Did you know over $2 million in scholarships are given out yearly for students wanting to study abroad1? This shows how many chances there are to fund your global learning. Study abroad scholarships help students dive into new cultures, languages, and ways of learning.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship gives U.S. undergrads about $4,000 each23. The Rotary International Peace Fellowship offers full funding for master’s degrees in peace and security. There are many scholarships for different needs and interests, covering tuition, living costs, and travel.
If you dream of spending a semester in Europe, a year in Asia, or a summer in Latin America, funding can help make it happen. Let’s look into study abroad scholarships and see how they can broaden your horizons.
Key Takeaways
- Millions in scholarship funds are available annually for study abroad programs
- Scholarships cover various expenses, including tuition, living costs, and travel
- Options exist for diverse academic interests and destinations
- Both merit-based and need-based scholarships are available
- Early application and thorough research can increase chances of securing funding
Understanding the Cost of Studying Abroad
Going abroad for school can change your life, but you need to know the costs. The average cost for studying abroad is $16,368, with some programs costing between $15,000 and $22,0004. Let’s look at the costs you might face with overseas study grants.
Tuition and Program Fees
Tuition prices change a lot based on where you go and what program you’re in. Some places like Argentina, Austria, and Belgium offer free or low-cost tuition to U.S. students4. For example, a semester in South Africa can cost between $2,000 and $4,000. In Japan, it’s from $1,500 to $5,0005.
Living Expenses in Host Countries
Living costs vary a lot by region. In Ghana, you might spend $500 to $700 a month. But Japan could be more expensive, costing $1,300 to $2,2005. These costs include housing, food, and getting around. It’s smart to look into your destination to plan your budget.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Don’t overlook extra costs like visa fees, which can be $50 to $1,000 USD4. Flights from New York to different places can cost between $550 and $1,3005. You should also think about health insurance and traveling within your host country.
Many schools help with financial aid and scholarships for studying abroad. For instance, NC State gives out a lot of funding for students going abroad each year6. Knowing all the costs helps you prepare for your study abroad journey.
Types of Study Abroad Scholarships
Study abroad scholarships offer many ways for students to see the world and learn. They help students from different backgrounds get into global education7.
Universities, governments, and private groups give out many scholarships. There are over 550 scholarships for students looking for bachelor’s, master’s, and STEM programs7.
Some scholarships are for students who need money help. The Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship and GAIN Travel Grant are examples8. Others, like the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship, go to students who excel in school and lead8.
Cultural immersion awards, like the David Porter Need-Based Scholarship, give up to $5,000 to students who need it9. There are also scholarships for students learning new languages while abroad.
“Scholarships are an excellent way to help students achieve their study abroad goals.”
How much money you get from a scholarship can vary. Some cover all tuition, while others give partial payments or a lump sum for expenses7. Students can get from $500 to the full cost of their study abroad program8.
| Scholarship Type | Example | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Need-Based | Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship | Varies |
| Merit-Based | Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship | Full Program Cost |
| Diversity | David Porter Scholarship | Up to $5,000 |
| General | Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship | $1,000 + Travel Backpack |
There are many scholarships out there for students. They can help make studying abroad a reality for many.
Top Scholarship Search Engines for Global Education
Looking for the right scholarship can change your life if you want to study abroad. Let’s check out some top scholarship search engines that can fund your dreams.
Study Abroad Scholarships Database
The Study Abroad Scholarships database is perfect for students wanting to study abroad. You can find scholarships by your destination, study area, and funding needs. For example, the Ashley Soule Conroy Foundation gives out an average of $4,000. The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) offers up to $10,000 for a year abroad10.
University of Minnesota’s Learning Abroad Center
The University of Minnesota’s Learning Abroad Center is a great place for students looking for help to study abroad. It lists many scholarships, like the Tortuga Backpack Scholarship for $1,000 and a travel backpack. The InterExchange grant gives between $2,500 and $10,000 for studying abroad10.
DiversityAbroad.com Resources
DiversityAbroad.com is great for students from diverse backgrounds who need help financing their studies abroad. It has info on grants and scholarships, including the Boren Scholarships. Since 1994, about 2,000 Boren Scholarships have been given out, with some worth up to $20,00010.
Other good search engines are InternationalScholarships.com and Scholarships.com. InternationalScholarships.com is free and has more resources for members. Scholarships.com sends you scholarship info by email11. These sites make finding the right scholarship for your studies abroad easier.
Merit-Based Scholarships for International Study
Students aiming for study abroad scholarships have many options. These awards go to those who excel in academics, leadership, and achievements.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship helps U.S. undergrads with less money to study or intern abroad12. For top students, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sends them to 140 countries for research and study12.
Many groups offer big help for studying abroad:
- IED Istituto Europeo di Design gives scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees for various programs13.
- TEAN awards one Global Opportunity Full-Ride Scholarship every year, worth up to $15,00013.
- CEA CAPA offers scholarships between $100 and $5,000 for programs lasting three weeks or more13.
STEM students have special help too. The SMART Scholarship Program gives full scholarships for STEM degrees12. CIEE also has a STEM Scholarship, giving a $500 discount on program fees for STEM majors on Summer Programs14.
