Scholarships for Study Abroad Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Studying abroad is an enriching experience that broadens horizons and fosters personal growth. However, the cost of such programs can be a significant barrier for many students. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and grants are available to help make studying abroad more accessible. This article provides a detailed overview of various scholarships, funding opportunities, and application strategies to assist students in financing their international academic pursuits.

The Landscape of Study Abroad Funding

According to the United States Department of State, over 300,000 American students participate in study abroad programs annually. While these programs are popular, they can be expensive. Funding your study abroad requires research and applying for as many available scholarships as you can. Scholarships.com can help you find the perfect Study Abroad scholarship so you can travel without the debt. Many Study Abroad scholarships are specifically targeted towards students with financial need, but merit-based Study Abroad scholarships also exist. Most Study Abroad scholarships are provided to students by the school they permanently attend. Some may also be awarded by the receiving institution. Students who plan to study abroad should explore all these options and apply for as much aid as possible.

General Strategies for Securing Scholarships

Funding your study abroad program can be an overwhelming process. Studying abroad may be financially challenging, but luckily there are several ways to make it more affordable. Education abroad can be very affordable, but it’s important to do your research to make sure the program you choose fits you-both academically and financially. Start your search early! We often hear that one of your biggest concerns is how to fund your study abroad experience. There are several national scholarships, destination-based, and program-based scholarships, as well as databases for searching for study abroad scholarships.

Here are some key strategies to maximize your chances of securing funding:

Create a Scholarships.com Account: Scholarships.com can match you with your ideal Study Abroad scholarship. All you need to do is create a free account.
Prioritize Applications: Once you’ve made your free account, you can organize your scholarship matches by amount or deadline to prioritize the order of your applications.
FAFSA Submission: It’s important to note that many Study Abroad scholarships require students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a prerequisite to apply. Even if you don’t want to take out student loans, you should still submit the FAFSA; doing so does not require you to claim any loans for which you may qualify.
Individualized Cover Letters: Avoid the temptation to mass-apply for multiple scholarships. You need to create individualized, unique cover letters for each and every scholarship that you apply for.
Apply Early and Often: It may be hard to stomach, but don’t count on a single application to score a fully funded study abroad program. Apply early, and apply often.

Scholarship Categories and Specific Programs

Study Abroad scholarships are financial aid awards established to help college students participate in international academic programs for a portion of their studies. Because eligibility criteria and award amounts vary between scholarships, no singular Study Abroad award can be considered the best. To determine what scholarship is the best for you, you should look for the ones with the most specific qualifications that suit you.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Need-Based Scholarships

Many Study Abroad scholarships are specifically targeted towards students with financial need.

CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange)

CIEE makes study abroad scholarships and grants accessible to all students, regardless of where they choose to study. CIEE offers a wide variety of scholarships for summer, semester, quarter, internship, and single block programs.

Gilman Go Global Grant: Qualified Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship applicants are eligible for a deduction from semester program fees, up to $2,500. Students must submit their CIEE Scholarships & Grants application by these dates and provide proof of an eligible application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
GAIN Travel Grant: Students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) up to 10,000 are guaranteed a GAIN Travel Grant; other SAIs are considered post-deadline. This grant covers travel costs to and from the study abroad or internship program, up to $1,500. Students with an SAI of 10,000 or less must submit their CIEE Scholarships & Grants application by these dates to be guaranteed a GAIN Travel Grant. Students with SAIs above 10,000 should still apply, but they will be considered after the Scholarships and Grants Deadline. The GAIN Travel Grant is valid toward outbound and return airfare on CIEE programs. This is a credit with our partner travel agency and has no cash value. If you are selected for a GAIN Travel Grant, CIEE will not reimburse you for out of pocket travel costs.

