Studying abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences a student can have. Immersed in a new culture and language, study abroad allows students to expand their worldviews, gain independence, and add an impressive credentials to their resumes.
But one major barrier to studying internationally is often the high costs involved, from tuition and room/board to airfare, travel insurance, and spending money. Even semester exchange programs through your home university can add up with extra fees.
Luckily, there are numerous scholarship and grant opportunities available to help make study abroad more financially accessible for students. With some savings, scholarships, financial planning, and budget traveling, the costs of that dream study abroad experience may be more manageable than you think.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the best ways to find and apply for scholarships and grants to save money before and during your study abroad or student travel experience.
National and Global Study Abroad Scholarships
One of the best places to start your scholarship search is with large, nationally and globally focused study abroad scholarship providers that offer awards specifically aimed at students looking to study or intern abroad.
Some top scholarship programs in this category include:
- Gilman Scholarship: Awarding over $3 million annually, this U.S. government-sponsored scholarship is open to Pell Grant recipients planning to study abroad for at least 28 days. Award amounts range from $1,000-$5,000 based on the length of study.
- Boren Scholarships: Offering up to $25,000, this competitive scholarship is aimed at U.S. undergraduates studying languages like Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Swahili in regions critical to U.S. interests.
- Fulbright Summer Institutes: A branch of the prestigious Fulbright program, these summer institutes offer full scholarships for U.S. undergrads to study abroad for 3-4 weeks while learning about the culture and people of participating countries.
- Fund for Education Abroad: With awards up to $10,000, this organization provides scholarships to underrepresented U.S. students with financial need who wish to study abroad.
- Go Overseas Scholarships: Go Overseas provides various scholarships of up to $1,000 to students planning to study, intern, volunteer, teach, or work abroad during their program.
- AIFS Scholarships: Offering awards between $500-$4,000, AIFS provides scholarships to students studying abroad on eligible AIFS study programs in Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America.
Along with the awards above, programs like the National Security Education Program, Rotary International, and the Institute for International Education also offer funding opportunities for international students and study.
University-Based Scholarships
Beyond large national scholarship providers, your own college or university likely offers multiple scholarship opportunities to encourage study abroad and international experiences:
- Program-specific scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships designated for students who study abroad in specific locations or on faculty-led overseas programs.
- Destination country awards: Awards targeted towards students headed to less common destinations can offset travel costs while encouraging diverse locations.
- World language scholarships: For regular language learners, awards are often available from world language departments and cultural institutions promoting language acquisition abroad.
- Honors program funding: If you are a member of an honors college or program, additional scholarships may be offered in conjunction with planned study abroad.
- Need-based funding: Universities want to enable lower-income students to also access study abroad and provide grants accordingly.
- Diversity scholarships: Funding aimed at minorities and first-generation students supports more accessible and inclusive study abroad.
Be sure to check with your school’s study abroad office, financial aid department, academic departments, student diversity services, and other resources to learn about available scholarships to fund your time overseas.
External Scholarship Providers
Along with institutional scholarships, there are hundreds of study abroad scholarship opportunities available through external organizations, corporations, communities, professional associations, and more.
Some examples include:
- StudentUniverse: Offers $1,000-$5,000 scholarships for study abroad students who complete a simple application showing financial need.
- GoAbroad: Provides various scholarships in the $500-$1,000 range to assist with study abroad costs for students who apply.
- Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE): From language study to teaching abroad scholarships, CIEE offers awards up to $4,000 for study abroad students.
- AIFS Foundation: Scholarships from $1,000-$5,000 based on financial need and merit for students using AIFS study abroad programs.
- Phi Kappa Phi: Awards Study Abroad Grants up to $1,000 to eligible undergraduates with member sponsorship.
- Global Citizens Scholarship: Scholarships up to $10,000 open to students pursuing service learning, volunteer work, research, or internships abroad.
Local rotary clubs, religious centers, ethnic organizations, community foundations, parents’ employers, school alumni groups and more also frequently provide scholarships to student members planning education abroad experiences.
Creative Funding Options
Beyond traditional scholarships and grants, students can get creative with fundraising and alternative funding sources to raise money, including:
- Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe allow you to crowdfund your study costs and share your campaign with family, friends and social networks.
- Part-time work: Finding a side gig as a tutor, rideshare driver, retail worker or babysitter allows you to earn and save up funds.
- Money from gifts/events: Asking for study abroad contributions in lieu of birthday or graduation gifts or hosting fundraising events can net extra funds.
- Tax refunds: Dedicating a portion of your tax refund money from your part-time job can help pay for flights and other costs.
- Credit card rewards: Rack up points and miles through a travel credit card and student spending to redeem for flights or other travel perks.
With some resourcefulness and effort, financing study abroad is possible through scholarships, work income, gifts, and other creative sources.
Application Tips and Common Requirements
While application requirements vary by scholarship, following these tips can help your applications stand out:
- Apply early – Deadlines for popular scholarships can be 6-12 months in advance of study abroad. Apply early, even if plans aren’t finalized.
- Follow instructions – Closely adhere to word counts, formatting guidelines, and requested supplemental materials to avoid disqualification.
- Proofread – Avoid typos and grammar errors. Ask mentors to review essays and applications.
- Showcase passion – Express your excitement and motivation to experience new cultures and grow academically.
- Highlight needs – If applicable, share how you have overcome financial barriers and how scholarship funding would impact your ability to study abroad.
- Prepare for interviews – For scholarships like Gilman and Boren, practice articulating how you’ll maximize the opportunity if awarded funding.
With strong applications highlighting your qualifications, passion, character, and financial need, you can boost your chances of scholarship awards to make study abroad attainable.
Planning Travel and Expenses Strategically
Even armed with scholarships, students will likely need to pay some study abroad costs out of pocket. But smart financial planning and budgeting choices before and during your program can stretch your dollars further.
Some money-saving tips include:
- Travel off-peak – Flights are often cheaper in fall and spring shoulder seasons. Avoid summer airfare hikes.
- Minimize accommodations – Opt for shared student dorms or apartments instead of private studios.
- Cook at “home” – Making your own meals cuts food costs significantly.
- Use student advantages – Flaunt your student status for transportation, activity and entry-fee discounts.
- Join local outings – Participating in free and low-cost student-organized activities expands your social circle.
- Set spending allowances – Budget for necessities and map out a reasonable weekly allowance for splurges.
- Work abroad – Some countries allow you to legally work limited part-time hours to offset costs.
- Travel smart – Walk, use public transit and leverage student travel passes to save on transport expenses.
With a scholarship foundation and mindful spending choices, students can make their study abroad dollars stretch much further.
Wrapping Up
For many students, finances present the biggest barrier to participating in a potentially life-changing study abroad experience. But through scholarships, creative funding, travel budgeting, and financial planning, a wide range of learners can access meaningful international experiences.
By applying widely for scholarships—on campus and beyond—completing applications thoughtfully, travel hacking, and responsibly budgeting your time abroad, study abroad is within reach. Don’t let money worries stop you from a globally broadening adventure that can transform your college experience.
