According to U.S. federal government data, in the 2021-22 school year, 188,753 U.S. students studied in other countries. For many college students, immersing themselves in another country’s fashion, cuisine, language, and education system is one of their top checklist items for their college experience.
But as great of an experience as studying abroad can be, for some students, it may be a costly one. While financial aid — including federal financial aid — can, in some cases, support students in their quest to study abroad, students must figure out how to fund their flights, meals, and other expenses regardless. Depending on where a student wants to study abroad, the expense of it can add up.
Fortunately, nonprofits and other organizations offer scholarships that can help students financially in their quest to study abroad.
Keep reading to learn more about scholarships for studying abroad in college, and scholarships you may want to consider applying for if you aspire to study outside of the U.S.
How to get scholarships to study abroad
There’s a plethora of scholarships available for students who want to study abroad during their college years — you just need to know where to look.
For starters, you may want to check with the study abroad office at your college to see if your college offers scholarships for studying abroad — many do — or to see if they keep a list of scholarships specifically for studying abroad that you may be able to access and research.
Second, if you have a program in mind that you’re interested in applying to, you may want to contact that program directly to see if they offer scholarships to U.S.-based students looking to study abroad.
Lastly, you’ll want to browse the variety of government and privately funded scholarships that support U.S. students who wish to study abroad online to see if you qualify for any and then apply. There’s no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for, so it may be helpful to apply for as many as you’re eligible for and have time to apply for.
Study abroad scholarships to consider applying for in 2024 and 2025
Below is a list of scholarships you may consider researching your eligibility for and applying for if you’re interested in studying abroad.
1. The Cobell Scholarship Summer 2024 Scholarship
The Cobell Scholarship provides funding to Native college students who are high-achievers and demonstrate leadership experience. The scholarship is named after banker Elouise Cobell, who was the lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit that demanded back payment and improved accounting on Individual Indian Money accounts managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
This scholarship fund offers several different scholarships under its umbrella, including a summer scholarship that aims to support students who want to study abroad.
2. The Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation Scholarship to Study Abroad
If you’re a woman who’s received a Silver or Gold Award as a Girl Scout with plans to study abroad, you may be eligible for a scholarship from this foundation. Two scholarships offered by the foundation are an academic scholarship to study a foreign language and a scholarship to study abroad specifically.
3. IES Abroad Scholarships
The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) aims to make academic and cultural opportunities available for students across the globe. It offers several scholarships to support students who want to study abroad that you can apply for using a single application.
4. Fullbright U.S. Student Program
The Fullbright U.S. Student Program has partnered with 140 countries across the globe to aid graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals to study, research, or teach English abroad. The program offers grants to cover housing and a meal stipend, international travel benefits, and health benefits, among other perks. The award value varies depending on the country in which someone completes the program.
5. The Henry Luce Foundation Luce Scholars Program
The Luce Scholars Program is a fellowship program awarded to 18 applicants to help them learn about Asian culture. Applicants receive stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement.
6. Gilman-McCain Scholarship
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides $5,000 awards for children and spousal dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel during the time of application. The award aims to support students who want to study or intern abroad in credit-bearing programs.
7. SIT Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
The School for International Training (SIT) offers various study abroad programs for college undergraduates. These programs are based in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and other locations and involve over 400 educators worldwide.
Final thoughts
As a reminder, there’s no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for, and the more scholarships you apply to, the higher your chances may be of securing funds to study abroad. While applying for scholarships, consider speaking to a financial aid counselor at your school to learn about other avenues to support your quest to study abroad, such as grants or crowdsourcing for funds. Don’t give up on this dream if it’s one of yours — studying abroad can be a memorable part of your college career if it’s financially feasible.