These scholarships help talented students explore the world through studying abroad.
Need-Based Financial Aid for Overseas Programs
Studying abroad can be expensive, adding $15,000 to $22,000 to your tuition. Many students can only cover 67% of the costs, making aid key for studying abroad15. Let’s look at need-based options to help fund your study abroad.
Federal and State Aid Options
The U.S. government has aid programs for studying abroad. The Federal Pell Grant helps full-time undergrads with high need. For those with extreme need, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grant (SEOG) offers more support16. Also, check if your state aid can be used for study abroad.
Institution-Specific Financial Assistance
Many colleges let students use their regular financial aid for study abroad. This includes scholarships and grants based on the program’s Cost of Attendance (COA)16. Some schools offer exchange programs that let students keep their current financial aid.
External Need-Based Grants
There are organizations that give aid to international students. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers up to $5,000 for Pell Grant recipients studying abroad16. The American Councils Study Abroad Need-Based Scholarship gives $250 to $2,500 for those with financial need and good grades17.
| Grant Name | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Varies | Full-time undergraduates with high financial need |
| Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | Pell Grant recipients |
| American Councils Need-Based Scholarship | $250 – $2,500 | Based on financial need and academic merit |
Remember, aid options differ for students, schools, and programs. Start your FAFSA early, as it opens in October for the next fall15. With planning and these options, studying abroad can be within reach.
Language-Specific Study Abroad Scholarships
Language-specific scholarships give students a chance to dive deep into foreign cultures. They help students learn important languages and understand different cultures better.
The Boren Scholarships are a top choice for those wanting to learn less common languages. They focus on languages crucial to U.S. security. Each year, around 150 scholarships are given to students for both undergraduate and graduate studies18.
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is great for summer language study. It gives about 600 scholarships each year for study in various countries18. The program supports languages like Azerbaijani, Bangla, and Hindi through summer programs abroad19.
German language learners can look into the DAAD’s University Summer Course Grants. These grants offer $1,500 to $1,800, and Undergraduate Scholarships give about $850 a month for study in Germany18. These programs offer a chance for cultural immersion and improve language skills.
| Scholarship | Focus | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boren Scholarships | Less commonly taught languages | Up to $25,000 |
| Critical Language Scholarship | Intensive summer language study | Fully funded |
| DAAD Undergraduate Scholarships | German language study | Approx. $850/month |
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers up to $5,000 for Pell Grant recipients. It helps students from all backgrounds study or intern abroad for up to a year20. This program lets students experience education from around the world.
Country and Region-Specific Funding Opportunities
Are you looking into student exchange programs? Discover scholarships for your dream destination. These can help make studying abroad more affordable.
European Study Grants
Europe has many scholarships for international students. The DAAD offers up to $24,000 a year for U.S. graduate students in Germany21. The Marshall Scholarship also gives full funding for two years in the UK to top U.S. students21.
Asia-Pacific Scholarship Programs
The Asia-Pacific has many scholarships for students. The Freeman-Asia Scholarship helps students in East and Southeast Asia. The Chinese Government Scholarship Program offers different awards and a monthly stipend of 1400 Yuan22.
Latin American Exchange Funding
Latin America has funding for international students too. The Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities gives scholarships from $500 to $2,000 a year22. These can help cover costs of studying in this lively region.
Remember, each scholarship has its own rules. Do your homework and apply early to get funding for your study abroad23.
Study Abroad Scholarships for Diverse and Underrepresented Students
International education funding has greatly boosted diversity and inclusion. From 2014 to 2020, the Generation Study Abroad initiative gave out over 39,000 scholarships to make study abroad more diverse24. This effort has led to a 75% increase in students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, and underrepresented groups24.
Many groups offer big help with studying abroad. The ISA by WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship gives awards from $2,500 to $5,000 to students from underserved backgrounds24. IES Abroad also gives out more than $6 million in scholarships and aid, with up to $5,000 for students from underrepresented communities24.
For those looking for unique experiences, the Inclusive Engagement Scholarship by Semester at Sea covers flight costs and encourages social media posts24. The SIT Robert Kantor Memorial Scholarship gives $10,000 to first-time college students from HBCUs who have never gone abroad24.
DiversityAbroad.com gives $500 to students who blog about their study abroad adventures2425. The Fund for Education Abroad also offers scholarships up to $10,000, helping more diverse students25.
These scholarships do more than just help with money. They also help build global leaders. Programs like the Global Inclusive Leadership Certificate aim to make sure students from all backgrounds can study abroad26.
Prestigious National Awards for International Education
Now, getting global learning opportunities is easier than ever. The U.S. government has set up several top awards for cross-border education financing. These programs help more students join international experiences.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship started in 2001 and helps underrepresented students go abroad for education. It gives up to $5,000 to almost 3,000 students yearly for studying or interning abroad27. It focuses on first-time college students, ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, and those from less-represented states.
Boren Scholarships
Boren Scholarships are for critical languages and regions important to the U.S. Students can study Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, or Swahili in various parts of the world28. The program offers structured language courses through initiatives like the African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI) and Southeast Asian Flagship Languages Initiative (SEAFLI).
