Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Over here at Beyond the States we help students explore and pursue the thousands of accredited, English-taught college degrees across Europe. The cost of tuition for these programs is famously affordable when compared to the cost of higher education in the US.
The average cost of tuition across the spectrum of bachelor’s programs in the EU is around 8,000 euros per year, and around 9,000 euros per year for master’s programs. Yes, this is eye-popping, especially when you consider that many of these programs are highly-ranked, rigorous, and internationally recognized. But…
Even with the affordability factor of these degree programs, it’s good to know that educational funding help is still available for international students studying abroad.
Beyond university-specific scholarships, or country-specific grants, there are other options for financial support that international students can pursue. As you’ll see in this article, there is the gamut of opportunities, ranging from scholarship amount to qualifications and eligibility. For purely “study abroad” and short-term semester experiences the scholarship offerings are vast, and we do include some of these as well.
Dig in!
45+ Scholarships and Grants for Degree-Seeking International Students
VLIR-UOS Awards Scholarships
VLIR-UOS Awards Scholarships are open to applicants from thirty-one countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue English-taught programs or master’s degrees at any accredited academic institution in Belgium.
This scholarship aims to strengthen the globalization of higher education institutions in Flanders, Belgium, by providing innovative responses to global and local challenges through its scholarship program. The scholarship covers various expenses for students and professionals.
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute Study Scholarship (SISS) aims to develop global leaders by offering an estimated 300 scholarships each year to qualified applicants. Funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and administered by the Swedish Institute, the scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and more.
The program supports master’s degree studies in various subjects and provides a unique opportunity for recipients to network with other professionals in their field of choice.
The Intern Group Global Leadership Grants
The Intern Group Global Leadership Grants is a well-known scholarship program promoting global leadership by offering full-ride grants to students and recent graduates interested in interning remotely.
The scholarship deadline varies yearly, and the award amount also varies based on the recipient.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarship
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a scholarship program that offers funding for Canadian and American students who wish to pursue higher education in Germany. DAAD provides a range of scholarships, including support for short-term study programs, research grants, language courses, and full degree programs at German universities.
Boren Scholarships and Fellowships
The Boren Scholarships and Fellowships program provides financial support to undergraduate students from the United States who wish to study less commonly taught languages in countries deemed important to U.S. national security interests.
The program is administered by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), a federal initiative created to provide opportunities for U.S. citizens to develop foreign language and international skills to support the nation’s security and economic interests.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship is open to high school seniors in the United States who have demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to their community.
The scholarship program has a long history, established in 1986, and is highly competitive, with more than 90,000 students applying each year. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation aims to develop future leaders who will positively impact their communities and the world.
American Association of University Women Fellowships & Grants
The American Association of University Women provides impressive fellowships and grants to women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in various fields, including education, social sciences, and STEM. Each year, the AAUW awards over $3 million in funding.
These fellowships and grants are designed to support women who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to promoting gender equity.
Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (ISP)
The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (ISP) was established by His Highness the Aga Khan. The ISP aims to support gifted, outstanding students from developing countries, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at reputable higher education institutions of their choice.
Novus Biologicals Scholarship –
The Novus Biologicals Scholarship is for students pursuing education in a science related field (Life Science, Medical Science, Health Science). Awarded twice each year in the Fall & Spring semesters. A $1500 (or international currency equivalent) scholarship will be awarded to one student for the fall and spring semesters. Schools/Colleges/Institutes within US, Canada, and European Countries only
Corinne Jeannine Schillings Scholarships
The Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation provides one-of-a-kind scholarships to Girl Scouts who are interested in studying abroad. These scholarships are open to undergraduate students pursuing any major or minor course.
The scholarship award is worth $1,000, and the foundation offers the opportunity to do undergraduate study abroad during the summer, fall, or academic year. The application deadline is in May for the summer, fall, and academic year semesters and in December for the spring semester.
University of Bologna (UNIBO) Study Grant
The University of Bologna Study Grant is a different type of grant that is awarded based on students’ SAT and GRE test scores. The deadline for application can vary depending on the degree program but generally falls between March and May. The study grant is worth an impressive €11,000.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a highly prestigious scholarship for international education that offers grants to selected individuals to work, live, and learn for one academic year in a foreign country. It is a world-renowned program that has been in existence for over 75 years. It is one of the most well-known scholarships for international study.
