Scholarships For Study Abroad Programs
Studying abroad offers a transformative educational experience, but the cost can often be a barrier. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships designed to help students finance their time overseas. These scholarships are offered by governments, universities, and organizations and support students in various regions, fields of study, and academic levels.
1. The Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most well-known study abroad scholarship programs. It provides funding for U.S. students to study, research, or teach English abroad. Fulbright scholarships are available for a wide range of countries, with funding covering travel, living expenses, and tuition.
Study Abroad For Free – How To Get Scholarships Using Your Phone and Social Media (Online Read)
2. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a U.S. government-funded program that provides financial support to undergraduate students with limited financial means. It allows students to study abroad in any country and offers up to $5,000 depending on the length and location of the program.
3. Boren Awards
Boren Scholarships are available for U.S. undergraduate students who plan to study abroad in areas critical to U.S. interests, especially in regions that are underrepresented in study abroad programs. Boren scholarships cover up to $25,000 for study abroad programs of at least 12 weeks.
4. The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
This U.S. State Department-sponsored program is designed to broaden U.S. students’ ability to communicate in critical languages. CLS offers fully funded summer language study opportunities abroad in countries where languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Turkish are spoken.
5. Cultural Vistas Fellowships
Cultural Vistas offers various fellowships and scholarships for U.S. students to study or intern abroad. These programs emphasize experiential learning and cultural exchange. Fellowships typically cover travel expenses, living stipends, and program fees.
6. The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation offers scholarships for students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. These scholarships support students who are committed to careers in fields such as education, health, and international development. The funding varies depending on the country of study and the program.
7. ISA (International Studies Abroad) Scholarships
International Studies Abroad (ISA) offers several scholarship opportunities for students who wish to study abroad in various countries. Scholarships range from need-based awards to merit-based awards, and funding can cover program fees, travel costs, or living expenses.
8. The Freeman-ASIA Program
The Freeman-ASIA Program supports U.S. undergraduate students who plan to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The program provides funding to cover travel, tuition, and living expenses for students with financial need.
9. The National Security Education Program (NSEP)
NSEP provides funding for U.S. students who are studying abroad in countries critical to U.S. security interests. The program offers scholarships to students studying in non-Western countries for language, cultural immersion, and international development-related fields.
Study Abroad For Free – How To Get Scholarships Using Your Phone and Social Media (Online Read)
10. The Stanford-Oxford Fellowship
The Stanford-Oxford Fellowship provides funding for students attending Stanford University to study abroad at the University of Oxford. The award covers tuition, travel, and living expenses, allowing students to experience a semester or a full academic year in the UK.
11. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous scholarships for U.S. students who wish to study in Germany. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for both short-term and long-term programs in Germany.
12. The International Education Fund (IEF) Scholarships
The IEF offers scholarships for students participating in international study abroad programs. The scholarships support undergraduate students who plan to engage in academic or volunteer-based experiences abroad and can help cover travel and tuition fees.
13. The Asian Studies Development Program (ASDP) Scholarships
The ASDP offers scholarships to U.S. students pursuing study abroad programs in Asia. These scholarships support students who wish to learn more about Asian cultures and societies and cover part of the travel, program, and living expenses.
14. Study Abroad Scholarships from Universities
Many universities offer their own study abroad scholarships to students participating in exchange programs or semester/year-long international study programs. These scholarships vary by institution and may cover partial or full tuition, travel, and living expenses. Contact your university’s study abroad office for information on available opportunities.
15. The USAC Study Abroad Scholarships
The University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) offers various scholarships for U.S. students studying abroad. These awards range from merit-based to need-based and help cover a portion of tuition, housing, and other program fees.
Study Abroad For Free – How To Get Scholarships Using Your Phone and Social Media (Online Read)
Tips for Securing a Study Abroad Scholarship
- Start Early: Many study abroad scholarships have early application deadlines, sometimes months in advance of the program start date.
- Meet All Requirements: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and tailor your application accordingly.
- Prepare Strong Application Materials: Have your transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and other necessary materials ready.
- Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Increase your chances by applying to several different study abroad scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, and country-specific awards.
- Look for Program-Specific Scholarships: Many study abroad programs offer their own scholarships, so check with the organization running the program for additional opportunities.
