20 Great Scholarships for Study Abroad Available

great scholarships for studying abroad

Undergraduate study abroad scholarships are abundant. These scholarships for students studying abroad help college students afford traveling outside the United States and immersing themselves in a foreign culture.

College-aged youth are discovering that study abroad programs can significantly:

  • help hone foreign language skills
  • find new interests
  • build real-world life experience

Study abroad students are able to learn the social, cultural, and political climate in foreign nations better than in any classroom. Learned skills help study abroad alumni to have an above-average job placement rate of 97 percent within 12 months.

Scholarship programs are available.

The following are 20 great scholarships for study abroad students to tour the globe from India to Italy to Iceland. Students interested can find financial assistance to make this experience happen.

Discover life-changing study abroad scholarships for college students, empowering global learning and cultural exchange opportunities.

See Also: 20 Great Left Handed Scholarships

Reviewing Top Study Abroad Scholarships

1. AIFS Generation Study Abroad Scholarships

Deadline: April 15th and October 1st

AIFS study abroad

Each semester, the American Institute for Foreign Study awards the Generation Study Abroad Scholarships for $1,000. These go to up to 40 undergraduates who will be studying abroad in select nations, including:

  • England
  • France
  • South Africa
  • New Zealand
  • Brazil

Eligible candidates must:

  • attend an accredited U.S. college
  • carry a minimum grade point average of 3.0
  • demonstrate financial need

Applicants must attach a 1,000-word essay describing how foreign study fits into their career goals. This is one of the top undergraduate study abroad scholarships.

Contact

AIFS Generation Study Abroad Scholarships
1 High Ridge Park
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 399-5597
studyabroad@aifs.com
Scholarship Link

See Also: 30 Best Full Ride Scholarships

2. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships

Deadline: March 1st

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships

The Institute of International Education offers the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. These are for $5,000 to undergraduate students of limited financial means. They must wish to pursue academic study or internships abroad. Qualified applicants must:

  • be U.S. citizens
  • have good standing at an accredited college
  • receive the Federal Pell Gran
  • plan to study abroad for at least 28 days

Preference is given to non-traditional destinations in:

  • Asia
  • Africa
  • South America
Contact

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships
1800 West Loop South
Houston, TX 77027
(832) 369-3487
gilmanadvisors@iie.org
Scholarship Link

See Also: 20 Best Colleges that Don’t Require SAT or ACT

3. BP Global Citizens of Tomorrow Scholarship

Deadline: March 14th

Through the American Field Service, the BP Global Citizens of Tomorrow Scholarship is presented annually.  23 study abroad full scholarships are awarded to study abroad in:

  • Brazil
  • China
  • India
  • Malaysia
  • South Africa

Eligible recipients of these full study abroad scholarships must:

  • be aged 15 to 18
  • qualify for need-based financial aid
  • display academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • exhibit sincere interest in STEM majors important to the energy industry

Underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. The age range makes this one of the top study abroad scholarships high school students should look into.

Contact

BP Global Citizens of Tomorrow Scholarship
120 Wall Street 4th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(800) 237-4636
bpscholarship@afsusa.org
Scholarship Link

4. CIEE Global Scholar Grants

Deadline: April 1st

The Council on International Educational Exchange offers the Global Scholar Grants annually. They’re valued at $10,000 each. They go to high-achieving college students maximizing their foreign study by learning in three cities in one semester. Eligible candidates must:

  • attend an accredited U.S. higher education institution
  • be at least sophomores
  • have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better

Chosen scholars must study at three CIEE Global Institutes and record their experiences with digital storytelling. This is a great scholarship to study abroad for undergraduate level students.

Contact

CIEE Global Scholar Grants
300 Fore Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 553-4299
studyinfo@ciee.org
Scholarship Link

5. Critical Language Scholarship Program

Deadline: November 30th

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Critical Language Scholarship Program is offered by the U.S. Department of State. It offers study abroad full scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify, candidates must plan to study a critical language abroad for at least two months, including:

  • Arabic
  • Azerbaijani
  • Bangla
  • Chinese
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Persian
  • Punjabi
  • Russian
  • Swahili
  • Turkish
  • Urdu

Applicants must be at least 18 and currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program.

Contact

Critical Language Scholarship Program
1828 L Street NW Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833-7522
cls@americancouncils.org
Scholarship Link

6. David L. Boren International Scholarships

Deadline: February 9th

David L. Boren International Scholarships

The National Security Education Program  funds the David L. Boren International Scholarships. It gives $8,000 to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduates wishing to study in world regions critical to America’s interests, such as:

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Eastern Europe
  • Latin America
  • the Middle East

Applicants must:

  • be U.S. citizens
  • be matriculated in an accredited bachelor’s program
  • display foreign language proficiency

Recipients of this study abroad scholarship for undergraduates must agree to work in federal national security for at least one year.

Contact

David L. Boren International Scholarships
1400 K Street 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
(800) 618-6737
boren@iie.org
Scholarship Link

7. Fulbright-Clinton Public Policy Fellowships

Deadline: October 11th

The Fulbright-Clinton Public Policy Fellowships are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. They’re for graduate students studying abroad in:

  • African Union
  • Burma
  • Chile
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Guatemala
  • Kosovo
  • Malawi
  • Nepal
  • Peru
  • Samoa
  • Timor-Leste
  • Ukraine

Eligible applicants must hold a master’s degree with at least two years of full-time work experience in public policy, including:

  • public health
  • education
  • agriculture
  • economics

Fellows will spend 32 hours per week in professional assignments abroad.

Contact

Fulbright-Clinton Public Policy Fellowships
809 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
(212) 984-5341
jjones@iie.org
Scholarship Link

8. Joan Nelson Study Abroad Scholarship

Deadline: June 15th

The Golden Key International Honour Society offers the Joan Nelson Study Abroad Scholarship. It  awards $5,000 annually. Eligible are full-time or part-time undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolling in study abroad programs for academic credit. Eligible Golden Key members must submit:

  • an academic transcript
  • resume or curriculum vitae
  • one-page personal statement describing their rationale for studying abroad

There’s also the International Summit Travel Grant for $500.

Contact

Joan Nelson Study Abroad Scholarship
1040 Crown Pointe Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30338
(678) 689-2200
awards@goldenkey.org
Scholarship Link

9. Joseph A. Towles African Study Abroad Scholarship

Deadline: November 22nd

The Joseph A. Towles African Study Abroad Scholarship is sponsored by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The $10,000 awards for for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are approved to participate in study abroad programs in any African nation. Qualified candidates must:

  • attend a UNCF-affiliated university
  • be of African American descent
  • have at least sophomore standing
  • maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact

Joseph A. Towles African Study Abroad Scholarship
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 810-0258
william.dunham@uncf.org
Scholarship Link

10. Kosciuszko Foundation Year Abroad Scholarships

Deadline: January 5th

The Kosciuszko Foundation’s Year Abroad Scholarships are worth looking to for those who are looking for full scholarships to study abroad. They offer:

  • a full tuition waiver
  • $1,350 monthly stipend
  • additional $900 per semester

They’re for undergraduate or graduate students from the United States who are studying the Polish language abroad at Jagiellonian University. To be eligible, candidates must:

  • be at least sophomores
  • have U.S. citizenship
  • have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  • meet admission guidelines

Applications must include:

  • official transcripts
  • two letters of recommendation
  • a two-page personal statement.
Contact

Kosciuszko Foundation Year Abroad Scholarships
15 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065
(212) 734-2130
bbernhardt@thekf.org
Scholarship Link

11. Laura M. Bush Traveling Fellowship

Deadline: September 28th

The Laura M. Bush Traveling Fellowship is named in honor of the former First Lady. It was established by the U.S. Department of State. It awards $2,500 to students briefly studying abroad in a foreign country associated to the mandate of UNESCO. Qualified recipients for this study abroad funding must:

  • be U.S. citizens
  • be 18 to 25 years old
  • currently attend an accredited U.S. university
  • expect to travel abroad for four to six weeks
  • show interest in participating in public diplomacy events.
Contact

Laura M. Bush Traveling Fellowship
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
(202) 663-0026
DCUNESCO@state.gov
Scholarship Link

12. McDermott Health Sciences Scholarships

Deadline: April 1st

The McDermott Health Sciences Scholarships are one of 14 scholarships for studying abroad with the Council on International Educational Exchange. The study abroad scholarships for college students are for $2,500. They’re for U.S. undergraduate students to study in:

  • Argentina
  • Botswana
  • Dominican Republic
  • Thailand

Qualified recipients must attend a four-year, accredited university in the United States with a major in:

  • health science
  • public health
  • nursing
  • health education

Selection is based on:

  • academic merit
  • financial need
  • healthcare career promise
Contact

McDermott Health Sciences Scholarships
300 Fore Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 221-4299
studyinfo@ciee.org
Scholarship Link

13. Morgan Stanley Scholarships for Study in Japan

Deadline: April 8th

The Morgan Stanley Scholarships for Study in Japan are presented by the American Association of Teachers of Japanese. The $7,500 awards are for two U.S. students majoring in:

  • economics
  • international finance
  • international business

They must be accepted into a study abroad program in Japan. For consideration, applicants must submit:

  • an online application
  • an official transcript
  • faculty letter of recommendation
  • short 500-word essay explaining their interest in Japanese culture
Contact

Morgan Stanley Scholarships for Study in Japan
1424 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80309
(303) 492-5487
aatj@aatj.org
Scholarship Link

14. Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants

Deadline: February 15th or September 15th

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants

Twice annually, the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society provides 50 Study Abroad Grants for $1,000 each.  They’re for deserving undergraduate students who are accepted into a study abroad program for any global nation. Eligible candidates must:

  • be matriculated at an accredited U.S. institution
  • be actively involved in Phi Kappa Phi
  • carry a minimum collegiate GPA of 3.75

Students attending North Carolina State University could qualify for the McKenzie Study Abroad Grant in order to attend a study abroad program.

