Ethiopia Study Abroad Scholarships
Study a Range of Disciplines in Eastern Africa
The mere mention of Ethiopia evokes images of starvation and loss of human life. The country, like many in Africa, has had to endure long stretches of human struggle. The now notorious period of mass starvation was brought on by serious drought, possibly a by-product of rampant deforestation. On a positive note, though, Ethiopia is the only African country not colonized during the term of history often referred to as "the Race for Africa."
Students heading to Ethiopia have the option to engage in almost any field of study, from arts and culture, archaeology, the health sciences and research.
Government Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships offer underprivileged undergraduates unprecedented study abroad opportunities. Applicants may choose Ethiopia, or dozens of other locations outside of Western Europe. Gilman Scholars must first be Pell Grant recipients. Other criteria may include minority status or disability, as well as other social challenges. Up to $7,000 is awarded to hundreds of Gilman Scholars each year.
The David L. Boren Scholarships are intended to recruit the next generation of national security elite as well as educate a new generation of Americans who require increasing knowledge of international cultures and language. Applicants with a career interest in national security are preferred; otherwise a term of service in the federal sector will suffice as payback for the up to $25,000 scholarship and trip of a lifetime. Students are encouraged to study either intensive programs of Ethiopian culture and language or else pursue fields related to math, sciences, politics, law and technology.
Fulbright Scholarships are fully funded for those approved to pursue graduate or post-graduate work in Ethiopia. Applicants are strongly encouraged to align themselves with the Addis Ababa University, located in the capital city. Candidates are free to explore a range of fields and must provide both the Fulbright program and the Ethiopian government with a comprehensive proposal for research or study.
Study Abroad Organizations
The School for International Training (SIT) provides a unique program in Ethiopia that gives students an opportunity to explore the culture and religion of the country. Expeditions allow first-hand access to ancient sacred architecture as well as the chance to experience modern-day Ethiopia, in contrast. SIT scholarships include:
- SIT Fund is open to most students and scholarships are awarded based on a combination of academics and financial need.
- Diversity Fund provides participants from underrepresented populations with necessary scholarships to study abroad in an SIT program.
- HBCU Scholarships are reserved for SIT participants from the Historically Black Colleges who demonstrate financial need.
- Sally Bragg Baker Scholarships are offered in memory of an SIT participant who was passionate about "international exchange" and the pursuit of multicultural understanding and peace. Scholarships are awarded to female participants who live by the same spirit.
Private Funding
Watson Fellowships are awarded annually to over 50 undergraduate seniors who are passionate about taking up "independent" study abroad for an academic year. Fellows are chosen from hundreds of applicants and may go almost anywhere in the world, including Ethiopia, as long as there are no U.S. travel warnings. The Watson Foundation was established from the estate of the original founder of IBM. Applicants must present a unique and challenging proposal to be considered. Self-direction is the main requirement of this program.
The Leakey Foundation is world-renowned for its research on human origin. The organization funds the ongoing work of high-level scholars at research locations throughout Africa. Research scholars who wish to pursue this type of research in Ethiopia may receive generous funding. Current research in Ethiopia takes place at Awash National Park.
