Global Study Abroad Scholarships

Studying abroad provides unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion, language acquisition, and global perspective development. Despite these benefits, financial barriers prevent many students from participating in international education experiences. Numerous scholarships exist specifically to make global education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines.

Finding Funding for International Education

Government-sponsored programs like the Gilman Scholarship, Critical Language Scholarship, and Boren Awards provide substantial funding for US students studying internationally, particularly in non-traditional locations. Many universities offer institution-specific study abroad scholarships to their enrolled students, often targeting specific global regions or academic programs. Third-party study abroad providers including CIEE, IES Abroad, and AIFS maintain scholarship funds for students participating in their international programs. Country-specific scholarships from foreign governments such as DAAD (Germany), Confucius Institute Scholarships (China), and Japan Student Services Organization support international students studying in these nations. Exchange program funding through partnerships like Erasmus+ in Europe can significantly reduce costs by allowing students to pay home institution tuition rates while studying abroad. Identity-based scholarships support underrepresented students in international education, including first-generation college students, minority students, and those with financial need. Summer and short-term program scholarships make international experiences accessible to students unable to commit to semester or year-long programs.

Maximizing International Scholarship Success

Start researching international scholarship opportunities at least one year before your intended study abroad experience to meet early application deadlines. Develop essays that clearly articulate how studying in your chosen location connects to your academic goals, career aspirations, and personal development. Consider less common destinations where scholarship funding may be more plentiful due to government initiatives promoting educational exchange. Maintain strong academic performance, as many international scholarships have minimum GPA requirements and competitive selection processes.