Contact

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants
7576 Goodwood Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(800) 804-9880 ext. 235
studyabroad@phikappaphi.org
Scholarship Link

15. Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowships

Deadline: February 28th

Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowships

The Rainforest Alliance awards the Kleinhans Fellowships each year for $20,000. They’re for graduate students who are pursuing forestry research projects in:

  • Mexico
  • Central America
  • Ecuador
  • Peru
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil

Eligible candidates must be earning a master’s or PhD degree at an accredited U.S. institution for:

  • forestry
  • ecology
  • botany
  • conservation
  • environmental science

Applications must include:

  • a research proposal
  • budget plan
  • resume or CV
  • two letters of recommendation
Contact

Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowships
233 Broadway 28th Floor
New York, NY 10279
(212) 677-1900
kleinhans@ra.org
Scholarship Link

16. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarships

Deadline: February 15th

The Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society offers the Stemler Study Abroad Scholarships for $1,000 to $2,000. They’re for 20 outstanding initiated undergraduate members. They must need financial support to undertake a study abroad program in the upcoming year. Qualified applicants must:

  • attend a U.S.-based institution
  • be actively involved in ALD activities
  • achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
  • maintain full-time enrollment
  • submit two faculty recommendations
  • write a 250-word personal goals statement.
Contact

Stemler Study Abroad Scholarships
P.O. Box 444
Fairport, NY 14450
(800) 925-7421
ald@nationalald.org
Scholarship Link

17. TEAN Merit-Based Scholarships

Deadline: November 15th or May 15th

Ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) grants several Merit-Based Scholarships biannually. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000. They’re for undergraduate students who are accepted into a TEAN program to spend a semester studying abroad. Students must:

  • have achieved academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.5
  • show leadership skills in extra-curricular activities
  • serve as community role models

Applicants must write a one-page essay describing a challenging intercultural interaction they’ve experienced and overcome.

Contact

TEAN Merit-Based Scholarships
scholarships@teanabroad.org
Scholarship Link

18. Vaya a America Latina Scholarship

Deadline: March 17th

The American Field Service awards the Vaya a America Latina Scholarship for $3,000 each year. They’re for U.S. undergraduate students who are spending the summer studying abroad in the Latin American countries of:

  • Argentina
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Panama
  • Paraguay

Eligible candidates must:

  • be applying for a four to eight-week trip
  • attend an accredited college in the United States
  • have good standing
  • have exhibit unmet financial need

There’s a $75 application fee unless waived with a promo code.

Contact

Vaya a America Latina Scholarship
120 Wall Street 4th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(800) 237-4636
scholarships@afsusa.org
Scholarship Link

19. Walter Jensen Scholarships for Study Abroad

Deadline: March 15th

The American Association of Teachers of French offer the $2,000 Walter Jensen Scholarships for Study Abroad . They support U.S. citizens who are studying abroad in a Francophone country for a semester or entire year. Eligible candidates must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • be non-native French speakers
  • attend accredited American colleges
  • pursue a bachelor’s or master’s education degree for teaching high school French
Contact

Walter Jensen Scholarships for Study Abroad
302 North Granite Street
Marion, IL 62959
(815) 310-0490
scholarships@frenchteachers.org
Scholarship Link

20. William and Fannie Steinberg Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st or November 1st

The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) awards the William and Fannie Steinberg Scholarship for $2,000 each semester. It’s for undergraduates accepted into any IES Abroad program, including:

  • Netherlands
  • Morocco
  • Austria
  • China
  • Australia
  • Turkey
  • Germany

Eligible applicants must:

  • have good academic standing
  • attend an accredited U.S. university
  • be active community service volunteers
  • exhibit a commitment to peace and civil liberties
Contact

William and Fannie Steinberg Scholarship
33 West Monroe Street Suite 2300
Chicago, IL 60603
(800) 995-2300
info@IESabroad.org
Scholarship Link

Thoughts on Scholarships for Students Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is a life-changing endeavor. But it doesn’t come cheap. In addition to college tuition, you’ll have to afford housing, airfare, textbooks, and living expenses in another country. Lack of financial means shouldn’t hold you back from exploring the world, though. There are many grants and scholarships for studying abroad to support your expedition. Unlike loans, scholarships won’t leave you strapped with debt and high interest rates. Whether you’re planning a summer trip or entire year abroad, fund your travel dreams by applying for these 20 great study abroad scholarships.

GCD Staff

See also: 20 Great PhD Scholarships for International Students

This concludes our review of top scholarships for study abroad.

Find Your Degree!