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There’s a reason the word “money” is used more frequently than any other word in rap songs. It’s important. And whether you agree with the likes of Eminem, Jay Z, and Tupac or not, we can all agree that money can be a major deciding factor when you are choosing where to study abroad (or if to study abroad at all).
Psst! Need help finding the perfect study abroad program? We’ve got you covered. Check out MyGoAbroad, where you can save, compare, and bookmark programs side by side — AND get expert travel advice — fo’ free!
With steeping increases in the costs of undergraduate education, many students are caught between an (empty-wallet) rock and a (lacking-savings-account) hard place. The truth is, there are funds available for all kinds of students to study abroad. And you’re not alone: most students are hoping to find a way to studyfifi abroad for cheap. Besides, who wouldn’t want to offset semester tuition bills to instead bulk up the wine and cheese budget?!
If you just-so-happen to be a student seeking a learning experience that’s more internationally flavored, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are study abroad scholarships and grants offered by many governments, organizations, and specific universities just for you!
The following are a diverse selection of study abroad scholarship opportunities for 2021-2022 to get you started, whether you are a minority, graduate student, or the plain, ol’ run-of-the-mill college student:
US Citizen? Find scholarships to help you pay for college in the US
Summer, fall, and spring study abroad scholarships
1. Fund for Education Abroad
Deadline: January (fall, summer, academic year); October (spring)
Award: $1250 – $10000
Degree Level: Undergraduate
The Fund for Education abroad prides itself on providing accessible scholarships to students who are traditionally underrepresented. Students of color, first-generation, community college students, and more will be given preference in the application process. FEA also partners with many study abroad organizations, such as CAPA, AIFS, and SIT through their Access Partner Program, to reach students studying abroad through a myriad of organizations.
2. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Deadline: March, October
Awards:
- $3,000 (summer program)
- $4,000 (fall and spring program)
- $5,000 (academic year program)
Degree Level: Bachelors
Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program offers grants to U.S. undergraduates with limited financial means, in order to diversify the population of students going abroad. This annual competitive award is given to a limited number of recipients interested in studying or interning abroad.
3. CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Deadline: Varies by program deadline
Award: Up to $2,000 per student
Degree Level: Bachelors
The Council on International Educational Exchange offers multiple scholarships and grants aimed at providing minority students from the United States with the financial means to study abroad, as well as merit-based scholarships for funding assistance. Applicants are required to submit a range of application materials, such as an outline of academic achievements, proof of financial need, a personal statement essay, and letters of recommendation.
4. USAC Scholarships
Deadline: March (summer), May (fall), October (spring)
Award: Varies
Recipients: Bachelors
The University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) awards students who demonstrate significant financial need with scholarships to support their study abroad aspirations annually. To be eligible for these study abroad scholarships, students must enroll in USAC study abroad programs. USAC’s scholarship offerings include General Scholarships for Non-Consortium Affiliate Students, Legacy Scholarships, and Program-Specific Scholarships.
5. The Intern Group Global Leadership Grants
Deadline: Varies by year
Awards: Varies
Degree Level: Any
In order to promote global leadership, The Intern Group is offering four full ride grants for students and recent graduates interested in interning remotely. Typically, they offer scholarships for interning abroad in Dublin, Latin America, Australia, or Shanghai during the summer or fall. The Intern Group offers incredible six-week internship programs in each destination, giving participants the opportunity to gain essential work experience and a renewed global perspective.
6. CEA Study Abroad Scholarships
Deadlines: April (summer), May (fall), December (spring)
Awards:
- $400 – $1000 (summer)
- $500 – $3000 (semester, trimester, academic year)
Degree Level: Bachelors
CEA is committed to changing students’ lives by providing them with essential financial aid needed to study abroad. More than two million dollars is given to students for study abroad programs each year by CEA. CEA Study Abroad scholarships are divided into three categories: merit, need, and diversity. To be eligible for these study abroad scholarships, students must enroll in CEA Study Abroad Programs.
7. AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Deadline: Varies per scholarship
Award: $400 – $1,000; Varies per scholarship
Recipients: Bachelors
The American Institute for Foreign Study awards deserving students with more than $800,000 in financial aid for study abroad annually. These funds are available for students seeking both summer and semester study programs.
8. SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
Deadlines:
- April 1st (summer)
- May 15th (fall)
- November 1st (spring)
Award:
- $500 to $3,000 (summer)
- $500 to $5,000 (semester)
Degree Level: Bachelors
The School for International Training (SIT) offers scholarship funding to qualified students interested in participating in one of SIT’s many study abroad programs around the world. SIT offers a wide range of scholarships and grants that can be applied toward the costs of tuition and housing accommodation for students during their time abroad.
9. Critical Language Scholarship
Deadline: November
Award: Varies
Degree Levels: Bachelors & Masters
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs provides American students with the opportunity to enjoy fully-funded overseas summer language and cultural immersion programs through the awarding of Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) each year. Applicants are selected based on their commitment to studying non-traditional languages abroad, including Arabic, Japanese, Swahili, and Russian. The Critical Language Scholarship is only open to American undergraduate and graduate students.
10. Golden Key Scholarships
Deadline: Varies Per Scholarship
Award: Varies
Degree Level: Bachelors & Masters
The Golden Key Scholarship is an education-based scholarship awarded to qualified individuals with outstanding academic, leadership, and service achievements. Each year, the Golden Key International Honor Society offers $1,000,000 of scholarship awards to both undergraduate and graduate students. The objective of this scholarship is to give students the opportunity to develop their professional skills in an international environment.
11. American Association of University Women Fellowships & Grants
Deadline: November, December
Award: Varies
Degree Level: Bachelors
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has a long history of empowering women, not only in the United States, but all over the globe. AAUW is one of the biggest funding sources for graduate women all over the the world, providing more than three million dollars in funding to outstanding women through more than 200 fellowship and grants annually.
12. Corinne Jeannine Schillings Scholarships
Deadline:
- May (summer, fall, academic year)
- December (spring)
Award: $1,000
Degree Level: Bachelors
The Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation provides both Silver and Gold Scholarships to girl scouts who have a desire to study abroad when they reach university. This “Travel Study” scholarship award is open to girl scouts pursuing any undergraduate area of study, major, or minor courses.
13. Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Deadlines:
- April (fall semester)
- November (spring semester)
Award: $1,000 & a Tortuga travel backpack
Degree Level: Bachelors
Tortuga Backpacks provides study abroad funding to students with a desire to take amazing extracurricular trips while studying abroad. This scholarship is awarded biannually to qualified American undergraduate students, as well as students who have a U.S. visa, who are interested in exploring more of the world during their international program.
14. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: October
Award: Varies
Degree Level: High School Seniors
To commemorate the centennial anniversary of Coca-Cola, the company established the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, to carry out their mission to provide students with the opportunity to make a difference in the world and experience lifelong enrichment because of their international experiences. Administered by Phi Theta Kappa, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship is an achievement-based award available to graduating high school seniors in the United States with excellent academic performance and outstanding leadership who have had a significant impact on their local community.
15. Generation Google Scholarship
Deadline: Varies Annually
Awards:
- 10,000 USD (for study in the U.S.)
- 5,000 CAD (for study in Canada)
Degree Level: High School Seniors & Bachelors
While continuing to break down barriers by inspiring and helping students to become the future of the technology industry, Google established the Generation Google scholarship in order to fund study abroad for American and Canadian students who aspire to become the best computer scientists of their generation. This award is open to all current high school seniors and university students from Canada and the U.S.
16. Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Deadline: August-October (varies by campus)
Award: Varies
Degree Levels: Masters, Young Professionals, & Recent Graduates
The Fulbright U.S.Student Program provides grants to selected individuals to work, live, and learn for one academic year in a foreign country. There are two types of grants provided by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Study/Research and English Teaching Assistant. This Fulbright grant is open to graduate students, recent graduates, and young professionals in the United States. The total number of grants distributed each year depends on the availability of federal appropriated funds.
17. Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants
Deadline: Varies
Award: $30,000
Degree Level: Masters
The Rotary Foundation has been a pillar in humanitarian activities, whether related to local service projects or global initiatives, for decades. The Rotary’s Global Grants program offers support to students pursuing graduate-level coursework or research in the fields of: Peace and Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Education and Literacy, and Community and Economic Development.
18. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
Deadline: January
Grant: Varies
Degree Levels: Masters & PhD
Funded by the European Union, the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is an exclusive award for masters or doctoral students of the EU. Its aim is to enhance the quality of higher education and promote understanding between diverse peoples and cultures across the globe.
19. Chevening Scholarships
Deadline: November
Award: Varies (full funding)
Degree Level: Masters
The UK government established the Chevening Scholarship program in 1983 to support the development of future global leaders. Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Chevening Scholarship provides recipients worldwide with the unique opportunity to develop their potential, both academically and professionally, at any UK university. This scholarship is open to graduate students working on their master’s degree in any subject.
20. Australia Awards Scholarships
Deadline: Varies Per Award
Award: Varies
Degree Levels: Bachelor, Masters, & PhD
Administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australia Awards Scholarship is a long-term development award that provides students from developing countries with the opportunity to undertake full-time study in any participating Australian institution at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate level.
21. IES Abroad
Deadline: Summer – April 1; Fall/Academic Year – May 1; Spring/Calendar Year/January Term – November 1
Awards:
- Up to $5,000 for semester students
- Up to $1,000 for summer students
Degree Level: Bachelors
IES Abroad commits $5 million in study abroad scholarships and aid because we firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad program. With a single application you can apply for all IES Abroad scholarships and aid that you are eligible for. Types of financial aid and scholarships offered include: need-based aid, location and major focused scholarships, diversity scholarships, summer internship scholarships, as well as grants for students attending a public university, Boren & Gilman scholarship recipients, and students with disabilities.
22. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
Deadline: Varies
Award: Varies
Degree Level: Masters
Funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and administered by the Swedish Institute, the Swedish Institute Study Scholarship (SISS) aims to develop global leaders. An estimated 300 scholarships are given to qualified graduate applicants each year. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and insurance for scholars studying at a Swedish institution.
23. VLIR-UOS Awards Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Award: Various Expenses Covered
Degree Level: Masters
VLIR-OUS aims to make a difference by looking for innovative responses to global and local challenges. With this objective in mind, VLIR-UOS hopes to strengthen globalization of higher education institutions in Flanders, Belgium by awarding scholarships to foreign students and professionals. This scholarship program is open to applicants from 31 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in English-taught training programs or pursue master’s degrees at any accredited Belgian academic institution.
24. The NextGen Scholarship
Deadline: March
Award: $1,000
Degree Levels: High School Seniors & Bachelors
The NextGen Scholarship was created to help international or American students, whether high school seniors or those pursuing undergraduate degrees, complete higher education degree programs in the United States. Every year, one scholar is awarded based on merit and financial need.
25. Global Experiences Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Award: Varies
Degree Level: Bachelors
Global Experiences scholarships are available for any term and range from funding for women or underrepresented students to students who embody their core values best. With internships in key cities all over the world, it is worth checking out Global Experiences programs, especially when you could end up participating at nearly no cost to you!
26. Shanghai Government Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Award: Varies
Degree Levels: Bachelor, Masters, & PhD
The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission aims to further develop international education and attract international students to Shanghai, China by providing them with financial resources. Therefore, in 2005, the commission establish the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS). Qualified international students interested in pursuing a higher education in an academic institution in Shanghai will have the opportunity to receive three different types of scholarships: Class A (full scholarship for graduate students), Class B (partial scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students), or Class C (Excellent Student Award) scholarship.
