Unlocking Global Opportunities: A Guide to LSA Study Abroad Scholarships

For students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), the dream of studying abroad can become a reality through LSA Scholarships. These scholarships support LSA students who study abroad through a Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) program. Thanks to generous donations from U-M alumni and supporters, LSA Scholarships can help make these life-changing opportunities a reality for students, regardless of background or financial resources.

LSA Study Abroad Scholarships: Funding Your International Experience

LSA Scholarships open doors to international study for students enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan. These scholarships are specifically designed to support students participating in LSA Study Abroad Programs through the Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS).

Donor-Funded and Need-Based

All LSA study abroad scholarships are donor-funded and based on financial need. This means that the availability of funds depends on the generosity of alumni and supporters, and the awards are primarily granted to students who demonstrate financial need.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an LSA Study Abroad Scholarship, students must meet certain criteria:

Enrollment: Be an undergraduate currently enrolled full-time and pursuing a degree program (or MDDP) in the College of LSA.
Program Participation: Be participating in an LSA Study Abroad Program through the Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) and be listed on their program term's roster.
Credit Completion: Complete a minimum of 67% of all credit hours each semester. If students do not successfully complete these requirements, their scholarship will be retroactively canceled, and it will impact their eligibility to receive scholarship support in the future.
Citizenship: Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (i.e., possess a green card).
Financial Aid: Apply for and receive need-based support through the Office of Financial Aid.
FAFSA and CSS Profile: Must have a current FAFSA and completed CSS profile on file with the Office of Financial Aid.

Application Process

The application process involves two key steps:

CGIS Program Application:
- Meet with a CGIS advisor to determine which CGIS Study Abroad Program best suits you.
- Fill out a formal application on M-Compass.
LSA Study Abroad Scholarship Application:
- Complete the LSA Study Abroad Scholarship Application for the specific program you have applied for (either Winter, GCC/GIEU, Spring/Summer, or Fall/Academic Year).
- Applications in draft mode can be updated until you click submit.
- Please note the program applications are open for a limited time and deadlines are listed above.
- Please contact our office if significant changes are to be made, or if you choose to withdraw your application.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary depending on the program term. Students should apply at the same time they apply for their CGIS program. The deadline to submit applications is 11:59 pm EST on the dates listed. If you are unsure which program you will attend, you can apply for multiple program scholarships.

Scholarship Award Details

Scholarships are granted for only one study abroad program per term. Students may apply and receive additional scholarships for separate terms and academic years. Please know: scholarship award decisions are made based on the program in which you are enrolled and your Cost of Attendance (as determined by the Office of Financial Aid) at the time of review. If you qualify for need-based Financial Aid, the majority of your study abroad funding will come from your UM Grants and Federal Aid.

LSA International Internship Scholarship

The LSA International Internship Scholarship will be awarded in partnership with the Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) International Internship Programs. An LSA Scholarship supports LSA students who participate in a Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) International Internship program. All of our internship scholarships are donor funded and based on financial need. LSA International Internship Scholarship award amounts vary, depending on the cost of a student's internship experience, and a student's demonstrated level of financial need.

Read also: Comprehensive Work-Study Info

Eligibility Requirements for Internship Scholarship

Have applied for and receive need-based aid through the Office of Financial Aid.
Have a current FAFSA and completed CSS profile with the Office of Financial Aid.

Important Considerations for Internship Scholarship

Internships not sourced through one of the CGIS International Internship programs, including those posted on LSA Engage, are not eligible for this funding opportunity. If you are participating in a CGIS Study Abroad program that includes an internship component, please visit the LSA Study Abroad Scholarship page to apply. Loan offers are not guaranteed to be replaced with a scholarship. LSA Scholarships cannot award funds beyond what a student's aid package allows. LSA Internship Scholarship recipients who receive additional funding towards their internship (departmental scholarships, external funding, etc.) must inform the LSA Scholarships Office immediately. LSA Internship Scholarships are tied to an assessment of a student's financial need. Failure to disclose additional funding may negatively impact a student's overall aid and result in unexpected charges on your student account. If a student does not receive credit (CR grade) for their CGIS International Internship program, their scholarship may be retroactively cancelled.

Application Deadline for Internship Scholarship

The LSA International Internship Scholarship application is open October 1, 2025 - March 7, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm EST, March 7, 2026. Students should apply at the same time that they apply for their CGIS program. If you are unsure which program you will attend, you can apply for multiple eligible programs. The scholarship award will apply to whichever program you enroll in. Applications will be reviewed once the Office of Financial Aid has packaged students for the Spring Summer 2026 term.

Beyond LSA: Exploring Other Study Abroad Opportunities

While LSA Scholarships provide significant support for students within the College of LSA, it's worth noting that other institutions also offer financial aid for study abroad programs.

Dartmouth College: Financial Aid Travels With You

Dartmouth College sponsors over 40 off-campus programs, including language and academic study abroad. Over half of all Dartmouth students participate in at least one off-campus program. Students receiving need-based financial aid will pay the same net price for a term in Hanover or a term anywhere else in the world. The Off-Campus Programs Office determines the cost of each of the programs. The cost of most programs exceeds the cost of a term spent on campus due to increased travel and living/food costs. Students who receive need-based financial aid will receive scholarship assistance to cover costs in excess of those of a typical term, and their expected family contribution (EFC) will remain the same as a term here on Campus. If you have a work expectation for the term, this will be replaced by scholarship funding for programs that span the entire term. We do not replace work expectations for our fall plus programs as students are in Hanover for the 10 week term and remain eligible to work. If needed, students often have loan eligibility they can use to reduce or replace their EFC for the term abroad, just like if they were here on Campus.

Understanding Program Costs and Financial Aid at Dartmouth

Here is an example: The total cost, including billable and non-billable items at Dartmouth is about $29,000. Let's say the total cost for the term abroad is about $30,500, due to increased travel and living costs. Your total scholarship award would increase by $1,500, which is the difference in the total cost between a term here in Hanover, and the term abroad. Actual costs will vary by program. You can view the estimated budget for each program on the The Frank J. Students are responsible for purchasing their own plane ticket and, in many cases, meals. Often this means that part of the expected family contribution is used towards these costs rather than for tuition.

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