12 Scholarships for Studying Abroad in Europe to Apply for ASAP

Check out these study abroad in Europe scholarships to help you land in your European dream destination! Spending a semester or summer studying in Europe is the stuff that dreams are made of, but it’s not exactly the cheapest destination on the planet. So how do you reconcile your desire to learn Spanish in Madrid or study ancient history in Greece with the unfavorable balance in your bank account? Four words: Europe study abroad scholarships.

Study abroad in Europe scholarships can help get you here!

Not only will these scholarships get you abroad faster and with more moola in your pocket, they’re a great way to focus on the reasons why you want to study abroad and the goals you hope to accomplish while you’re there. Preparing a scholarship application takes some effort and attention to detail, but it’ll all be worth it when you get that check in the mail. After all, why would you turn down a chance at what’s essentially free money? 

Get free money with these scholarships for study abroad in Europe

Scholarships for studying abroad in Europe are one of the best ways to make your trip abroad a reality, so what are you waiting for? Check out these Europe study abroad scholarships to get started: 

1. API Abroad Scholarships 

API offers over 15 scholarships for students taking part in an API study abroad program. Whether you’re majoring in a STEM field, are a first-generation college student, or are traveling to a specific region of the world (hello, Europe!), you can earn up to $1,000 to help you fulfill your study abroad dreams. Application deadlines vary depending on the time of year you’ll be heading abroad, so make sure you double check API’s website when choosing your program. 

2. Boren Scholarship

If you’re interested in national security and looking for a scholarship to study in Eastern Europe, the Boren scholarship is a great way to pay for your studies abroad. This highly competitive program offers students up to $20,000 toward a year-long study abroad program in a country or region deemed critical to U.S. national security. So if you want to become fluent in Ukrainian or learn more about history in Serbia, this scholarship can make it happen. Keep in mind that one of the program requirements is to continue working in public service with the federal government when you return, so don’t get too attached to your host country!

3. USAC Scholarships 

University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) offers study abroad programs all over the world, and many of their locations in Europe are in non-traditional locations like Sweden or Poland. While many different types of scholarships are offered, most require students to have a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply. In addition to general scholarships that award between $500 and $1,000, USAC also offers program-specific scholarships for locations such as France, Italy, England, and Spain. Application deadlines for spring programs are in October and deadlines for summer and fall programs are in March.

Where will you go with scholarships for studying abroad in Europe?

4. ISA Scholarships

For students who are looking for a study abroad program with a side of service learning or an internship, look no further than ISA. This study abroad provider offers traditional study abroad programs as well as other learning opportunities, and their scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,000 to help you pay for your program. To save you time, you only have to submit one scholarship application and you’re automatically considered for all scholarships for which you’re eligible. Application deadlines are usually in February for summer programs, April for fall programs, and October for spring programs. 

5. Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship 

Tortuga makes travel bags and duffels, which are super helpful for carrying your belongings on a tour of Europe. The company also offers a study abroad scholarship, because getting you out of the country and traveling is good for their business! Each scholarship winner gets $1,000 toward their study abroad program and a rad backpack, so you can focus on more important things than packing. Scholarships are offered twice a year, so make sure your application is ready by May for a fall study abroad program and December for a spring program. (If you do need packing tips though, make sure to check them out.) 

6. IES Abroad Scholarships

If you’re questioning your ability to afford a study abroad program, IES Abroad can help calm your fears. They let you submit an application for financial aid opportunities before you’ve even applied for a program, so you can find out how much you’ll be awarded before committing to a program. Funds are available on a rolling basis, so the earlier you submit your application, the better chance you have of receiving aid. Funding is sourced from need-based grants, donor-funded scholarships, diversity scholarships, and public and partner university grants, giving you plenty of options to fund your study abroad experience in the Netherlands, Austria, or beyond.

[How to Save Now For Your Study Abroad Adventure Later]

7. CIS Abroad Scholarships

Students who are looking for flexibility should check out CIS Abroad, a study abroad provider that offers semester, summer, and January term programs as well as internship opportunities in several European countries. CIS Abroad focuses on giving students the best value for their money, and they want to make sure that you’re supported financially during your study abroad program. Not only do they offer study abroad in Europe scholarships ranging from $250 to $500, they also offer travel grants that cover passport fees and airfare. Application deadlines are in April for Fall programs, October for Spring programs, and March for summer programs. 

8. Fund for Education Abroad 

The Fund for Education Abroad provides financial assistance for students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population and can be a great way to receive scholarships for study abroad in Europe. The nonprofit offers funds through several named and dedicated scholarships and partners with various institutions as well. Due to the many different offerings, scholarship amounts vary, but students can be awarded up to $10,000 for an academic year program or $5,000 for a semester program. First-generation college students, minority students, community college students, and others with a demonstrated financial need receive preference. 

9. AIFS Scholarships

AIFS offers study, internship, and volunteer abroad opportunities across Europe, whether you want to study engineering in Ireland or learn about architecture in Rome. Students can apply for a number of different scholarships based on their destination, program of intended study, and other criteria. Awards range from $250 for a January term program up to $5,000 for a semester, depending on the specific scholarship. Each scholarship has its own requirements, so be sure to set aside some time to peruse the offerings and choose the options that fit you best. There’s nothing worse than leaving free money on the table because you weren’t paying attention to deadlines! 

Scholarships for study abroad in Europe will help open your eyes to some truly incredible places.

10. SIT Study Abroad Scholarships

SIT Study Abroad programs tend to steer clear of the usual study abroad destinations, but if you’re interested in spending a summer in Iceland or a semester in the Czech Republic, look no further. SIT offers need-based scholarships and grants for students enrolled in its programs, and awards range from $500 to $5,000 for a semester-long program. They even offer a match program for students who are using federal pell grants to fund their education. There are three deadlines per year, depending on when your program runs, so be sure to keep an eye on the calendar so you don’t miss out. 

11. Gilman Scholarship 

The Gilman Scholarship was started in 2001 by the U.S. Department of State to enable students of limited means to study or intern abroad. By offering scholarships for study abroad in Europe and beyond, this program expands the population of students who are able to have international experiences. Scholarships are awarded up to $5,000, with an additional $3,000 if you’re interested in studying one of the United States’ many critical need languages. With an award of this size, applications are competitive, so make sure that your scholarship essay is on point. 

12. CEA Study Abroad Scholarships

Whether you’ve got your heart set on Spain or want to try something different with a program in Budapest, CEA Study Abroad can help! By dividing their funding offerings into three categories — need-based, merit-based, and diversity — there are plenty of ways you can receive scholarships for studying abroad in Europe. Once you’ve applied for a CEA study abroad program, one quick financial aid form is all you need to be considered for all sorts of different scholarships. Students typically receive funding from $400 up to $3,000, depending on the specific type of award. Deadlines fall at different points during the year depending on when you’ll be leaving, so make sure you plan ahead.  

These scholarships for studying abroad in Europe will put you on the right financial track

Choose your own adventure and then apply for Europe study abroad scholarships!

We know that financing a study abroad program can be tough, which is why scholarships are such a great way to put some more money in your travel fund. While the applications can take some time to research and prepare, not as many people apply for scholarships as you’d think, so your chances of receiving one are pretty good—as long as you take the process seriously and stay realistic. Combine a couple of scholarships with a part-time job, a few fundraisers, and an online crowdfunding campaign, and you’ll be a lot closer to making those travel dreams a reality. If you’re still not sure how you can afford to study abroad in Europe, scholarships are one of the best ways to make it happen!

Check out ALL Study Abroad in Europe Scholarships