College Scholarships for Cuba

Government Funding Remains Strong

You can’t find a Cuban cigar in the U.S., which is indicative of the ongoing political and economic relations with Cuba. Cuban scholarships, while not as hard to come by, are also quite elusive, with the exception of some very popular and well-funded programs. Colleges and universities are not likely to put students at risk, so the responsibility for that lays in the hands of the government and a few bold, private organizations whose focus is non-traditional destinations. The political climate in Cuba remains unpredictable and international relations are often tenuous at best. Study abroad programs in Cuba are not for the feint of heart, but offer one of the liveliest and insightful experiential classrooms available.

Government Scholarships

Thanks to the federal government’s leading scholarship programs for continuing to support students who wish to study in Cuba. While many colleges have suspended Cuba programs, the feds need next-gen professionals with intimate knowledge of the Cuban culture and climate:

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are awarded to financially disadvantaged students who also have a strong academic record. Applicants must be Pell Grant recipients to qualify. The goal of this program is to provide underrepresented populations with an opportunity for international study, especially in non-traditional locations like Cuba. Over 700 Gilman Scholars are awarded with up to $5,000 in scholarship money each year.
The David L. Boren Scholarships offer funding options designed for both undergraduate and graduate students. Ideal applicants must be interested in delving deeply into the Cuban culture and Spanish language at the street level and after graduation pursuing a career in national security. Not all students will work a long-term career, but may only work to repay the generosity of the federal government. Candidates vie for up to $26,000 in scholarship awards.

Study Abroad Organizations

The Center for Cross-Cultural Study provides top-notch study abroad programs for students wishing to strike out on a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience in Cuba. Eligible candidates may apply for the CC-CS Scholarships. The scholarships are unique in that students are required to demonstrate their aptitude with the Spanish language by writing an essay first in Spanish and then a translated version to English, or vice versa. Recipients win up to $2,500 in scholarship money. Studies take place at the University of Havana.