For need-based grants, you will not need to complete the essay section under the Scholarships & Grants portion of your application, but will need the following items to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible:

The Student Aid Index (SAI) number from your most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Submission Summary
For the CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant, you must provide proof of submission of an eligible application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Note: EFC (Expected Family Contribution) was replaced by SAI (Student Aid Index) for the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle. CIEE requires your current SAI details from your FAFSA Submission Summary for programs in 2025 and on.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Benjamin A. Department of State’s Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship Program and the German Academic Exchange Service. Benjamin A. Department of State, the Benjamin A. undergraduates with limited financial means, in order to diversify the population of students going abroad. citizen undergraduate students with high financial need, including students receiving Federal Pell Grants. Funding available (up to $5,000) to undergraduate students who receive a Federal Pell Grant to participate in study and intern abroad programs. Students studying critical-need languages can qualify for additional funds (up to an additional $3,000). Award amounts range between $2,500 and $4,500, depending on your program term duration.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)

The Fund for Education abroad prides itself on providing accessible scholarships to students who are traditionally underrepresented. Students of color, first-generation, community college students, and more will be given preference in the application process. Funding available to economically disadvantaged students, first-generation students, ethnically and racially diverse students, students with disabilities, and students who identify as LGBTQ+. Funding through FEA available to LGBT+ students participating in a high-quality, rigorous education abroad program.

USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium)

The University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) awards students who demonstrate significant financial need with scholarships to support their study abroad aspirations annually. To be eligible for these study abroad scholarships, students must enroll in USAC study abroad programs.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Many Study Abroad scholarships are specifically targeted towards students with financial need, but merit-based Study Abroad scholarships also exist.

CIEE Merit Scholarships

Merit study abroad scholarships are based on academic achievement.

Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship: Freshman, sophomore, or junior, Pell-eligible, 3.0 GPA. Eight-week summer global internship program, including airfare. 100% of program fee and travel costs.
Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant: Qualified applicants not chosen for the Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship are guaranteed a $1,500 grant toward any CIEE summer or semester program through summer 2027. Deduction from program fees.
McDermott Health Sciences, Nursing and Public Health: Academic achievement and acceptance into a program focused on health sciences, nursing, or public health. Deduction from program fees. $2,500
Ping Scholarship for Academic Excellence: Academic achievement. Deduction from program fees. $2,500
Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarship: Academic achievement and acceptance into a program focused on tropical or marine ecology. Deduction from program fees. $2,500
Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship: Undergraduate or graduate student from an accredited institution; returning to their institution in the 2026-27 academic year; Pell-eligible; 3.0 GPA. Eight-week summer global internship program, including airfare. 100% of program fee and travel costs
STEM Scholarship: Any STEM major studying on any CIEE Summer Program. Deduction from program fees. $500
Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarship: Academic achievement and acceptance into a qualified program. Deduction from program fees. $2,500
Wollitzer Merit Scholarship in Area or Comparative Studies: Academic achievement and acceptance into a qualified program. Deduction from program fees. $2,500

To receive a merit scholarship, you must complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.Under the essay section of the Scholarships Application, you need to explain to us (in 300 words or less) how your CIEE program will impact your college experience and/or future career plans.Complete the G.P.A.

Read also: Scholarship Guide

Golden Key International Honour Society

Golden Key International Honour Society is the world's largest collegiate honor society for graduate and undergraduate students and connects with more than 400 institutions worldwide. Society members who are top performers in their class may use the scholarship portal tool to find scholarship opportunities that range between $500 and $1,500. The Golden Key Scholarship is an education-based scholarship awarded to qualified individuals with outstanding academic, leadership, and service achievements. Each year, the Golden Key International Honor Society offers $1,000,000 of scholarship awards to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Phi Kappa Phi

Phi Kappa Phi is the oldest multidisciplinary collegiate honor society in the United States. Their study abroad grants are designed to help support undergraduates pursue an international education and award amounts reach up to $1,000.

Program and Destination-Specific Scholarships

CEA Study Abroad Scholarships

CEA is committed to changing students’ lives by providing them with essential financial aid needed to study abroad. More than two million dollars is given to students for study abroad programs each year by CEA. CEA Study Abroad scholarships are divided into three categories: merit, need, and diversity.

ISA (International Studies Abroad)

ISA commits $5 million in study abroad scholarships and aid because we firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad program. With a single application you can apply for all IES Abroad scholarships and aid that you are eligible for.

BUTEX (British Universities Transnational Exchange)

British Universities Transnational Exchange (Butex) is a membership organization offering scholarships to undergraduate students for summer, semester, or full year terms. A scholarship valued at £500 awarded to a number of students who will be studying at a BUTEX Full Member institution.

Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships Program

The Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships program supports an effort between the United States and Germany to support study abroad in Germany. Department of State’s Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship Program and the German Academic Exchange Service.

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers a scholarship for qualified international students who are accepted by a Japanese institution under a student exchange agreement or other student exchange arrangement. It is available to qualified students attending the Hiroshima or Nagasaki programs.

