Study abroad scholarships: opportunities and resources

If you want to study abroad – but you’re worried about how much it’ll cost – a scholarship or grant can help you pay for your program.

Study abroad scholarships open up global opportunities. From government support to private providers, there are lots of options to study abroad without breaking the bank!

We’ve put together your ultimate guide to international scholarships. We’ll cover everything you need to know about financial aid, applying for your scholarship, and finding the best provider for you.

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Are there study abroad scholarships for Americans?

There are lots of scholarships available for Americans wanting to study abroad, including program-specific scholarships, government financial aid, and private funding.

These scholarships are often aimed at current college students or recent graduates looking to study, research, and explore career opportunities abroad.

You can get money toward flights or program costs during your overseas trip – and many scholarships are means-tested or merit-based.

Types of study abroad scholarships

If you’re looking for a study abroad scholarship, there are plenty of options for students in the US. Your scholarship may be based on factors like your year of study, your destination, your major, or your background.

Many providers offer scholarships to students who can demonstrate financial need. For example, the University Studies Abroad Consortium® (USAC) offers study abroad scholarships to Bachelor students in need of financial assistance.¹

The Intern Group® offers money toward international programs if you receive a US Federal Pell Grant.²

You may also receive a study abroad scholarship for academic excellence. For example, CIEE® offers a range of merit scholarships.

The CIEE Douglass-O-Connell Global Internship® covers 100% of the program fee and travel costs for freshmen, sophomores, or junior students with a 3.0 GPA. Students must also receive a Pell Grant.³

How to find study abroad scholarships

There are a few ways to find the right study abroad scholarship for you. Speak to your study abroad office for information and support or do your own research online for global grants.

The US government offers a range of scholarships for students to study overseas. For example, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program® supports undergraduate students with limited financial means who want to study abroad.⁴

You could also research the government in your chosen country, as they may offer study abroad scholarships to international students.

Local organizations, clubs, or non-profits may have funding for students from different backgrounds, such as children of military personnel or minority social groups. It’s always worth doing your research before heading on your trip!

Application Process for study abroad scholarships

Every scholarship uses a different application process. However, there are some common steps to follow for your financial aid application.

You’ll need to complete an application form. This will include your personal details and any information about your college. Your study abroad advisor may need to fill out a form to support your application, too.

You may need to write an essay as part of your application. This will cover how your study abroad experiences will contribute to your future academic or career growth. Many scholarships or grants also require an interview before you receive your money.

If you’re applying for a needs-based scholarship, you’ll need to provide details about your financial aid status, such as the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number from your latest Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Aid Report (SAR).

Study abroad scholarships are very popular, so it’s crucial to put time and effort into any applications for student funding.

Crafting a winning application

There are a few ways to write a successful application for your international study abroad scholarship.

It’s important to do your research before applying for financial support. Every provider will ask for different requirements, so look into exactly what you need to include before applying. This may include your college details, references from your professors, or proof of your GPA.

If you’re writing an essay to support your application, take time to think about why studying abroad will help your academic or personal development – and how you’ll make the most of international experiences with your chosen provider.

Interview preparation for scholarships

If your scholarship requires an interview, you’ll need to do a bit of preparation.

It’s likely your interviewer will use your application form as the basis for your interview, so reviewing your application is a good place to start.

In the interview, you may be asked why you want to choose a specific program. It looks good if you can show knowledge of the provider, its values, and its mission.

It’s important to stay calm. Your interview is a chance to tell the scholarship program a bit more about you and your college career. No one’s trying to catch you out!

What type of international scholarships are there?

There are lots of different types of international scholarships for American students and graduates who want to study across the world, including semester-long programs and internships abroad.

Let’s take a look at US government scholarships and private or non-profit scholarships in a little more detail.

US Government scholarships

The US government sponsors a range of scholarships for students who want to study or work abroad.

These government grants cover different social groups, subjects, or research areas. For example, the John McCain International Scholarship for Children of Military Families® aims to support US undergraduate students with parents in the military.⁴

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship provides financial support for students wanting to spend time abroad. You can apply for this scholarship if you receive a Federal Pell Grant during the time of your application.⁵

Fulbright® scholarships are also a popular option. For example, the Fulbright US Student Program lets recent graduates live, study, and conduct research in 140 countries across the world. The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program encourages recent graduates to teach English abroad.⁴

US Federal Student Aid can also cover study abroad in some cases. Look into how you can use any grants or loans from the Department of Education to spend time overseas during your college studies.⁶

Private and Non-Profit Scholarships

You can choose a private or non-profit scholarship for your international financial support.

