Keeping audience attention60 Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships
Updated March 27th, 2015.
Did you see the cost of your dream study abroad program and instantly cringe? You're not alone -- studying abroad can be expensive but there are some ways around those hefty price tags. You could of course fundraise, take on a side job, and spend your summer saving, but did you know there are also grants and scholarships specifically for students who want to study overseas?
Scholarships for study abroad are widely available from a variety of sources.
That's right, scholarships for study abroad are widely available from a variety of sources (including right here on Go Overseas with our ). Surprisingly, thousands of dollars worth of scholarships go unclaimed every year simply because no one applies for them (the horror!). Some of this money could be YOURS.
The trick is knowing not only where to look for scholarships, but also how to apply for them. Even though they may not fully cover your study abroad costs, they'll help decrease your expenses and make your study abroad experience more affordable. So read on for tips on how to apply for study abroad grants and scholarships, as well as a helpful list of scholarships and grants you should apply to.
Quick Tips for Getting Financial Aid for Study Abroad
We've compiled as many study abroad scholarships and grants as we could find right here, but it's not an exhaustive one. In addition to looking here, here are some tips for finding more study abroad scholarships and grants:
Explore financial aid options specific to your study abroad program.
Check with the government of the country you want to study abroad in -- some give financial support to international students.
Visit your financial aid office, study abroad office, and foreign language departments to ask about potential funding sources.
Ask your advisor if there are any scholarships specific to your major.
Check local organizations like Sons of Italy chapters, German clubs, Hispanic heritage groups, Chinese-American associations, etc.
Apply for federal financial aid -- many students don't realize that these government grants and loans may used toward study abroad. You can fill out the application, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, online at the .
Are you a high school student? Then you may want to jump ahead to our list of .
Free Scholarship Search Databases
The internet is an excellent resource for locating a large number of study abroad scholarships. Many of these scholarships will allow you to a potentially, you can apply for dozens of scholarships in a few short hours. However, their one downfall is that a larger application pool will reduce your chances to be awarded aid, but remember, you have to be in it to win it! Some places to start:
This website provides a comprehensive free search database system for scholarships available throughout E you can search by region, country and discipline.
This website will not only help you find study abroad scholarships, but scholarships of all kinds that may help you get through the rest of college. The service is free but offers a number of extra benefits if you decide to register.
This is a simple and free scholarship search database. In a Keyword Search, try entering the name of a language you are interested in and browse through the results to find anything you qualify for.
This database is a comprehensive search engine for all study abroad programs registered with IIE passport.
The great thing about grants is they're NOT loans, so you don't have to pay them back. Use this database to find money available to cover various costs of study abroad.
Now, down to the good stuff! A whole, huge list of study abroad scholarships you should apply for now:
Study Abroad Scholarships for Multiple Languages and Locations
Go Overseas offers a bi-annual scholarship to students who are planning on studying or interning abroad. Applicants must submit a photo essay and quick survey to enter. The award of $500, to go to any part of your study or intern abroad trip, is given to the most creative entrant. Read our full list of
to get ahead of the crowd!
Level: Undergrad and graduate students
Award: $500
Scholarships to support U.S. undergraduate students participating in study abroad programs in world regions critical to US interests (including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America & the Caribbean, and the Middle East), in exchange for a commitment to seek work in the federal government. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $2500 - $20,000
Provides awards for US undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at a 2-year or 4-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Based on financial need. Sponsored by the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Level: Undergrad
Award: up to $5000 (plus additional bonus funds available to Gilman Scholarship recipients only)
The Robert B. Bailey Scholarship is intended to promote the participation in CIEE's International Study Programs of individuals or members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in study abroad, especially ethnic minority students. Applicants are asked to specify the group to which they belong and which they believe to be underrepresented in study abroad.
Applications are reviewed based upon the information provided including financial need, academic achievement, the Personal Statement essay, and recommendations. As part of the scholarship essay, students should also explain how membership in that group factored into the decision to choose the program/destination of study. Additionally, the personal statement should address how the applicant plans to integrate the international experience into future academic, community, professional, and extra-curricular activities.
Level: CIEE program participants
Award: Up to $2,000 per student.
