How Can You Use Scholarships and Financial Aid to Study Abroad?

Studying abroad can feel like a big financial leap, but scholarships and financial aid can make the experience far more accessible than many students realize. Whether your strengths are academic achievement, leadership, unique backgrounds, financial need, or simply genuine curiosity about the world, there are opportunities designed to support you.

Understanding the different types of scholarships and how they work can help you find the right fit and build a path toward funding your international experience. Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of merit-based, need-based, diversity-focused, and program-specific scholarships to help you explore your options with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll answer these questions:

What Are Merit-Based Scholarships For Studying Abroad?

Merit-based scholarships are designed to recognize students for their achievements, whether that’s academic excellence, leadership, or unique talents. They can help make studying abroad more affordable and open doors to new experiences for students who have worked hard and stood out in their classes, activities, or communities. These awards are often offered by universities, organizations, or government programs, and they can be based on grades, special skills, or even demonstrated leadership potential.

Now, let’s take a look at a few specific merit-based scholarships for studying abroad and see what they offer.

The Boren Awards

The Boren Awards offer two great options for students who want to study abroad in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Boren Scholarships support undergraduate students and can provide up to $25,000 for programs lasting 25 to 52 weeks, $12,500 for 12 to 24 weeks, and $8,000 for shorter 8 to 11 week programs available only to STEM majors. Boren Fellowships are for graduate students who want to combine language study with research, offering the same award levels for time abroad.

Rotary Global Grant Scholarships

Rotary Global Grant Scholarships support one year of graduate study and community service abroad, during which students complete a project in areas such as peacebuilding, disease prevention, clean water, education, or community economic development. Scholars are chosen for their academic promise and their commitment to serving as ambassadors of goodwill, and they receive $30,600 to cover tuition, living expenses, and airfare while completing their studies and project overseas.

Students interested in exploring even more merit-based opportunities can also look into well-known international programs offered by governments and global organizations, such as:

• Fulbright U.S. Student Program
• DAAD Scholarships
• Schwarzman Scholars Program
• Rhodes Scholarship

Now that we’ve covered some popular merit-based options, it’s also helpful to look at scholarships explicitly designed for students who need financial support to make studying abroad possible.

What Are Need-Based Scholarships For Studying Abroad?

Need-based scholarships aim to make studying abroad accessible to students who may not have the financial resources to afford it. They often require proof of financial need, such as family income documentation or FAFSA reports for U.S. students.

Let’s explore some need-based scholarships available for studying abroad and the benefits they provide.

Fund For Education Abroad

The Fund for Education Abroad provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduate students with financial need who have not previously studied abroad. Eligibility is determined through FAFSA information, Pell Grant status, or current student loans. Awards generally range from $1,250 to $10,000 and can be used for tuition, housing, and other essential costs while studying internationally.

HI USA Explore the World Travel Scholarship

HI USA offers the Explore the World Travel Scholarship to young Americans (ages 18–30) who show financial need and limited prior travel experience. The standard award is $2,000, and there’s a special “First Passport Edition” for first‑time travelers that provides $3,000 to help cover passport fees, airfare, and lodging. The scholarship supports international travel that includes an educational or service component, giving students a real chance to study or volunteer abroad even if money is tight.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a U.S. Department of State program that offers up to $5,000 for students who want to study or intern abroad. One of the most important prerequisites for this scholarship is that students need to already be receiving a Pell Grant at the time they apply. It also places a strong focus on supporting students from small towns and rural communities, and students whose coursework or internships are in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) may even be able to access a bit of extra funding.

Students interested in exploring additional need-based opportunities can consider programs and scholarships offered by nonprofit organizations and travel-focused groups, such as:

• WorldStrides Global Scholarship
• GoAbroad.com Travel Grants
• GAIN Travel Grant
• SIT Pell Grant Match Award

Once you’ve explored these need-based programs, it’s worth looking at scholarships that focus on increasing diversity in study abroad.

What Are Diversity-Focused Scholarships For Studying Abroad?

Diversity-focused scholarships are designed to support students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. They help reduce financial, cultural, or social barriers and prioritize students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. The goal is to make global education more inclusive and accessible.

Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Grant

The MSI Grant, offered as part of CIEE programs, helps high-need students attending an MSI reduce the cost of studying abroad. Awards are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) and available funds, with students able to receive up to $2,000 off their program fees.

USAC, the University Studies Abroad Consortium

USAC offers study abroad programs with a strong focus on access, equity, and inclusion. Their scholarships support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation college students, racial or ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+, students with disabilities, and non-traditional-age learners. Awards range from around $800 for short-term sessions to up to $5,000 for a semester abroad, helping to reduce financial barriers and make international education more accessible.

​​Students interested in further opportunities that support diversity and inclusion may consider programs and scholarships from nonprofits and travel-focused groups, such as:

• EF Study Abroad
• Educational Services Abroad (ESA)
• Center for International Studies (CIS) Abroad

These diversity-focused scholarships are just one way to make studying abroad more accessible. Students can also explore opportunities tied to specific programs, destinations, or fields of study that may offer additional funding to support their international experience.

What Are Program-Specific Scholarships For Studying Abroad?

Unlike merit, need, or diversity scholarships, which are awarded based on who you are or your achievements, program-specific scholarships depend entirely on the study abroad program you choose. These awards are offered by universities, program providers, or third-party organizations like CIEE or IES Abroad, and you must be enrolled in the specific program to qualify. They may be tied to a particular location, field of study, or type of program, so students should carefully check each program’s offerings.

Here are a few specific examples:

CIEE Program Scholarships

Though we’ve already mentioned CIEE, it’s worth noting that the organization offers small scholarships that apply only when students enroll in a specialized CIEE program. For example, some location-based awards give about $500 to $2,000 toward programs in places like Seoul, Barcelona, or Cape Town. These awards are tied to the exact program a student chooses, not their GPA or financial background.

​​SIT Study Abroad Thematic Program Scholarships

SIT offers awards linked to specific student affiliations. SEO Scholars receive $2,000 for any SIT program. Bonner students can receive $2,500 for semester programs or $1,000 for summer terms. Alumni of The Experiment in International Living receive $1,000 for semester programs and $500 for summer programs, with an additional $400 available for students with immediate family who have participated in an Experiment or SIT program. These awards are based solely on affiliation, not academic or financial criteria.

Below are a few other program-specific scholarships worth checking out:

• STEMing Abroad Travel Scholarship
• Cultural Engagement Scholarship
• Green Ambassadorship Scholarship

Now that we have covered the main types of scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, diversity-focused, and program-specific, it’s time to focus on how to make your application stand out. Understanding each category is essential, but knowing how to present yourself effectively can make the difference between receiving funding and missing out.

How Can You Craft a Compelling Study Abroad Scholarship Application?

A strong application can make all the difference. Here are tips to help your scholarship applications stand out:

What’s the Best Way to Write a Study Abroad Personal Essay?

A personal essay allows scholarship reviewers to understand who you are, why you want to study abroad, and how the experience will support your academic, professional, and personal growth. Most study abroad essays are short, typically 300 to 700 words, so every sentence counts.

When writing your essay, be specific about your chosen program, destination, term, and field of study, and explain how the experience fits your goals. Avoid general statements and use concrete examples from academic work, volunteer work, internships, or other relevant experiences to demonstrate preparation and commitment.

Consider starting with a brief story, anecdote, statistic, or vivid detail that reflects your motivations. Providing context about your background or prior experiences can help reviewers understand your perspective and readiness for the program.

Keep your essay structured, clear, and focused. Use paragraphs rather than lists, stay within the word limit, and show authenticity and passion. Use assertive language like “I intend” or “I will” and include details about how you plan to engage with the program.

Finally, have a mentor, advisor, or writing center review your essay to ensure clarity, grammar, and strong content.

What Makes a Good Letter of Recommendation?

Many study abroad scholarships require one or more letters of recommendation. These letters provide reviewers with an outside perspective on your abilities, character, and readiness for an international program. Strong letters typically come from faculty members, academic advisors, research supervisors, or internship mentors who know you well and can give specific examples of your skills, achievements, and personal growth.

