Study Abroad Scholarships
We don’t need to convince you of the benefits of studying abroad, you already know you’ll gain an incredible leg-up in your career, unrivaled hands-on learning experiences, and that itty-bitty thing called increased self-awareness. What we do need to convince you of is that, despite the sometimes-sky-high costs of studying abroad (between the flights, the visas, oh and the tuition fees!), it’s not only within your realm of financial possibility, it’s incredibly plausible at that.
Don’t believe us?
Take a little scroll south and get ready to whistle a different tune. Here’s everything you need to know to land scholarships for studying abroad.
Who Qualifies for Study Abroad Scholarships?
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish! Suffice it to say that those students who are currently attending a two or four year institution are eligible to apply for most study abroad scholarships.
Particular study abroad scholarships are available for minorities and other identity groups with the aim of increasing access to study abroad to a wider variety of students. The majority of scholarship selection committees consider a student’s academic qualifications to be influential in their decision, so if you had a semester where you bombed all of your classes, be prepared to do some explaining in your application essays.
What Kind of Study Abroad Scholarships are there?
There are multiple kinds of study abroad scholarships out there, good news for students who are gung-ho to apply for many awards.
Fully-funded scholarships will cover the majority of your costs while abroad. You might need to cover incidental expenses, like those extra slices of hand-tossed pizza in Naples, but your tuition, flights, housing, and other bills are taken care of.
Program-specific scholarships are offered by domestic universities, international universities, and the providers that are organizing your trip. These vary in amounts, from $250 to multiple thousands, as well as vary in application requirements.
Government-sponsored scholarships not only look really good on your resume, but they can also substantially decrease your overhead as you plan your travels. The catch? Your studies usually have to be critical language-oriented or you need to be a first-generation student. Participants with low incomes are also typically eligible for these awards.
When Should I Apply?
Honestly, we’ve never heard anyone say: “If only I’d started my study abroad scholarship application process later.” Generally speaking, you’ll want to hop on and tame the beast as early as possible. Applications can take more time than you initially anticipate, especially considering you’re tacking it on to your already-epic to-do list of the semester.
Be sure to systemize how you juggle deadlines and application requirements – for instance, if you look ahead and know that 5+ apps require recommendation letters, why not ask one fan to print multiple copies of their glowing proposals?
Remember: one scholarship equates to one application. Don’t try to outsmart the system and reuse the same content or essays for multiple awards. Judges can sense the inauthenticity of these generic apps; instead, commit to researching each scholarship individually and catering to their specific requirements. Then boom. Watch the dollars come rolling in.
Why Should I Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships?
Besides the obvious perks of scoring money, freeing yourself of the financial stressors for study abroad allows you to focus more intently on your personal and professional goals for the trip. Why count your pounds to the last pence when you could be outside enjoying the fresh air (and probably rainfall…) of Great Britain? Why worriedly check your bank account for overdraft fees when you could be making all of your friends jealous with your latest epic selfie?
Committing to spending a semester or summer abroad is not a decision to be taken lightly. By getting actively involved in the process – even the early stages – you’ll experience the satisfaction and delayed gratification that only those who finance their first car can relate to.
Even with more wiggle room in the wallet, you won’t necessarily have to say “au revoir!” to cheap döner kebabs (they’re a late night study abroad staple), but you will give yourself a chance to truly soar as your study abroad self. Besides, picture your Mom and Dad’s faces when you share the good news that you’re a scholarship recipient. Cha-ching for all!
If you get rejected, extract something of value from the application experience and push forward with your newfound knowledge. You’re well on your way to more numbers in the credits column of your bank account from a scholarship provider. Best of luck!
Top Study Abroad Scholarships
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Uniplaces Scholarship
Uniplaces is Giving Away $22,000 in Scholarships to Live Rent-Free for a semester. Make an act of kidness, apply and win one of our two scholarships!
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Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship
The Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world. International experience is critically important in the educational and career development of American stu...
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DIS Scholarships
The DIS Board has allocated scholarship funds for students who otherwise could not afford to study in Denmark. The scholarship award is not intended to reduce the financial aid package from your institution; however, it is your responsibility to consult with your Financial Aid Office to determine how your school will handle the award. Please contact the DIS North American Office if you have questions or need assistan...
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Academic Studies Abroad - Study Abroad Scholarships
Academic Studies Abroad is fully committed to financially assisting students who wish to participate on our study abroad programs. Our scholarships illustrate this commitment and our ongoing effort to help keep study abroad affordable. Scholarship recipients are chosen on a variety of criteria, but scholarships and/or admission into an ASA program are never based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disab...
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IFSA-Butler general scholarships
IFSA-Butler operates programs at nearly ninety colleges and universities abroad, all of which offer excellent academic and research opportunities. Most are at the top of the rankings in their respective countries, and some are among the most renowned educational institutions in the world. Any student who applies for an IFSA-Butler program may apply for a scholarship by completing a scholarship application. This is separ...
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The Education Abroad Network Need-Based Travel Scholarship
This $500 scholarship will be awarded to The Education Abroad Network participants who are in need of financial assistance when traveling overseas. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students with the costs of traveling to their overseas destination. Requirements for the Education Abroad Network Travel Scholarship will be based on the following: * Must be accepted into the Education Abroad Network semest...
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Academic Programs International Scholarships (API)
API awards approximately USD140,000 in scholarship money annually, in amounts ranging from USD250 - USD1,000 per student!
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CIEE-International Study Program Scholarships
In an effort to make study abroad opportunities available to the widest possible audience, CIEE offers scholarships each year to students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need.
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ISA Diversity Scholarship
ISA offers the ISA Diversity Scholarship annually to assist students with study abroad expenses. The scholarship amounts to USD 14,000 in awards and is to be used towards ISA programs.
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Accademia Riaci Scholarship
Students may apply for scholarship from anywhere in the world. They may be eligible to recieve coverage of the whole tuition or partially, depending on his/her artistic level. To apply, please send the required items to admission office or your nearest information center.
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Study Abroad Scholarships
The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University is committed to an extensive scholarship program awarding more than $2 million annually. Eligibility is based on financial need and aims to help students for whom financial assistance can mean the difference between participation in an Arcadia program and staying home.
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Summer Scholarship
Looking for help on financing your study abroad program? Below you will find several unique scholarship opportunities available to CEA Global Education students. These scholarships are open to all CEA program participants who meet the eligibility requirements in order to aid you in subsidizing the cost of your study abroad program. * Cumulative GPA requirement: 2.5 * Write an original 400-500 word essay respond...
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Academic Study Abroad Scholarship
Study Abroad Europe scholarship offers awards that range from USD 250 to USD 1,000 per session. Fall, Spring, Academic Year and Summer students are eligible to apply.
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Monash Global Scholarship
-An offer of this scholarship will be guaranteed to recipients of the Monash Scholarship for Exceptional Achievement and Monash Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement -All remaining scholarships will be offered to current Monash students Scholarship selection shall be based on academic achievement. One must have a high distinction average (80% or above). Please check the website for more information.
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FEA Scholarships
FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships.
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Win a $2,500 scholarship to travel abroad with ScholarTrips
What’s your dream travel experience? Submit a short video or essay answering this question, and you could win up to $2,500 from ScholarTrips to study or volunteer in the country of your choice. For over a decade, Allianz Global Assistance has been helping students explore the world and experience new cultures—and this year it could be you!