27. Korean Government Scholarship
Deadline: TBA
Award: Various Expenses Covered
Degree Levels: Bachelor, Masters, & PhD
In order to increase ties and relationships throughout the world, the National Institute for International Education of South Korea offers foreign university students from countries with bilateral cultural agreements with South Korea the opportunity to study abroad in Korea. The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) aims to support future global leaders by promoting real international education.
28. Japanese Government Scholarship
Deadline: Annual
Award: Varies
Degree Levels: Bachelor, Masters, & PhD
Established in 1954, the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship program has helped thousands of international students pursue higher education in Japan. Supporting students pursuing undergraduate as well as masters degrees, research, and various other training programs in Japan, this scholarship is open to students from around the world.
29. The Bridging Foundation Scholarship
Deadline:
- April (fall)
- October (spring)
Award:
- $2,500 (semester study)
- $4,000 (academic year study)
Degree Level: Bachelors
The United States-Japan Bridging Foundation, through collaboration with the Bridging Project Clearinghouse at the American Association of Teachers of Japan, awards scholarships to U.S. undergraduate students who want to study in Japan for a semester or a full academic year. Approximately 100 scholarships are awarded to applicants demonstrating a strong interest in a higher education in Japan and a demand for financial assistance annually.
30. Asia Exchange Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Award: Varies
Degree Level: Bachelors
Awarded twice a year, the Asia Exchange Scholarships offer students in target countries with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate study at a university or college in Asia. This scholarship program can be used for studying abroad at 12 universities in Asia.
31. German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
Award: Varies
Degree Levels: Bachelor, Masters, & PhD
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for Canadian or American students who want to pursue study or research in Germany. Scholarships are competitive and range from support for short term programs to monthly financial support for the duration of a German degree program.
32. Eastern European Study Abroad Scholarships
Deadlines:
- March 1st (fall semester)
- October 15th (spring semester)
- April 1st (summer semester)
Award: up to $2,500
Degree Level: Bachelors
Eastern European Study Abroad (EESA) offers merit and need-based scholarships to students interested in studying abroad with EESA who are financially disadvantaged. Applicants must submit an essay answering a required question and meet minimum GPA requirements to be eligible for EESA Scholarships.
Which do we love more: The Eiffel Tower at night, or travel abroad scholarships?!
33. Spanish Studies Abroad Scholarships
Deadlines:
- May 15th (fall semester)
- October 15th (spring semester)
- April 15th (summer semester)
Award: Varies
Degree Level: Bachelor
Spanish Studies Abroad provides Spanish language focused study abroad programs in multiple Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Their scholarship programs provide financial aid opportunities for undergraduates interested in pursuing international programs in Spain, Argentina, and Cuba. The Spanish Studies Abroad scholarship program offers two types of awards: merit-based and diversity.
34. Otago Polytechnic Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Award: Varies
Degree Levels: Bachelor & Masters
Otago Polytechnic is the leading polytechnic institute of higher education in New Zealand. In order to achieve the Otago Polytechnic’s goal of becoming a leading academic institution on an international level, the school offers multiple scholarships to local and international students covering a wide range of fields.
35. The School for Field Studies (SFS) Endowed Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Award: Varies
Degree Level: Bachelors
The School for Field Studies provides a range of scholarship opportunities thanks to numerous alumni and donors who have created lasting legacies through endowed scholarship funds. Six scholarships are offered to international students in need of financial support to attend the School for Field Studies.
36. American Research Center in Egypt Fellowships
Deadline: Varies
Award: Varies
Degree Level: PhD
Fellowships provided by the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) offer pre-doctoral and post-doctoral applicants in the United States the chance to profoundly expand their knowledge of Egypt and the Near East through study and research in Egypt. The ARCE’s annual fellowships are made possible by partnerships with the Ministry of Antiquities and the Ministry of Higher Education in Egypt. ARCE offers three types of fellowships that are awarded to more than 10 applicants annually.