The program aims to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. There are two types of grants offered by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Study/Research and English Teaching Assistant.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, funded by the European Union, offers grants for Masters and Ph.D. students in the E.U. This prestigious award aims to improve the quality of higher education and foster understanding among different cultures worldwide. The application deadline is in January, and the grant amount varies.
Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants
The Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants are available to individuals pursuing graduate-level coursework or research in specific fields that align with the Rotary’s focus areas.
The various scholarship opportunities and grants are available to students from all over the world, and the amount awarded is up to $30,000.
Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is awarded to encourage students who wish to study in the Netherlands and covers €5,000 of their tuition fees for one academic year. The scholarship is awarded on merit, and the exact deadline varies by institution, but it typically falls in February or May.
Study a Master’s in Europe Scholarship
The Study a Master’s in Europe Scholarship will be awarded for the Fall 2024 semester onwards up to a value of €5000, and is open to students from any country who will be studying a master’s degree abroad at a European university or graduate school.
Go Global MBA Scholarship
The Go Global Scholarship for MBA studies will be awarded from the Fall 2024 semester onwards up to a value of $7,000, and is open to students from any country who will be studying for an MBA degree abroad at a university or business school.
Bright! Tax Global Scholar Initiative
The Bright!Tax Global Scholar Initiative provides supplemental funds for American students who are already or will be studying abroad under the auspices of an accredited academic institution. Scholarships are available for full semester programs.
The Mitchell Scholarship
The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program, named to honor former US Senator George Mitchell’s pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service.
Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one academic year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Scholarships and Grants for Short Term or Semester Study Abroad Students
Fund for Education Abroad
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships for undergraduate students who want to spend time studying abroad.
One of the best features of this scholarship is its focus on traditionally underrepresented students. The FEA aims to provide financial support to students of color, first-generation students, community college students, and others who may face barriers to studying abroad.
The Bridging Foundation Scholarship
The Bridging Foundation Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students in the United States who want to study in Japan for a semester or a full academic year. The scholarship is offered twice a year.
USAC Scholarships
The University Studies Abroad Consortium offers a range of amazing scholarships to undergraduate students planning to spend time studying abroad. The scholarship application deadlines vary based on the program, with deadlines in March (summer), May (fall), and October (spring).
The award amount varies based on the scholarship you choose, and recipients are typically bachelor’s degree students who demonstrate a strong financial need.
Golden Key Scholarships
The Golden Key Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community service in their everyday life.
Each year, the Golden Key International Honor Society awards $1,000,000 in scholarship funds to both undergraduate and graduate students.
SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
The School for International Training (SIT) provides fantastic study abroad scholarships for students interested in participating in one of their many programs worldwide. The scholarships are offered for various study periods, including summer, semester, and academic year programs.
CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants is a great scholarship program designed to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students who want to study abroad.
The scholarship deadline varies based on the specific academic program and deadline, so students should check with their desired program for more information. The award amount is up to $2,000 per student.
Asia Exchange Scholarships
The Asia Exchange Scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students from target countries interested in studying at one of the partner universities or colleges in Asia.
The scholarship program is awarded twice a year, and the award amount and number of recipients vary. The scholarship can be used for studying abroad at any of the twelve universities or colleges in Asia that partner with Asia Exchange.
CEA Study Abroad Scholarships
CEA Study Abroad Scholarships is a wonderful program that provides essential financial aid to students who are planning to study abroad. The scholarship has three categories – merit, need, and diversity – and students must enroll in CEA Study Abroad Programs to be eligible for the scholarships. The deadlines for applications vary based on the program, with deadlines in April (summer), May (fall), and December (spring).
IES Abroad
IES Abroad provides various scholarships and financial aid for students interested in studying abroad. The organization believes financial limitations should not prevent qualified students from studying abroad.
The scholarships and aid offered include need-based financial aid office full, location and major-focused scholarships, diversity scholarships, summer internship scholarships, and grants for public university students. The awards range from $1,000 for summer students to $5,000 for semester students.
The NextGen Scholarship
The NextGen Scholarship is available to international and American students pursuing undergraduate degrees or high school seniors looking to complete higher education in the United States. The scholarship is worth $1,000 and is awarded to one scholar yearly based on their demonstrated financial, need and academic merit.