Scholarships each year to students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need and who are applicants from an Academic Consortium member institution (list is here). Applications are reviewed based upon the information provided including financial need, academic achievement, the Personal Statement essay, and recommendations.
Level: CIEE program participants
Award: $1500- $2000 per student
Selected participants work for one academic year in a school or university in a foreign country in Europe, Asia, or South America, assisting in the teaching of English language and American culture. Participants are integrated into the life of the host country. Program details differ from country to country, but participants receive a stipend, paid round-trip airfare, and other benefits. Applicants must have B.A. at time the award year begins.
Level: B.A. in hand
Award: Varies
USAC awards more than $350,000 in scholarships each year to help students with their study abroad expenses. They have a variety of scholarships available for students enrolled in USAC programs, including general study abroad, Member University, and site/project specific scholarships.
Level: must be used on a USAC program
Award: Varies
The Rotary Club offers 3 different types of scholarship: Academic Year Ambassadorial Scholarships for 1 year of study abroad, Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships for 2 years of degree-oriented study abroad, and Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarships for 3 or 6 months of language study and cultural immersion abroad. Applicants must be a citizen of a country that has Rotary Clubs and must have completed at least 2 years of college-level coursework or equivalent professional experience before commencing their scholarship studies.
Level: Undergrad or graduate
Award: $13,000 - $25,000
The national honor society for foreign language students awards scholarships for undergraduate study in programs abroad to its members.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $1000
Ten scholarships awarded annually for members of the Golden Key Honor Society for undergraduate study abroad. Awards will be made based on academic merit and relevance of study abroad program to major field of study.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $1000
Applicants must have sophomore status and be enrolled full-time in a 4-year BA program, have a minimum 3.2 GPA, be an underrepresented minority and possess a strong interest in international affairs. The fellowship includes support for participation in junior-year study abroad, sophomore- and junior-year summer policy institutes, summer intensive language study, and internship placement.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies
To pay round trip travel expenses to study abroad programs in Germany, Hungary, Italy in cases where the cost of travel is not covered by the program fees.
Level: All
Award: Varies
One of the world's largest sources of funding for graduate women, AAUW is providing more than $3 million in funding for more than 200 fellowships and grants to outstanding women and nonprofit organizations in the 2009-10 academic year.
Level: Graduate
CEA offers 8 unique scholarship opportunities available to those enrolled in CEA study abroad programs, based on need, merit, affiliation, and distinction.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $500 - $750 for short term programs and $ for year long programs
The Glimpse Foundation and The National Geographic Society seek talented writers, photographers, and filmmakers to record their experiences studying abroad.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Save $600 from one of their courses
At least fourteen Churchill Scholarships are offered annually. The Scholarship is tenable for nine, ten or twelve months, depending on the academic program.
Level: Graduate
Award: $45,000-$50,000
Travel Study Awards through the CJS foundation are available to Silver or Gold Award Girl Scouts who plan to study abroad.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $1000
There are seven study abroad scholarships applicable for
a study abroad experience of any duration greater than 4 weeks in any part of the world.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $1000
Scholarship awards for students interested in international business with diverse backgrounds looking to study abroad as part of their degree plan.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Up to $5000
Awards grants to emerging creative artists with funds supporting periods of travel for the purpose of study, exploration, and growth.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies
Awards are made on consideration of both merit and need. In addition, scholarship funds are used to ensure that a diverse group of students, from all regions in the U.S. and from a variety of colleges and universities can participate.
Level: Undergraduate
Award: $500-$4000
Available to high school seniors seeking higher education at accredited four-year United States colleges or universities. Applicants must show a 3.5+ or better grade average and should document financial need.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies
In order to help financially needy Americans travel abroad, My Travel Bug, Inc. awards a number of Fellowships each year. Prospective Fellows submit an application and are judged on educational merit, originality and writing quality.
Level: Undergrad, Graduate
Award: Varies
The CLS Program is a U.S. government interagency effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical need foreign languages. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies
The CLS Program is a U.S. government interagency effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical need foreign languages. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies
The Language Flagship offers a limited number of fellowships to qualified American students interested in receiving financial support to participate in one of the Graduate Flagship Programs in Arabic, Korean, Mandarin, and Persian.
