Study abroad can be a wonderful opportunity. It allows students to see parts of the world they have never seen before and immerse themselves in a new culture, all while earning college credits. Many students would love to take advantage of the experience. The only downside can be figuring out how to pay for it.
My senior year of college, I studied abroad in Barcelona, and it was by far the best part of my college experience. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing…except maybe how I paid for it. I used loans to cover the cost, but looking back, I definitely wish I had looked for alternative ways to pay. This is where scholarships can be particularly helpful. Many schools allow students to apply their existing scholarships to study abroad programs, or have their own scholarships designated for study abroad (check with your financial aid or study abroad office for these opportunities). There are also many additional scholarships out there designed specifically for study abroad. Many of these scholarships operate just like scholarships for schools within the U.S., in that you apply for them based on specific criteria. We’ve outlined a few below.
The Boren Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application form.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students who are pursuing a language that is understudied and valuable to the U.S.; must be studying in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East
Amount: Up to $12,500 for a semester, $25,000 for a 6 to 12-month period, or $8,000 for a 8-11 week period (STEM majors only)*
Deadline: January 29, 2025
Website: https://www.borenawards.org/
* In exchange for funding, scholarship recipients commit to working in the federal government for at least a year after graduation.
Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the application, including three essays: the “Statement of Purpose” essay and two “Community Impact” essays.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students who receive the Pell Grant
Amount: Up to $5,000*
Deadline: March 6, 2025
Website: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
* Awards can increase if the student is studying a critical-need language.
Justice, Community, & Service Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including a brief written statement or video articulating your academic, personal, and professional goals for the Barcelona SAE program and why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship.
Eligibility: Open to students who can demonstrate community engagement, service, and justice; must show proof of financial need by submitting Barcelona SAE’s Financial Aid Form
Amount: Up to $1,000
Deadline: June 15, 2025
Study Abroad Program Provider: Barcelona SAE
Website: https://www.barcelonasae.com/scholarships
CEA CAPA Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application for one of four flagship awards: the opportunity abroad, sustainability leadership, career development, and academic excellence scholarships; application includes submission of a video (2 minutes or less).
Eligibility: Open to students on custom programs that are 18 days or longer
Amount: Between $1,000 and $10,000
Deadline: May 1, 2025*
Website: https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/financial-options/cea-capa-scholarships
*Offers additional scholarship award opportunities throughout the year.
Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including an essay on what you hope to learn by experiencing another culture and how you plan to apply these lessons when you return home.
Eligibility: Open to students who are enrolled in an accredited college or university and have applied to or been accepted into a study abroad program
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15, 2025 and November 15, 2025 (bi-annual scholarship)
Website: https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pages/study-abroad-scholarship
Make sure to ask your college or university of any additional scholarships available for study abroad, and be sure to apply for as many as you can! Even small amounts can add up and significantly help with the cost. Study abroad is a great opportunity, and there are so many ways to cover the cost of the experience.
Scholarships should be considered a small—yet still important—source of revenue for college. Data shows that most families pay for college using parent and student income, savings, and loans. Most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. In addition to looking for scholarships to help pay for college, families should apply for financial aid and consider saving in a dedicated college savings account.
