University of Florida Study Abroad Scholarships for Undergraduates
The University of Florida (UF) encourages students to participate in study abroad programs, viewing them as a valuable component of the college experience. The UF International Center, through its Study Abroad Services, offers a wide array of programs to choose from. Financial concerns can be a major determining factor for students considering study abroad, so UF and other organizations offer a variety of scholarships to help make these experiences more accessible.
Initial Financial Aid Options
After selecting a program, students need to carefully examine their financial aid options. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) will use the budget for the selected program to determine eligibility for financial aid. Students participating in a university-approved program may use awards from federal, state, and UF grant and scholarship programs. It is crucial to meet all application deadlines established by both the SFA and the Study Abroad Office when requesting financial aid.
Students enrolled in a study abroad program approved for credit by UF will have that enrollment used to determine their enrollment status at UF for the purpose of applying for assistance under Title IV [34 C.F.R.]. Federal Direct Loans and/or Federal Direct PLUS Loans will be the primary funds used to assist students participating in overseas studies programs.
Important Financial Aid Considerations
Before departing for a study abroad program, students should confirm several key financial aid aspects:
- Sufficient Funding: Check with the UF OneStop to determine if you have sufficient financial aid funding to cover the cost of the program. Note that financial aid funding could be reduced if enrollment for the semester is less than full-time.
- Satisfactory Academic Progress: Ensure you will meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards for the semester you plan to study abroad. If not, submit a Financial Aid and Scholarships petition to request reinstatement of aid eligibility to prevent the disbursement of federal financial aid funding.
- Additional Funding: If additional funding is needed (i.e., PLUS loan, private/alternative loan), begin the application process well in advance of departure.
- Direct Deposit: Enrollment in direct deposit is required, as financial aid refunds will be deposited into your bank account through direct deposit. Sign up via the UF Direct Deposit webpage.
- Travel Expenses: Confirm you have sufficient funding to cover your travel expenses until your aid disburses.
- Disbursement Timing: The start date of your program and available aid will determine when your aid is disbursed.
- Missing Documents: Check your ONE.UF To-Do List at least once a week before you leave the country to ensure there are no missing documents that could delay disbursement.
Financial aid advising is available through the UF OneStop. Addressing your financial aid situation before leaving the country will help ensure a stress-free overseas experience. Prepare for your program by reviewing guidelines for aid disbursement with a UF OneStop advisor and meeting all deadlines.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Study Abroad Scholarships
UF International Center Scholarships
The University of Florida International Center sponsors a large number of study abroad scholarships, along with many UF colleges and departments. There are also numerous private and national scholarships available to students who wish to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships to supplement their budget for study abroad, and Study Abroad Advisors are available to help with finding and applying for them.
Specific UF Study Abroad Scholarships
Here are some specific study abroad scholarships available to UF undergraduates:
- Honors Study Abroad Scholarship: Awarded to active members of the UF Honors Program with a 3.5 UF GPA or higher. Starting in Fall 2025, the Honors Study Abroad Scholarship process is separate from the UF International Center's scholarship process. Students may apply for and be awarded study abroad scholarships from multiple areas.
- Albert G. and Sara E. Einhorn Scholarship: This is a need-based scholarship for pre-med Honors students who are one year away from graduation. The purpose of the scholarship is to support pre-med students during the final year of their undergraduate degree. Eligibility requires UF Honors student status, being one year away from completing their undergraduate degree, and a minimum UF GPA of 3.0.
- The Wentworth Fund for Experiential Learning: This fund provides limited financial assistance for UF Honors students pursuing select experiential learning opportunities (excluding study abroad). The amount of the award is determined by the UF Honors Director and may vary based on the student's experience, location, and other available funding. Students may apply for one award in each funding cycle. Funds are intended to help defray the costs associated with completing an experience, rather than funding an experience in its entirety. Post-experience requirements include the submission of expense receipts.
- Daniel Sinclair Bredahl Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of Daniel Sinclair Bredahl, a journalism major at the University of Florida. It is awarded bi-annually to UF undergraduates studying abroad for either a Fall or Spring semester, or the entire academic year. Awards are up to $4,500 and recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated interest in international study, the connections between their chosen program and their long-term goals, and their financial need.