AIFS tudy Abroad Scholarships & Grants
The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) offers a range of scholarships and grants to deserving students seeking financial aid for study abroad programs. The scholarships have varying application deadlines and award amounts, ranging from $400 to $1,000 or more depending on the scholarship.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a prestigious program that financially supports undergraduate students who want to study or intern abroad.
The program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and is designed to increase the diversity of students studying abroad.
Eastern European Study Abroad Scholarships
The Eastern European Study Abroad Scholarships are available for motivated students interested in studying abroad with EESA who are financially disadvantaged. The scholarship awards up to $2,500 and has three application deadlines per year: March 1st (for the fall semester), October 15th (for the spring semester), and April 1st (for the summer semester).
To be eligible, applicants must submit an essay answering a required question and meet minimum GPA requirements. The scholarship is merit and need-based only.
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are a great opportunity for undergraduate students seeking to gain knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. The grants offer $1,000 yearly to 125 deserving applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. Although applicants must not be Society members, they must attend an institution with an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter.
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
To apply for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship, you must have a GPA higher than 2.5 and be learning one of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Turkish, and a few others. If you meet this criteria, you can apply for the scholarship through their website.
Spanish Studies Abroad Scholarships
The merit-based scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to their field of study. The diversity scholarship is awarded to students committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in their communities.
The Spanish Studies Abroad Scholarship amounts vary and are determined based on the length of the program, the location of the program, and the financial need of the student.
ISA by WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship
The ISA by WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship is offered for summer and semester study abroad programs. The scholarship is aimed at students who identify with historically underserved groups in education abroad.
This can include individuals identifying as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, and more.
API Scholarships
API (Academic Programs International) provides study abroad programs in over 20 countries worldwide. The organization offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help students make their study abroad dreams a reality.
API awards approximately $500,000 in study abroad scholarships annually, ranging from $250 to $1,000 per student.
Shanghai Government Scholarships
The Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) offers three types of scholarships to qualified international students interested in pursuing higher education in Shanghai, China. These scholarships include Class A (full scholarship for graduate citizen undergraduate students only), Class B (partial scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students), or Class C (Excellent Student Award) scholarship.
IFSA Scholarships and Financial Aid
IFSA offers scholarships and financial aid. The awards range from $500 to $2,500 and are available to all IFSA participants. The scholarships were designed to make the study abroad program more accessible to students and to help them achieve their academic and personal goals.
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship is a twice-yearly scholarship awarded to qualified American undergraduate students and students with a U.S. visa interested in exploring more of the world during their international program. The award includes $1,000 and a Tortuga travel backpack to help students take amazing extracurricular trips while studying abroad.
SIT Robert Kantor Memorial Scholarship
The SIT Robert Kantor Memorial Scholarship offers $10,000 in scholarship aid to one student every year enrolled in an SIT program. Individual donors and foundations fund the scholarship. It is intended for first-generation college students who have never traveled abroad before and currently attend an HBCU.
Verto Opportunity Grant & Verto Scholars Award
The Verto Education Opportunity Grant and Verto Scholars Award are two scholarship programs offered by Verto Education. This company provides students with the opportunity to take their first year of college abroad.
The Verto Opportunity Grant is designed to help reduce student tuition costs and can provide up to $14,000.
CAPA Scholarships and Financial Aid
CAPA: The Global Education Network offers various scholarships and financial aid options for students who want to study abroad in Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, London, Paris, Prague, and Sydney. CAPA annually provides up to $1.5 million in scholarships, grants, and affiliate benefits.
The available scholarships range from $300 to $1,000 and are offered to students who meet specific criteria. For example, academic excellence, financial need, and diversity.
CET Academic Programs Scholarships
CET Academic Programs provide need and merit-based scholarships and financial assistance to students enrolled in their high school, gap year, and college study abroad programs in Brazil, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Italy, Jordan, and Taiwan.
Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $2,000. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need and academic merit.
AFS-USA Grants & Scholarships –
AFS-USA is an organization that provides study abroad programs to worthy high school students. They offer various scholarships and grants to students interested in studying abroad but needing financial assistance.
The scholarships offered by AFS-USA range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are awarded to approximately half of their study-abroad students each year.
Take a further deep dive into the world of scholarships for international students at the International Student website.
