Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants

Studying abroad can provide unforgettable experiences, but it comes with a price tag. Find grants and scholarships for studying abroad.
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Published on August 25, 2022
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  • Studying abroad can get expensive, but many scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Scholarships and grants offer a wide range of funding — from $500 to $25,000.
  • Groups like Fund for Education Abroad and NAFSA help facilitate and fund study abroad opportunities.
  • The U.S. Department of State advocates for study abroad opportunities and provides numerous resources for students.

If you're lucky enough to have the opportunity, studying abroad is an unforgettable experience. Whether a summer semester or an entire year, studying abroad deepens cultural competencies, establishes lasting memories, and enhances your resume. But while studying abroad is appealing, it adds expenses to your already-costly college education.

Learn how to put some of your financial concerns to bed by applying to scholarships available to study abroad students. Keep reading to learn how you can fund your time abroad.

How Much Does Study Abroad Cost?

The cost of studying abroad can range from $5,000-$10,000, depending on the location and length of your stay.

But tuition isn't the only factor that can impact the price of your study abroad experience. You should also consider the cost of housing, food, and transportation costs. When budgeting for your trip, also make room for entertainment.

Keep reading to learn about available scholarships and grants that can help offset the cost of your time abroad.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

  • Who Is Eligible: The Gilman International Scholarship Program funds students with financial need who plan on studying abroad. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, undergraduate students in good standing, and Pell Grant recipients.
  • Application Deadline: October 2022
  • Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000 (or $8,000 if you study a critical-need language)

Fund for Education Abroad

  • Who Is Eligible: The Fund for Education Abroad provides multiple awards each year with a specific mission of assisting minority, first-generation, and community college students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as undergraduate students at an accredited college or university.
  • Application Deadline: January 2023
  • Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000

Boren Scholarships

  • Who Is Eligible: Applicants must currently attend an accredited associate or bachelor's degree program within the U.S. Students must submit a letter from an administrator to verify academic status. Prospective award winners must plan on studying outside of English-speaking nations.
  • Application Deadline: February 2023
  • Scholarship Amount: $8,000-$25,000

Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Program

  • Who Is Eligible: Individuals studying abroad can utilize this supplemental funding by sharing their experiences through creative online content. Applicants must hold full-time status at a college or university with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Award winners typically demonstrate strong writing skills and an interest in social change.
  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Scholarship Amount: $500

Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship

  • Who Is Eligible: Full-time undergraduate students studying abroad. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or student visa holders. Applicants should be in good standing at their college or university.
  • Application Deadline: November 2022 and April 2023
  • Scholarship Amount: $1,000 and a backpack

The Ashley Soule Conroy Foundation Scholarship

  • Who Is Eligible: Undergraduate students at four-year institutions. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA with at least 30 credits completed by the time their study abroad program begins. Applicants must be U.S. citizens applying to a study abroad program outside the United States.
  • Application Deadline: October and June Annually
  • Scholarship Amount: $4,000

Bridging Scholarship

  • Who Is Eligible: The American Association of Teachers in Japan offers a biannual scholarship for students interested in studying in Japan. Experience with the Japanese language is not a prerequisite, and applicants must hold U.S. citizenship. Additionally, applicants must document enrollment as an undergraduate student at a U.S.-based college or university.
  • Application Deadline: November 2022
  • Scholarship Amount: $2,500 for a semester and $4,500 for an academic year

Delta Phi Alpha German Study Abroad Scholarship

  • Who Is Eligible: This biannual scholarship helps students pursue study abroad opportunities in German-speaking countries. Interested learners must apply with two character references, unofficial academic transcripts, and an essay outlining how a study abroad opportunity compliments their academic and career goals.
  • Application Deadline: March and November Annually
  • Scholarship Amount: $200-$1,500

Diverse International Women of Color Scholarship

  • Who Is Eligible: Women of color applying to this study abroad scholarship must attend a U.S.-based college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.7. Applicants must submit a personal statement, unofficial academic transcripts, and a letter of recommendation. Recommendation letters typically come from teachers, employers, counselors, or spiritual leaders.
  • Application Deadline: 2023 deadline TBA
  • Scholarship Amount: $500

Study Abroad Grants

Gain Travel Grant

  • Who Is Eligible: The Gain Travel Grant offers need-based funding for students eligible for federal Pell Grants. Applicants must submit their FAFSA student aid report and complete the CIEE Scholarships and Grants application.
  • Application Deadline: October and April annually
  • Grant Amount: $500-$1,000

Founders Grant

  • Who Is Eligible: The Founders Grant awards grants to undergraduate students studying abroad in Dublin, Kyoto, Singapore, and Sydney. Students apply through the Council on International Educational Exchange portal.
  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Grant Amount: Up to $3,750

AIFS Abroad Grants

  • Who Is Eligible: The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) awards grants to students of minority-serving institutions, historically black colleges and universities, and Pell Grant-eligible students.
  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Grant Amount: $500-$2,500

Additional Resources for Studying Abroad

Institute of International Education

The Institute of International Education supplies students with a solid database of study abroad programs from across the globe. This user-friendly option allows students to utilize filters to effectively search for relevant programs while offering information regarding scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities.

CIA: The World Factbook

The Central Intelligence Agency provides its World Factbook, a resource that acts as a clearinghouse for essential information for every nation. In addition to essential information regarding safety, this site covers information including history, geography, transportation, and economic issues.

USA Study Abroad

This resource from the U.S. Department of State advocates for the diplomatic, academic, and personal benefits of study abroad programs. This site offers resources including scholarships, grants, programs, travel advisories, and information for the parents of travelers.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators

NAFSA is a group that supports international education and acts as a resource for students studying abroad, financial aid information, and information for international learners studying in the United States.


DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute professional financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should contact a professional advisor before making decisions about financial issues.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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