US-Japan Bridging Foundation

The US-Japan Bridging Foundation awards scholarships to US undergraduate students to study for one semester or academic year in Japan.

The Toshizo Watanabe Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Toshizo Watanabe Endowed Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to undergraduates/graduate students for a semester or year-long study abroad program in Japan. The scholarship will support up to the full cost of attendance to the study abroad program of the applicant’s choice.

ThinkSwiss Scholarship

ThinkSwiss is a scholarship program managed by the Office of Science, Technology, and Higher Education at the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C. The program is funded by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and is supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa, Canada.

Rotary International

Your local Rotary International club is part of a global service organization that aims to promote peace, fight disease, support education, protect the environment and improve communities. They offer scholarships for undergraduate studies that can often be used for study abroad.

ItaliaRail and ISIC Scholarship

ItaliaRail, an official partner of the national railway of Italy, and International Student Identity Card (ISIC) partnered to create scholarships for study abroad students. It’s part of an initiative to offer students valuable benefits and discounts through membership.

Scholarships for Specific Demographics

Minority Students

Minority students seeking to study abroad can apply to both general Study Abroad scholarships and minority-exclusive Study Abroad scholarships.

Diverse International Women of Color Study Abroad Scholarship: The Diverse International Women of Color Study Abroad Scholarship is a nonprofit organization intended to assist women of color who are exceptional in their studies and in need of financial assistance to study abroad.
Study Abroad Scholarship in BiH for American Minority Students: Worth up to $2,000, this scholarship sponsors Black, Native American, and Hispanic students to study abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarships: Awards like the Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarships serve to promote and increase access to summer Study Abroad programs. This award in particular was established by the Society for Classical Studies to encourage minority students to participate in international classical studies.
Benjamin A. Funding available to undergraduate students enrolled in a credit-earning study abroad program of at least four weeks. Priority is given to students from underrepresented populations in study abroad. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
American Association of University Women (AAUW): The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has a long history of empowering women, not only in the United States, but all over the globe.
NextGen Scholarship: The NextGen Scholarship was created to help international or American students, whether high school seniors or those pursuing undergraduate degrees, complete higher education degree programs in the United States.
Global Experiences scholarships: Global Experiences scholarships are available for any term and range from funding for women or underrepresented students to students who embody their core values best.

Students with Specific Interests

Belton G. & Margaret T. Aldridge scholarship: The Belton G. & Margaret T. Aldridge scholarship is intended for meritorious undergraduate students pursuing studies in tropical or subtropical biology who have demonstrated financial need. The Aldridge Scholarship can be used for students to participate in study abroad programs in the tropics run by the Department of Biology. Interested students should submit all scholarship requirements in one envelope to the Biology Department Office (215 Cox Science Bldg.) to the attention of Dr. Belton G. & Margaret T.
Mary G. Only for students who: have interest in pursuing human rights and social justice issues.
W.K. Funding available ($1,200) for students in the UT Language & World Business program.
Laura W. Only for students who: are a full member of a current chapter of Sigma Tau Delta at TCNJ.

Students Studying Specific Languages or Regions

Boren Awards: Boren Awards provide funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study less popularly studied, minority world languages. national security. Boren Scholars can choose to study abroad in their country of choice, excluding nations within Western Europe as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Critical Language Scholarships (CLS): Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs provides American students with the opportunity to enjoy fully-funded overseas summer language and cultural immersion programs through the awarding of Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) each year. Applicants are selected based on their commitment to studying non-traditional languages abroad, including Arabic, Japanese, Swahili, and Russian.
National Italian American Foundation (NIAF): The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) administers nearly 200 scholarships annually for students studying a wide range of academic areas. USAC Italy students who are Italian American or majoring in Italian studies or a related field are eligible.

