The Community College Initiative (CCI) is a U. S. Department of State exchange program for technical and vocational students from South Africa.

The CCI program provides participants with a non-degree, academic-year program at a U.S. community college designed to build participants’ technical skills in applied fields, enhance their leadership capabilities, and strengthen their English language proficiency.  Participants do not need to be current Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College or University of Technology students to apply, though they are welcome. 

The CCI Program seeks to foster mutual understanding between the citizens of the United States and the citizens of participating CCI countries. The CCI Program encourages a holistic learning and exchange experience and focuses on five program pillars: academics, cultural exchange, service learning, internships, and leadership and action planning.

Eligibility Criteria

Competition for the CCI Program is merit-based and open to anyone who:

• Is a citizen, national or permanent resident qualified to hold a valid passport issued by the South Africa government.
• Is 18 years or older by July 1, 2021.
• Has successfully earned a secondary school certificate (Grade12/Matric).
• Has not completed the equivalent of three years toward a bachelor's degree or higher in the field of study the applicant is nominated to pursue.
• Has demonstrated commitment to the selected field of study through some academic or professional experience — minimum one year.
• Has basic working knowledge of English language.
• Has limited or no overseas study experience.
• Is available to participate in the academic exchange program in the United States from July 2021 to May 2022.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa.