A common myth people believe about studying abroad is that it’s not affordable. In certain situations, that may be true, but for many, it is not the case. A lot of programs match tuition and board at the student’s home institution. Additionally, for many of these institutions that tuition match is basing it off in-state tuition. To put that in perspective, if you are paying out-of-state tuition at your home university, but pay in-state abroad, it could actually be cheaper to study abroad versus domestically. To help pay for tuition and board, there are hundreds of study abroad scholarships. We have compiled a list of generous awards for multiple location scholarships. Check back for lists of area-specific undergraduate study abroad programs!
National Security Education Program / David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Talk to local chapter
These scholarships are presented to US undergraduate students studying abroad in an area critical to the United State’s affairs. These areas include Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Students must agree that in exchange for the award money, they must also work in the federal government one year after graduation. The application includes an online application, two essays, and two letters of recommendation.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
This award is designed to help students pursuing a degree at a 2- or 4-year college who receive Federal Pell Grants to fund their study abroad experience. The program must be 28 days and is also based on financial need and strength of the application. The goal of the program is to diversify the type of students who study or intern abroad by providing them financial assistance to pursue this opportunity. The deadline varies based on the program timeframe, so be sure to check the website for a detailed timeline for submittal.
CIEE Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 1 (Summer and Fall); October 15 (Winter and Spring)
CIEE is a study abroad program widely recognized and attended by thousands. They have 267 programs in 45 countries. A perk of being a well-established program is that they also have a large number of awards to give out. There are many academic excellence awards that recognize high caliber students in their designated area of study. Additionally, they have access to scholarships and grants that aim to help students who face financial or social hurdles study abroad.
USAC Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 15, 2020 (Summer/Fall 2020); October 15, 2020 (January/Spring 2021)
USAC is another large study abroad program provider. Their programs extend to 26 countries and have a fit for almost anyone. They award over $500,000 in scholarships each year. They have general scholarships, program-specific, as well as discounts. Focus varies from financial need to academic excellence.
Critical Language Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: TBD for 2021
If you haven’t decided on a program and are considering studying a language, this Critical Language Program is fully funded. It is funded by the US Department of State and sends both American undergraduate and graduate students abroad for a summer to be immersed in language learning and cultural appreciation. They seek students from a variety of backgrounds, but also have an interest in learning a critical language.
Their languages offered include:
- Azerbaijani, Bangla, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Punjabi, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu: Beginning, advanced beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.
- Arabic and Persian: Advanced beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.
- Chinese, Japanese, and Russian: Intermediate and advanced levels.
In addition to these national scholarships, be sure to browse what your home university has to offer. The study abroad office most likely has scholarships, as well as your specific major, and chosen program. The options are endless if you do your research!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
5.00% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
