AKP Phnom Penh, September 28, 2026 —

The U.S. Embassy in Cambodia hosted the 2026 EducationUSA Fair on Monday in Siem Reap, connecting Cambodian students and families with representatives and alumni from prominent American higher education institutions.

The annual event gave prospective students insights into undergraduate and graduate programmes in high-demand fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and artificial intelligence (AI). Attendees also received guidance on U.S. educational standards, student visa policies, application requirements, and post-graduation career opportunities in Cambodia.
Ms. Katherine Diop, Counsellor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, emphasised the enduring appeal of U.S. institutions despite growing global competition.

"The United States has long been a favoured destination for Cambodian students," Ms. Diop said, noting that the event coincides with America's semiquincentennial. "This year, as the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary of independence, we reflect on how American innovation has transformed the world — shaping how people everywhere live, work, and connect."

Ms. Diop highlighted that higher education in the U.S. embodies this same spirit of innovation. "American institutions open doors to expanded career opportunities and improved employability upon returning to Cambodia, particularly in fields like STEM," she added. "As Cambodia transitions toward a knowledge- and technology-based economy, access to high-quality, internationally recognised education is more critical than ever."

She pointed out that the United States boasts over 4,000 accredited colleges and universities offering diverse academic environments and professional development pathways.

Mr. Ly Bunna, Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Education, Youth, and Sport, urged students to capitalise on the initiative, emphasising that global academic opportunities are closer than ever. He noted that the embassy provides substantial resources to guide Cambodian candidates through the higher education landscape.

Beyond U.S. government scholarship programmes such as Fulbright, the U.S. Embassy supports local academic advancement through the American Corner at the University of South-East Asia (USEA) in Siem Reap and the EducationUSA Advising Centre at Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) Siem Reap campus.

By K. Rithy Reak