Children of Active-Duty Service Members

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship: The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate children of active-duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. The John S. Department of State and named after the late senator John S. Funding available ($5,000) for child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Student Program sponsors American graduate students, teachers, and researchers to do academic work in over 140 countries. Alongside the travel costs, the $30,000 grant includes incidental coverage and health benefits. This Fulbright grant is open to graduate students, recent graduates, and young professionals in the United States.
The Rotary Foundation: The Rotary Foundation has been a pillar in humanitarian activities, whether related to local service projects or global initiatives, for decades.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: Funded by the European Union, the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is an exclusive award for masters or doctoral students of the EU.
Chevening Scholarship: The UK government established the Chevening Scholarship program in 1983 to support the development of future global leaders. Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Chevening Scholarship provides recipients worldwide with the unique opportunity to develop their potential, both academically and professionally, at any UK university.
Swedish Institute Study Scholarship (SISS): Funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and administered by the Swedish Institute, the Swedish Institute Study Scholarship (SISS) aims to develop global leaders. An estimated 300 scholarships are given to qualified graduate applicants each year.
VLIR-OUS Scholarship Program: VLIR-OUS aims to make a difference by looking for innovative responses to global and local challenges. With this objective in mind, VLIR-UOS hopes to strengthen globalization of higher education institutions in Flanders, Belgium by awarding scholarships to foreign students and professionals. This scholarship program is open to applicants from 31 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS): The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission aims to further develop international education and attract international students to Shanghai, China by providing them with financial resources. Therefore, in 2005, the commission establish the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS).
Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship: Established in 1954, the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship program has helped thousands of international students pursue higher education in Japan.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for Canadian or American students who want to pursue study or research in Germany.
School for Field Studies Scholarships: The School for Field Studies provides a range of scholarship opportunities thanks to numerous alumni and donors who have created lasting legacies through endowed scholarship funds.
Holland Scholarship: Study in Holland promotes international education programs to Dutch students while providing resources and guidance for incoming international students. The Holland Scholarship is provided by Study in Holland and financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science as well as multiple research universities based in the Netherlands. The Holland Scholarship offers funding for non-European Economic Area (EEA) students that wish to study in Holland.
University of Bologna Study Grants: Forty international applicants are awarded with study grants by the University of Bologna each year. Study grants are awarded based on students’ SAT and GRE test scores and online application submission.
Monash University Scholarships: Monash University offers more than 30 annual scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate degree seeking students. Students from any country can apply for scholarships.

Tips for a Successful Application

Connect it to your heritage: If you are going to a region or continent that is linked to your family history, why not use your study abroad experience as a way to get better acquainted with your second, third, and fourth cousins?
Relate to Future Plans: Many students fail to recognize their semester or summer of studying abroad as a smaller piece to their life puzzle; however, life will go on after you return. How do you anticipate being different? How do you plan to incorporate the lessons you learn while abroad onto your university campus or into your life in your home communities?
Be Authentic: Let’s be honest: study abroad scholarship judges were probably not the end-all, be-all of their college campuses. Average joe’s are welcome.

Additional Resources and Considerations

University Resources: Talk to One Stop Student Services to understand the cost of your UT education as well as how you currently finance it. The University of Miami Office of Prestigious Awards & Fellowships maintains a list of scholarships and grants for study and research Abroad. In addition to UFIC and UF scholarships, there are numerous nationally funded scholarships for which you may be eligible to apply. UFIC is happy to serve as a resource for reviewing your application(s) and offering feedback, particularly for the Benjamin A. Benjamin A. The scholarships listed above are not the only ones available for study abroad. Most non-UF program providers have scholarships based on either merit, financial need, or both. If you are studying abroad on a non-UF program, you should contact your provider for more details.
Program Provider Scholarships: Most non-UF program providers have scholarships based on either merit, financial need, or both. If you are studying abroad on a non-UF program, you should contact your provider for more details.
Government Exchange Programs: Undergraduate and Graduate StudentsBenjamin A. undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. interests and underrepresented in study abroad.The Language Flagship offers programs at 22 universities and colleges across the U.S combined with overseas study opportunities at ten Flagship Overseas Centers.Project GO provides scholarships to ROTC students in three services for critical language study domestically and abroad.Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship Program provides opportunities to doctoral candidates to engage in full-time dissertation research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies. Grants are given in all world areas except Western Europe as the program aims to encourage the study of regions and cultures that are not commonly explored.Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships provide opportunities for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to engage in area studies and world language training at schools that have established a FLAS fellowship program. FLAS provides allocations of fellowships to institutions of higher education, which then make awards directly to meritorious undergraduate students and graduate students. Students must be enrolled at and apply through a FLAS-recipient institution. Below are additional programs that provide funding for education and research. While not exclusively for international programs, they do allow for study and research abroad.
Federal Jobs: government exchange programs even receive special hiring authorities that make it easier to pursue federal jobs.

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