Many students dream of studying abroad, but it’s not always an easy feat to fund. Luckily, several organizations offer scholarships to help cover the costs of an international education experience, from plane tickets to housing and school fees (and everything in between). If you have your heart set on studying outside of the United States, check out this list of scholarship programs that can help make your dreams a reality.
1) The International Education Scholarship
2) The Gerda Henkel Foundation Awards
3) Regents’ Global Innovation Scholarships
4) HACU Scholarships
5) ASSE International Student Research Grants
6) CIEE Study Abroad Fellowship Program for Undocumented Students
7) MSI Women’s Empowerment Scholarship
8) Pepperdine University Study Abroad Scholarships
Read Also: 6 Steps to Applying for a Scholarship in the United States
1) The International Education Scholarship
This scholarship is designed for students that want to learn and travel outside of their home country. Recipients will get full coverage for tuition, round-trip airfare, and living expenses while they are studying abroad.
This scholarship is open only to students who are attending one of over 500 accredited U.S. schools or colleges, with preference given to those attending public schools in states other than New York or California.
Although merit was not one of their determining factors when awarding these scholarships, they do ask for proof of outstanding academic achievements along with an essay explaining why you should be chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Be sure to apply early, all scholarship winners must be finalized before April 15th so that they can schedule your trip overseas.
Read Also: How to Write an Extended Response Essay for a Scholarship
2) The Gerda Henkel Foundation Awards
This scholarship is designed for German students who wish to pursue post-secondary education in Canada. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and personal merit.
The Scholarships are valued at up to $15,000 per year and may be used for tuition, books, and mandatory fees for one year of full-time study or two years of part-time studies. Applications are accepted from September 1 through January 15 each year which requires no application form.
3) Regents’ Global Innovation Scholarships
This scholarship is aimed at the U.S. and international students who wish to pursue an overseas experience through its various exchange programs with universities in Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, and Africa.
All program participants receive a fellowship that includes travel, room and board (where applicable), a living stipend, and other benefits. Program duration ranges from one semester up to one academic year or more depending on which university you choose for your exchange.
Fellowship funding can be applied toward tuition expenses when studying abroad during or after completion of undergraduate studies at NYU Shanghai, whether participating in its Global Innovation Exchange Programs or enrolling as a non-degree student in NYU’s Global Liberal Studies master’s degree program.
4) HACU Scholarships
Each year, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) awards more than $2 million in HACU Scholarships to students attending an accredited four-year college or university in one of nine states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Texas.
The scholarship amounts range from $1,000 – $10,000 and are made possible through generous endowments from HACU member colleges and universities.
To be eligible for these awards you must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Read Also: 10 Ways to Boost Your Chances of Getting a Study Abroad Scholarship
5) ASSE International Student Research Grants
This program gives grants to students and educators who want to conduct research on issues that are important to international students. Funded by private donations, these grants give recipients $2,000 for their research projects.
Awards are given on a yearly basis and applications must be submitted by January 15th of each year. Students may apply for up to $3,000 per academic year and applications can be made at any time of year.
This program is open globally; applicants must only be undergraduate or graduate students at U.S.-based universities in order to qualify for an award.
Applicants must also complete 50 hours of service with an international organization in order to receive funding through these grants.
6) CIEE Study Abroad Fellowship Program for Undocumented Students
The CIEE Study Abroad Fellowship Program for Undocumented Students is intended to increase access to international education opportunities and promote leadership development among undocumented students who are pursuing careers in global affairs.
The program aims to support students who may face unique financial and documentation barriers in their pursuit of higher education. Applicants must have an immigration status other than permanent resident or citizen.
Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with at least sophomore standing at the time of application.
Read Also: 5 Tips for Applying for the Gilman Scholarship
7) MSI Women’s Empowerment Scholarship
This scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in attending an accredited four-year university or college in order to pursue studies related to women’s empowerment.
$5,000 awards will be given to one recipient. Each award will cover up to $3,000 of expenses for tuition and fees, housing and living expenses, books, transportation, and personal miscellaneous expenses. Recipients must have at least three semesters remaining before graduation from their current educational institution by May 1 of each year they receive funding.
Also, they must be enrolled as full-time students during that semester. They must attend school for at least two consecutive years before being eligible for re-application. Additionally, they cannot transfer awards or use them toward doctoral degrees.
8) Pepperdine University Study Abroad Scholarships
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students, these scholarships award $5,000 annually toward your expenses for an international experience.
To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and have earned credits toward graduation by March. The application deadline is in January. Awards are contingent on Pepperdine receiving a minimum of $200,000 per academic year from all sources.
If there are not enough funds raised through outside sources during any given year, students will not receive funding until additional money is raised or Pepperdine covers remaining expenses directly. You’ll need to submit an application (due Dec. 1) and two recommendation letters as part of your application process; some programs also require you to submit an essay outlining why you should receive funding.