Study Abroad
Scholarships
Studying abroad can be affordable! If you are currently receiving financial aid, it can be applied to a semester of study abroad -- and in some cases to a full year abroad (see the Financial Aid section for more information).
Photo: Courtesy of FreeFoto.com |
In addition, most of our affiliated programs offer scholarships, both need- and merit-based, and it is advantageous to complete the applications for any such awards for which you qualify. There are also several external funding sources for study abroad. Download our scholarship handout and explore the resources below and, again, apply to those for which you qualify. |
I.
Affiliated-Programs Scholarships
II.
General Scholarships
III.
Regional Scholarships
IV.
Post-Graduate Scholarships
I. Affiliated-Programs Scholarships
Most third-party or affiliated study abroad programs have need-based or need-aware scholarships; some have merit-based awards, as well. Of note are the following:
- SIT matches Pell Grant awards for participants on selected programs
- IFSA-Butler's Close the Gap program helps students save for their study abroad program and matches savings up to $1000
- IES's Early Aid Program, which awards need-based aid prior to acceptance in an IES program
Check your program's website for details on available scholarships and the application process.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program -- The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education. This program seeks to lower barriers to undergraduate study abroad by offering scholarships to students with financial need (students must be receiving a Pell Grant in order to apply). The award is up to $5,000 for semester or academic year programs. Applications are due in late September for spring study abroad and early April for fall/academic year study abroad year programs.
Boren Scholarship/National Security Education Program (NSEP) -- provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Students must study in a country deemed of national security interest (list updated annually on NSEP website) and agreeing to work in the Federal Government in a position with national security responsibilities after graduation.
BUTEX Scholarships -- £500 scholarships for North American students who will be studying abroad for a semester or year at any U.K. university that is BUTEX affiliated
DiversityAbroad.com -- Study Abroad scholarships ($1000); economically disadvantaged and MALANA students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Foundation for Global Scholars -- žGeneral study abroad scholarships of $500-$1500; žSTA Travel Scholarship of $1000-$2000; and Banks Family Scholarship for business majors ($1000).
Fund for Education Abroad -- žStudy abroad scholarships for programs of 4+ weeks. žFEA has strong preference for students studying a foreign language, studying in a non-traditional destination, and/or representing an under-represented group for education abroad.
Fund for International Service Learning -- FISL offers ž$500 scholarships for students participating in international service-learning programs.
GE Foundation Scholar-Leaders Program -- The Scholar-Leaders Program supports outstanding students who are financially disadvantaged or are underrepresented in higher education geographically, ethnically or by gender in academic institutions in 14 countries around the world.
International Education Financial Aid -- IEFA provides financial aid information for students wishing to study in a foreign country.
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Scholarships -- Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Forty-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year. One application deadline per year (mid- to late February) and applicants must have applied to an approved study abroad program before submitting a scholarship application. See the Director of the International Office for more details.
Rotary International Global Grants -- Starting in 2013-14, Rotary International will offer Global Grants to support international activities, including scholarships to support studies for a term of one to four academic years.
Thomas R Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship -- The Pickering Undergraduate Fellowship program provides funding to participants as they are prepared academically and professionally to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.
NAFSA Grants and Scholarships -- NAFSA compiles information on how to obtain scholarships for study abroad.
Asia
Bridging Scholarships -- For American students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. Awards are $2,500 for one semester or $4,000 for a year. Applications are due in April for study abroad during the fall semester/ academic year and early October for study abroad in the spring.
Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) -- For intensive summer language institutes overseas in thirteen critical need foreign languages.
Freeman Asia Scholarship -- žFor study in Asia or Southeast Asia. žAwards of up to $5000 for a semester or $7000 for a year of study abroad. žSummer scholarships of up to $3000 are also available.
Morgan Stanley Japan Scholarships -- For students with an interest in economics and international finance. Two awards are granted at $7,500 for the year and winners may be considered for a one-month internship at Morgan Stanley Japan's Tokyo headquarters. Applications are due in early April for the academic year.
Summer Junior Resident Fellowship Program in Cambodia -- The Center for Khmer Studies (CKS) offers summer scholarships to students intheir Junior year to introduce them to Cambodia and Khmer civilizations, history and culture with the hopes of encouraging future scholarship in the Mekong region.
Europe
British Council -- The British Council website has a searchable list of funding and scholarship information for study in the United Kingdom.
DAAD -- The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships and grants for undergraduates to study, intern, or do research in Germany. Of particular note are the Undergraduate Scholarship program, RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineerin) summer grants, and University Summer Course grants.
The IWU German Studies webpage also has a list of grants/scholarships in support of study abroad.
IV. Post-Graduate Scholarships
For information on post-graduation opportunities, including post-graduate scholarships, please visit our Alumni section.