Private grant providers like Rotary International Scholarships and Grants® offer a range of programs for secondary, undergraduate, and graduate students who want to study overseas. You can find out more about these scholarships through your local Rotary Club.⁷

Sea|mester® also offers scholarships for applicants who need financial assistance. This provider runs study abroad and gap year programs at sea. You could receive money toward your Sea|mester voyage if you can show how you’ll benefit from one of their programs.⁸

Many non-profit organizations offer study abroad scholarships to help students access international academic experiences, regardless of their financial situation. For example, the Fund for Education Abroad® (FEA) provides support to US students from under-represented backgrounds to encourage equal opportunities for everyone.⁹

The Rhodes Trust® also offers non-profit scholarships to US students. This scholarship provides financial support for students to complete a degree at the University of Oxford in the UK.¹⁰

Managing scholarships while abroad

You’ll need to effectively manage your scholarship money while you travel. Create a budget for yourself to stick within your means – and stay on top of your accounts so you don’t run out of money while you travel.

For many study abroad scholarships, you’ll receive money toward:
Tuition or program fees Activities Accommodation Travel expenses – including flights or public transport Insurance and protection

However, you’ll need to double-check with your individual scholarship or grant provider to see which expenses are covered for your trip abroad.

For example, CIEE Scholarships can provide you with up to 500 USD toward your travels – or they might pay for 100% of your study abroad program.¹¹

Make sure to understand how much money you’ll receive toward your program and how much you’ll need to save for yourself.

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Scholarship compliance and responsibilities

You may need to meet certain requirements while studying abroad on a scholarship – and it’s important to stay on top of any admin while you travel.

Some scholarships may require you to complete tax paperwork before you go abroad. You’ll need to work out how you’re going to receive your scholarship payments, too.

You may also have certain responsibilities associated with your grant. Those with scholarships from FEA are encouraged to complete blog posts or videos about their time abroad, for example.¹²

Students completing a Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship have to study a Rotary area of focus while abroad, such as promoting peace, fighting disease, or protecting the environment.⁷ You may also need to give presentations about your time overseas as part of your scholarship.¹³

Common questions about international scholarships

If you’re applying for an international scholarship, you may have a few questions about your application. Let’s take a look at some common queries.

1. How can you get a scholarship to study abroad?

There are lots of ways to access a scholarship to study abroad as a student or graduate. You can choose a private or non-profit provider to subsidize your foreign study abroad program, or you can apply for a government grant.

Speak to your college study abroad office to find the best scholarships for you. You can also research independent providers online. You’ll need to make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria for your chosen scholarship before sending an application.

2. Are there scholarships for all international students?

Yes, there are scholarships for students of all nationalities. You’ll need to look into your government or college grant options for more information.

Many providers offer scholarships for international students. For example, the Georges Lurcy Fellowship® is open to French students enrolled at an American college.¹⁴

The Global Citizen Scholarship® is open to international students planning on attending college at a US or Canadian college supported by MPOWER. Students who came to the US as undocumented immigrants protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program may also apply for this international opportunity.¹⁴

3. What are the eligibility criteria for most study abroad scholarships?

Every study abroad scholarship has different eligibility criteria for applicants.

However, most grants require you to prove that you need financial support. You may need to provide some details from your FAFSA application, for example, and some scholarships require you to receive a Federal Pell Grant, too.

Many study abroad scholarships are merit-based, meaning you’ll need to prove your GPA before applying.

Some scholarships also have additional eligibility criteria. For example, the Dr Nancy Foster Scholarship Program® aims to represent women and minority students in particular.⁴

You’ll need to browse around for a study abroad scholarship that works for you.

4. How do you apply for government-funded study abroad scholarships?

The application process for government-funded study abroad scholarships can vary depending on which grant you choose.

If you’re applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, for example, you’ll first need to fill out an application form, including an essay and your college transcript.

Then, you’ll need to get your study abroad and Financial Aid certifying advisors to authorize your application.¹⁵

Make sure to carefully read the eligibility criteria and application information before applying for your chosen scholarship.

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Study abroad scholarships open doors to international opportunities for all students!

There are plenty of options available for students across the US, including subject-specific research programs and semester-long experiences abroad.

Whether you’re applying for a government-funded grant or you’re choosing a non-profit provider, these scholarships are very popular. Make sure to spend time filling out your application – and do your research to find the right grant for you.

You’ll need to create a budget to manage your funds while you travel and it’s important to find ways to make the most of your exciting global adventure.

To explore your spending options worldwide, check out Wise.

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Sources:

1. Go Abroad
2. The Intern Group
3. CIEE
4. Study Abroad (Government website)
5. Gilman Scholarship
6. Student Aid
7. Rotary
8. Sea|mester
9. FEA
10. The Rhodes Trust
11. CIEE
12. FEA
13. Go Overseas
14. Scholarships 360
15. Gilman Scholarship

Sources checked on 03.04.2024