Student Travel Scholarships
Take a Full Ride to Another Country
Studying abroad provides an opportunity for students to improve their foreign language skills and increase their understanding of other cultures.
Whether you wish to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or an entire year, it's likely to become the defining experience of your college career.
Funding your student travel and study abroad may seem overwhelming, but there are a number of different scholarships available. Contact your school's financial aid or study abroad office to learn more about state or university scholarships that you may be eligible to receive.
If you're interested in applying for national scholarships for student travel and study abroad, the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships, National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships, and Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are three of the nation's leading awards.
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships are awarded to students who have completed at least two years of college-level coursework. Scholarships of up to $26,000 can be used to pay for tuition, fees, educational supplies, round-trip transportation, and basic living expenses.
Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding leadership skills, a high level of maturity, and a commitment to community service, as well as a passion for history, politics, and culture. Scholarship winners are expected to give regular presentations and participate in Rotary service projects during their study abroad.
If you are interested in applying for a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship, contact your local Rotary club to begin the application process.
National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
The National Security Education Program David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships are awarded to students with a record of academic excellence, foreign language proficiency, and a desire to use international study to advance their careers. Scholarship amounts are based on actual program costs, with the maximum award being $20,000 for a full academic year.
Scholarships come with a requirement that students spend at least one year working in the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, State, or the Intelligence Community after the completion of their study abroad program.
Applications for the NSEP David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships must be submitted online.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is slightly different from other study abroad scholarships in that recipients must demonstrate both academic achievement and financial need. To be eligible for a scholarship, you must have been awarded a Pell Grant from your college or university and submit an essay that describes how your study abroad program will enhance your educational experience. The maximum award is $5,000, but scholarships vary based on financial need and program costs.
Since the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship doesn't have a summer cycle, interested students must be completing academic year programs that are at least four weeks long. Multi-country study abroad programs are acceptable only if the student spends at least four weeks in one country.
Detailed application instructions for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship are available on the program website.
