of artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, to complete the application form will automatically invalidate the application.
Application requirements
Applicants for the English language scholarships must submit the following documents:
- A valid Paraguayan identity card,
- An updated official transcript or a screenshot from the university platform clearly showing the applicant’s details,
- Proof of enrolment for the 2025 academic year,
- An income and expenditure statement (available for download from the application form),
- Documentation demonstrating the household’s monthly income, and receipts for the expenses listed on the form.
The completed application form must be submitted by 23:59 on Wednesday, 4 September 2025. The organisation recommends that applicants gather all necessary documents beforehand, as the online form does not save progress if the process is interrupted before submission. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
For further information, contact Paraguayan-American Cultural Centre per email at becas@ccpa.edu.py. Follow The Asunción Times for information about upcoming scholarships.