Level: Graduate
Award: Varies
Over $600,000 is given to deserving students for both semester and summer programs by the American Institute for Foreign Study.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $200-$1000
Part of Tortuga Backpack's mission "is to help people take amazing trips" -- which is why they dedicate part of their proceeds towards a study abroad scholarship for full time students who have been accepted to study abroad trips. It's only open to U.S. citizens. To apply just complete an online application and 500-word essay.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $1,000 and a Tortuga Backpack
Scholarships for Study Abroad in Asia
Provides financial assistance to students who are participating in the Chinese language programs offered by the CIEE Centers at Peking University (Beijing), East China Normal University (Shanghai), Nanjing University, and National Chengchi University (Taipei). Based on merit, financial need, and previous language experience.
Level: Upperclassman undergrad or graduate
Award: $500 - $8000 toward program fee
Stipends and internships for eighteen Americans under the age of 29 to live and work in Asia are available each year.
Level: Graduate
Award: $40,000
The Freeman-Asia scholarship provides American students to study abroad in one of the 15 Asian countries on semester or summer programs (at least eight weeks in length). Scholarships are first offered to student with no prior experience in the country where they plan to study.
Level: Undergrad
The Japanese Studies Scholarships are for undergraduate students who wish to pursue Japan-related studies. This program offers students an opportunity to study Japanese language and culture for one year in Japan. Students must be currently enrolled in Japanese at a university outside of Japan at the time of application. Sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology (Monbukagakusho).
Level: Undergrad
Award: 139,200 yen/mo. + one-time sum of 25,000 yen upon arrival
Scholarships for American students participating in study abroad programs in Japan to assist with travel and living expenses. Funding from private foundations and major US corporations has made it possible for ATJ to award 100 scholarships annually. Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite.
Level: Undergrad
For those students interested in economics and international finance who have been accepted for study in Japan are eligible.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $7500
Available to deserving international students interested in studying abroad in India through an ISAC program.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies dependent on length of program
are awarded twice a year for students who are currently enrolled in a university/college. The scholarship is to be used for studying abroad via Asia Exchange at one of the following universities: Bali, Indonesia: Udayana U Bangkok, Thailand: Kasetsart U Guangzhou, China: Guangzhou U Phuket, Thailand: Prince of Songkla U and Seoul, South Korea: Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. The entire program fee for each of the above programs is $3,500.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $500
Scholarships for Study Abroad in Europe
Evora, Portugal
Awarded to a future teacher of French to help pay for a semester or a year studying French abroad in an accredited program in any Francophone country. Student must be currently enrolled in an established teacher education program in French and must be sponsored by a member of the American Association of Teachers of French. Awards are based on financial need and can be used to cover tuition, fees, travel, or housing costs.
Level: Undergrad or graduate
Award: $1500
Awarded by the national honor society Phi Beta Kappa for at least 6 months of study in France. Candidates must be US citizens holding a B.A. who can demonstrate that their career does or will involve the active use of the French language. They must demonstrate superior competence in French.
Level: Post-undergrad
Award: $10,000
Offers 9 different types of scholarships, grants, and fellowships for study and research in Germany. There are awards for undergraduate students to post-doctoral scholars in every field imaginable. Ranges from financial support for 3-week courses to full-year financial support for an academic year abroad.
Level: Any
Award: Varies
Scholarship program that facilitates cultural exchange for American and German young adults in the business, vocational, technical, and agricultural fields. 75 Americans and 100 Germans are selected annually. 12-month program includes support for intensive language instruction, university classes, and a 5-month career-related internship. Funds round-trip airfare, language study and university classes, living stipend.
Level: High school diploma, undergrad, or graduate
Award: Varies
EESA provides merit and need-based scholarships of up to $7,000 per applicant. EESA offers individual financial advising to all students and ensures that each student is able to study abroad.
Level: Undergraduate
Award: Up to $7,000
The national honor society for German awards scholarships to undergraduate student members wishing to further their German studies with research and study abroad in a German-speaking country.
Level: Undergrad
Offers numerous awards to support exchanges to Austria in the fields of medicine, science, communications and the arts.