Critical Language Scholarships
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program gives fully funded summer language institutes in fifteen critical languages12. This program boosts language skills and cultural knowledge, preparing students for global careers.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Gilman Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | Underrepresented students |
| Boren Scholarships | Up to $20,000 | Critical languages and regions |
| CLS Program | Fully funded | Intensive language study |
These awards often need a service commitment or focus on key areas. For example, Boren Awards alumni often work in U.S. national security roles in different government departments28. Gilman scholars also get 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility for Federal jobs27. For more info, check out the Boren Awards website.
Strategies for Winning Study Abroad Scholarships
Winning study abroad scholarships takes hard work and a good plan. Begin by applying to 10-20 scholarships to improve your odds29. One student’s story shows applying to many scholarships can result in several wins, funding study abroad trips every summer and semester30.
Do your homework to find all the scholarships you can apply for. Look beyond popular spots like London and consider places like Vietnam, where you might face less competition29. Focusing on key languages can also make you a stronger candidate for some scholarships3029.
Make your applications stand out by sharing your unique goals and how you’ll make a difference. Skip the generic answers and explain how you’ll give back after your trip abroad30. Being creative can help you catch the eye of the reviewers29.
- Set aside up to 3 hours for each application
- Secure strong recommendations by providing references with relevant information
- Double-check eligibility and requirements to avoid disqualification
- Proofread diligently – print out materials and read them aloud
- Apply early to increase chances of thorough consideration30
Don’t overlook smaller scholarships – they can still help with your study abroad costs. With persistence and these tips, you can boost your chances of getting study abroad scholarships and aid for international students30.
Navigating the Application Process for International Education Funding
Applying for overseas study grants and academic mobility assistance needs careful planning. It’s a competitive process, but with the right steps, you can boost your chances. This will help you get funding for your studies abroad.
Creating a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your chance to stand out. Explain your goals and how studying abroad will help you grow. Share your achievements, experiences, and what drives you. Make sure it matches the scholarship’s needs and values31.
Gathering Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation from professors or mentors are key. Pick people who know you well and can talk about your strengths. Give them details about the scholarship and your goals to help them write a strong letter31.
Meeting Deadlines and Requirements
Stay on top of deadlines. Scholarships have different application times. For example, the International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS) at the University of Texas Arlington has its own schedule for different programs32. Make a timeline and checklist to keep track of your documents.
| Program Length | IEFS Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Less than 4 Weeks | $800 |
| 4 – 10 Weeks | $1,500 |
| 11 – 18 Weeks | $2,000 |
| 19 – 24 Weeks | $2,500 |
| 25 Weeks or More | $3,000 |
Applying for academic mobility assistance is more than just filling out forms. It’s about showing your best self and explaining why you’re perfect for international study funding. With good preparation and a strong application, you’ll be closer to getting the financial support you need for your studies abroad.
Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential: Tips and Tricks
Getting international education funding can be tough, but you can increase your chances with the right steps. The cost for studying abroad can be high, covering tuition, living costs, and more33. To get the most out of scholarships, start early and follow these tips.
First, keep up a strong academic record and join clubs or groups outside of class. Studies show that 85% of international students get help from the Institute of International Education (IIE)34. To stand out, write a personal statement that really shows who you are33.
Apply for many scholarships to boost your chances33. Use online tools, school help, and trusted sources to find funding for your studies abroad34. Think about studying in places that are not as well-known or focus on languages to increase your chances.
- Learn about the scholarship group
- Use key words in your application
- Apply early to meet deadlines
- Send a thank you note after applying
- Keep in touch with the scholarship group
These steps can really help you get funding35. Studying abroad can make you more open to different cultures, better at languages, and more flexible – skills that employers like34. By using these tips, you’re on your way to funding your dreams of studying abroad.
Conclusion
Study abroad scholarships help students from all over the world get into global education. These scholarships are for different types of students, like those based on merit, need, or specific fields3637. They’re key in bringing students together from various countries, promoting cultural exchange and understanding37.
To increase your chances of getting funding for studying abroad, apply to many scholarships36. Keep in mind, some scholarships have early deadlines, so start looking and applying early38. Use websites like ScholarshipPortal and StudyAbroad.com to find scholarships that match your major, destination, and level of study38.
Writing a strong essay is important to stand out in your application. This is your chance to share your personality, experiences, and goals36. Also, check out resources like your school’s financial aid office and government websites for more funding options36. With hard work and the right strategy, you can make your dream of studying abroad come true. This will give you valuable experiences that will help you in the future.
FAQ
What are study abroad scholarships?
What costs are associated with studying abroad?
What types of study abroad scholarships are available?
Where can I find study abroad scholarship opportunities?
What are merit-based study abroad scholarships?
How can I get need-based financial aid for studying abroad?
Are there scholarships for studying specific languages abroad?
What region-specific study abroad scholarships are available?
Are there scholarships for diverse and underrepresented students studying abroad?
What are some prestigious national awards for international education?
How can I increase my chances of winning a study abroad scholarship?
What does the application process for study abroad funding involve?
How can I maximize my scholarship potential for studying abroad?
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