- Dr. Peter and Mrs. Lindsey Sones Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically intended for UF undergraduates studying abroad in France. It is made possible through a generous gift from Dr. Peter Sones and Mrs. Lindsey Sones. The aim of this award is to provide an opportunity for UF students to earn academic credit towards their degree in an environment that also provides immersion in French culture and/or language.
- Irene Phillips Scholarship: These scholarships were established in memory of Irene Phillips, the mother of Paul Phillips, who served on the External Advisory Board of the UF International Center. UF students from high schools designated as ‘high poverty’ from Florida and Puerto Rico are eligible for these study abroad scholarships, with preference for students from Jacksonville.
Additional UF Scholarships and Programs
While not exclusively for study abroad, these UF programs can provide financial support that may be applicable to study abroad experiences:
- Freshman Scholarships: The Admissions Office awards a limited number of scholarships for admitted freshmen who apply by the priority deadlines. No separate application is needed. Scholarships are awarded based on grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, leadership, community service, and your personal essay.
- University Research Scholars Program: For students offered the opportunity to join the University Research Scholars Program, a $2,000 residential tuition waiver will be awarded ($500 waived each fall and spring term). This waiver applies to tuition for both Florida residents and non-Florida residents.
- National Merit Scholarship: UF offers a $500 annual National Merit Scholarship to National Merit Finalists who indicate UF as their first-choice institution with the National Merit Corporation by their deadline of May 31.
- Benacquisto Scholarship Program: The Benacquisto Scholarship Program is a state-funded program that is appropriated by the legislature each year, so funding is subject to change.
- John V. Lombardi Scholarship: The University of Florida offers the distinguished John V. Lombardi Scholarship to a select group of incoming students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual curiosity, creativity, civic responsibility, and leadership potential. Lombardi Scholars receive a four-year scholarship, along with four fully funded summer enrichment experiences, including study abroad opportunities.
- Stamps Scholars Program: The Honors Program partners with the Stamps Scholars Program to offer prestigious four-year scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students. Stamps Scholars are provided with opportunities to explore their academic passions while enhancing their leadership and cultural skills through enriching summer experiences as part of a collaborative cohort.
- Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars (MFOS) Program: The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars program provides financial resources and individual support with the primary goal of graduating first-generation, low-income undergraduate students. By addressing systemic barriers and challenges, the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars program provides a full grant and scholarship financial aid package as well as a comprehensive support program to ensure students thrive at UF. To be eligible, students must first be admitted into the University of Florida as a first-year student. Upon completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students are invited to complete the MFOS Supplemental Form if they meet the initial eligibility criteria.
- Out-of-State Tuition Waiver: Out-of-State students who have a grandparent who is a resident of Florida may qualify for a waiver of out-of-state tuition and fees.
- College and Department Scholarships: Multiple colleges and academic departments on campus have scholarships to offer currently enrolled students. Contact your advisor or the dean's office in your college for more information.
- International Tuition Waivers: The Office of Admissions will consider admitted international freshmen for one of our out-of-state tuition waivers.
- Military Scholarships: The university offers scholarships in three military reserve programs; please contact your branch for more information.
General Scholarship Information
All admitted freshman students who apply by the priority deadline and receive their decision on our February Decision Day are considered for merit-based scholarships. There is no separate application. Students are evaluated based on the strength of that year's applicant pool. Recipients are generally above the middle fifty percent of our admitted student profile. Scholarships at UF are very limited in availability. Because there are no pre-set criteria, students with similar test scores, grades, extracurricular activities, etc. may receive different scholarship decisions. UF cannot match offers made by other colleges or universities and there is no scholarship appeal process.
External Scholarship Resources
In addition to UF-specific scholarships, students should explore external scholarship resources, including:
Read also: Requirements for TTU Abroad Scholarships
- Florida Bright Futures Scholarships: The Florida Department of Education offers the Florida Bright Futures Scholarships for high school graduates.
- Private and National Scholarships: Numerous private and national scholarships are available to students who wish to study abroad.
Navigating the Scholarship Application Process
The University of Florida encourages students to start planning for study abroad early. You should visit Study Abroad | International Center at the University of Florida. You should also meet with a Study Abroad Services advisor to familiarize themselves with programs that might interest them. You can also sign up for Information Sessions.
As there are many different types of scholarships available for study abroad, it's important to carefully consider the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application materials needed for each scholarship. UF Study Abroad Advisors are a valuable resource for navigating this process.
Read also: Global Opportunities with ASU
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