When choosing who will write your recommendation, consider people who have worked with you closely rather than someone well-known who may not know your work. For language-focused programs, a faculty member who can assess your proficiency may also be required. Letters highlighting problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and academic or professional preparation are usually most effective.

Give your recommenders plenty of notice, ideally three to four weeks before the deadline, and provide background on the program, your goals, and a resume or summary of relevant experiences. Even if submitted online, ask in person or via email first, provide clear instructions, and follow up politely if needed.

Then, be sure to thank them once their letters are submitted.

A strong letter should be detailed, specific, and usually around 400–500 words, explaining your suitability for the scholarship and the study abroad experience. Concrete examples and context make your letter far more persuasive than general praise.

How Do I Provide Proof of Academic Performance for Study Abroad?

Transcripts and academic records are a standard part of most study abroad scholarship and program applications. It is important to request these documents well in advance, as international processing can take longer than domestic requests. Check whether your program requires official transcripts sent directly from your school or if a student copy is acceptable.

If your records are not in English, many programs require official translations. To ensure your documents meet these requirements, consider using professional translation services. We offer reliable translation options that comply with most program standards, so be sure to check out our online store for guidance and services.

Keep copies of all documents for your records, and confirm submission deadlines with both your school and the program to avoid last-minute issues. Being organized and proactive can save time and stress during the application process.

How Can I Stay on Track With Deadlines and Documentation?

Planning can make applying for study abroad scholarships much smoother. It helps to start looking at opportunities 9 to 12 months before your program begins. Keeping track of deadlines and giving yourself plenty of time for essays, recommendation letters, and gathering documents can make the process feel much more manageable.

Keep a checklist for each scholarship. Common requirements include:

• Official transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay
• Proof of financial need, if applicable
• Program acceptance or enrollment confirmation

Keeping all your documents organized helps your application shine. Make a checklist of everything each scholarship requires, and request transcripts or official records early. Using a clear timeline and checklist can make the process less stressful and increase your chances of submitting a complete and competitive application.

Final Tips For Applying For Study Abroad Scholarships

Apply To Multiple Scholarships

Don’t limit yourself to just one scholarship. Research suggests that students who apply to many opportunities increase their chances of funding, since not every award will align perfectly with your profile, and competition varies widely across awards. Applying early and often can make a real difference in your success. Keep in mind that some large awards may not allow recipients to hold multiple scholarships at the same time, so check each scholarship’s rules.

Don’t Skip Smaller Scholarship Awards

It’s easy to focus only on scholarships with large award amounts, but those opportunities tend to be highly competitive. Applying for smaller awards can increase your chances of success because there is typically less competition. There’s no limit to how many scholarships you can apply for or win, so earning several smaller awards can add up and cover as much, or nearly as much, of your study abroad costs as a single large scholarship. Treat every opportunity as valuable, and don’t overlook the impact that smaller awards can have on funding your international experience.

Tailor Your Applications To Each Scholarship

Customizing your essays and supporting materials for each scholarship demonstrates why you are a good match for that award. Generic applications are less likely to stand out. Experts recommend adjusting your essay and responses to reflect each organization’s mission and criteria, which shows reviewers you have taken the time to align with their goals.

Start Early When Applying To Study Abroad Scholarships

Getting an early start gives you time to prepare thoughtful and polished applications. University financial aid offices emphasize starting your scholarship search and preparation well before deadlines so you can draft, revise, and gather materials without rushing.

Looking Ahead to Your Next Step Abroad

Getting ready for study abroad scholarships takes a bit of effort, but each step brings you closer to an exciting international experience. When you take the time to understand different funding options, write thoughtful essays, and stay organized with your deadlines, the process starts to feel much more doable.

Once you’ve got your scholarship plans underway, it’s a great moment to look ahead to the next part of your journey. Every country has its own visa rules, but learning about them early can take away a lot of stress and help everything fall into place more smoothly.

In the next article, we’ll walk through the basics of student visas, including the documents you’ll need, how long processing can take, and common things to watch out for. A little preparation goes a long way, and we’ll help you step into this next stage feeling ready and excited.

Author: Aaron Randolph | LinkedIn