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
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
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
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
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
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