Level: Varies by award
Award: Varies
Three-month work and study immersion program that pays for intensive 1-month language course and places students in a 2-month paid internship in a business or technical field related to their career plans in Germany.
Level: Community college only
Award: Varies
Applicants for long- and short-term fellowships at the Newberry may also ask to be considered for this joint fellowship providing an additional two-month fellowship in Wolfenbuttel, Germany.
Level: Undergrad, graduate
Award: Varies
Financial support from the Polish Ministry of Education and Sport and the Kosciuszko Foundation for US students to study and live in Poland for a semester or year. Includes tuition waiver and stipend for living costs for study of Polish language, history, and literature at Jagiellonian University in Krakow.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies
Scholarship to support the study of American students in Norway or Norwegian students in the US.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $250-$3000
UniPlaces is a search engine for student accommodation, and while their scholarship is different than most others on the list, applicants will have the chance to win accommodation for a full semester of their study abroad -- which we all know can be a major expense! Applicants can be any nationality. To enter, submit a video of you doing something random and kind for another student. 10 scholarships are awarded per year.
Level: Undergrad and Grad
Award: Accommodation for a semester
Scholarships for Study Abroad in Latin America
Oaxaca, Mexico
The Center for Cross-Cultural Study Scholarship Program is open to all students enrolled in CC-CS study abroad programs in Spain, Argentina, and Cuba.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $100-$1000
The Learn, Intern, and Volunteer in Latin America fund offers scholarships to any student in need of financial assistance and planning to study or intern abroad in Latin America (including Argentina and Cuba).
Level: Undergrad
Award: $500
The HSAS Scholarship is available to students of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) attending Global Learning Semesters programs.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $1000
Expanish offers two scholarships during January term, and two during May sessions, equal to the equivalent of 25% of the student's program fees.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies
Scholarships for Study Abroad in Africa
Isalo, Madagascar
Over the course of five decades, ARCE's fellowship program has benefited more than six hundred scholars, whose research interests span the diversity of Egypt's periods and cultures.
Level: Pre-doctoral and post-doctoral
Award: Varies
These awards are need-based and preference is given to those students participating in Kenya programs, where the cost of airfare is significantly higher than other SFS programs.
Level: Undergrad
An award that focuses unambiguously on excel it has a long tradition of investing in education and related fields.
Level: Graduate
Award: Over $100,000
Two scholarships are available each semester for students of Pan African descent who are committed to understanding the effect of racism/apartheid and resistance movements in the U.S. and in Southern Africa.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies
For students attending Central College Abroad's program in west Africa.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $1,000
Scholarships for Study Abroad in Oceania
USINDO Travel Grants are open U.S. and Indonesian citizens seeking to travel to Indonesia or the United States to conduct field research or other professional projects, including conferences.
Level: Undergrad
Award: $2,000
The East-West Center offers a wide variety of both short- and long-term programs for individuals. Academic scholarships and fellowships as well as educational exchange and professional development programs are available.
Level: Undergrad
Award: Varies
The Asian Civilisations Museum invites scholars to apply for fellowships in areas related to the museum's collections and topics of future exhibitions. The research fellowships support in-depth original study and writing on specialized aspects of Asian culture.
Level: Undergrad, graduate
Award: Varies
This database provided by the Australian government gives students easy access to the available funding for international students studying there.
Level: Undergrad, graduate
Award: Varies
Good Luck!
This is just a snapshot of the ample scholarship opportunities available to aid in funding your study abroad experience. While cost is an influential factor, it should not be a deciding factor (especially if the decision is leaning towards a 'no!'). We bid you good luck in your search for scholarships!
Photo Credits: Death to Stock Photos, , , Andrew Dunkle, and Jessie Beck.
By AIFS Study Abroad
By SAI Programs
By Adelante
Authored by
I live and work in Berkeley, California for the internet sensation Go Overseas. It's a pretty cool gig. I started this way back when I was teaching English in Taiwan for a couple years, and the site has evolved into a whole directory of opportunities to teach, study, volunteer, and intern abroad.
When I'm not fixing problems and taking names, you'll usually find me at the nearest beach, or playing soccer. I'm a passionate Barcelona FC fan and Spain supporter.
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