37. Holland Scholarship
Deadline: February or May; varies by institution
Award: € 5,000
Degree Levels: Bachelors & Masters
Study in Holland promotes international education programs to Dutch students while providing resources and guidance for incoming international students. The Holland Scholarship is provided by Study in Holland and financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science as well as multiple research universities based in the Netherlands. The Holland Scholarship offers funding for non-European Economic Area (EEA) students that wish to study in Holland. Applicants should be in their first year of undergraduate or graduate studies.
38. University of Bologna (UNIBO) Study Grant
Deadline: March, April, or May (depending on your qualification)
Awards: € 11,000
Degree Levels: Bachelors & Masters
Forty international applicants are awarded with study grants by the University of Bologna each year. Study grants are awarded based on students’ SAT and GRE test scores and online application submission. Only students who wish to register for the university’s First Cycle, Second Cycle, or Single Cycle degree programs are eligible for the grants.
Get paid to travel abroad thanks to scholarships like these
39. Monash International Merit Scholarship
Deadlines:
- March 15th
- April 15th
- June 12th
- October 15th
- November 15th
Award: Up to $50,000 ($10,000 per year)
Degree Levels: Bachelors & Masters
Monash University offers more than 30 annual scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate degree seeking students. Students from any country can apply for scholarships. Scholars are selected based on academic achievement and a 500-word application statement.
40. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships
Deadline:
- January (fellowships), February (scholarships)
Award:
- $8,000 (8-11 weeks, available for STEM students only)
- $12,500 (semester program)
- $25,000 (academic year program)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
The annual scholarships of the National Security Education Program provides fundings to undergraduate students from the U.S. to study less popularly studied, minority world languages. Promoting linguistic and cultural immersion, this award program aims to support students focusing on language studies that are critical to U.S. national security. Boren Scholars can choose to study abroad in their country of choice, excluding nations within Western Europe as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In exchange for funding, scholars must commit to working in the federal government for at least a year after graduation.
41. HEX Scholarships and Grants
Deadline: TBA 2022
Award: Up to $2500 for Australian students, $700 for University of California students
Degree Level: Undergraduate
The Hacker Exchange typically offers remote tech and design internships in Singapore and Melbourne. For their Great Global Challenge program, they’re offering $1000 to 150 participants who attend RMIT University and University of Technology Sydney. Additionally, they’re offering 140 scholarships of $2000 for Australian students across 10 universities in their APAC Innovation Program, and $2650 to 50 students from the University of Wollongong in their Global Innovation Internships.
BONUS: 5 tips to help you win study abroad scholarships
1. One scholarship, one application.
Avoid the temptation to mass-apply for multiple scholarships. You need to create individualized, unique cover letters for each and every scholarship that you apply for. Sure, you can reuse certain content or rearrange your resume in similar ways, but in general, make sure your application is unique each and every time.
2. Describe your life after study abroad.
Many students fail to recognize their semester or summer of studying abroad as a smaller piece to their life puzzle; however, life will go on after you return. How do you anticipate being different? How do you plan to incorporate the lessons you learn while abroad onto your university campus or into your life in your home communities? Educators geek out over students that are willing to discuss bigger picture connections.
3. Connect it to your heritage.
If you are going to a region or continent that is linked to your family history, why not use your study abroad experience as a way to get better acquainted with your second, third, and fourth cousins? These experiences are once-in-a-lifetime and add unique depth to your overall time abroad.
4. You don’t have to be a pro-athlete or star of the decathlon team.
Let’s be honest: study abroad scholarship judges were probably not the end-all, be-all of their college campuses. Average joe’s are welcome. The key is to highlight your best qualities and demonstrate your passion for cross cultural interactions.
5. Apply for multiple scholarships.
It may be hard to stomach, but don’t count on a single application to score a fully funded study abroad program. Apply early, and apply often. The more times you throw your name into the ringer, the more likely you are to score a sweet, sweet study abroad scholarship.
Win study abroad scholarships for 2021-2022 travel!
Unlike this look, these scholarships for overseas study will never go out of style 😉
Now, hop to it! Here’s how to apply for study abroad scholarships without wasting your time, and if you’re really keen to save those minutes…
