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Cara Goldstone Image Written By: Cara Goldstone | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: May 16, 2026

Study Abroad Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • Study Abroad programs are more popular than ever, but they tend to be extremely expensive.
  • Scholarships can aid students in studying abroad by covering the costs of travel, housing, food, and other expenses.
  • There are Study Abroad scholarships for all kinds of students participating in all kinds of programs, including summer Study Abroad programs.

According to the United States Department of State, the number of American students who participate in Study Abroad programs is over 300,000 per year– but popularity does not make these programs any less expensive. Scholarships.com can help you find the perfect Study Abroad scholarship so you can travel without the debt. Keep reading to find out how.

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The 25 Best Study Abroad Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2026

  • 1

  • Luce Scholars Program

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineSeptember 15, 2026

The intent of the Luce Scholars Program is to provide an in-depth experience in Asia to young Americans who would not otherwise have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country where they are placed. Scholarship Details Founded in 1974 to promote cross-cultural understanding and leadership development in Asia Offers a yearlong immersive professional placement in an Asian

  • 2

  • The Fulbright Program

  • Amount$30,000
  • DeadlineOctober 7, 2026

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers exceptional opportunities for graduating seniors, graduate students, and young professionals to engage in graduate study, research, or teaching English abroad. With partnerships in over 140 countries, the program fosters academic and professional advancement while promoting cross-cultural understanding through meaningful interactions and cultural

  • 3

  • Belgian American Educational Foundation

  • Amount$34,000
  • DeadlineOctober 31, 2026

The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) encourages applications for fellowships for advanced study or research at a Belgian university or institution of higher learning. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States and either have a master's degree or equivalent degree or be working towards a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Knowledge of Dutch, French, or German

  • 4

  • BAEF Fellowships for Belgians

  • Amount$100,000
  • DeadlineOctober 31, 2026

Are you looking to study or undergo research in a well-known university in the United States, but lack the financial support? If so, you have come to the right place. The BAEF encourages application for fellowships to talented Belgian individuals in the early years at each stage of their education. Every year, BAEF offers more than 65 Fellowships to Belgian students and researchers. This will

  • 5

  • DAAD German Studies Research Grant

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2026

This specialized DAAD program offers German Studies Research Grants to highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students who are nominated by their department/program chairs. The grant may be used for short-term research (one to two months) in Germany. Applicants must be American or Canadian citizens or permanent residents, have at least junior standing pursuing a German Studies track or

  • 6

  • Winston Churchill Foundation of the USA Scholarship Program

  • AmountFull-Tuition
  • DeadlineNovember 3, 2026

In contrast to other scholarships that look for “leadership potential” or “ambassadorial qualities,” The Churchill Scholarship selects Scholars on the basis of academic and research achievement. We then seek to provide accomplished scientists, mathematicians, and engineers with the tools to maximize their future impact. To that end, we provide a science communication workshop and science policy

  • 7

  • Kress Foundation History of Art Institutional Fellowships

  • Amount$30,000
  • DeadlineNovember 30, 2026

The Samuel H. Kress Foundation devotes its resources to advancing the study, conservation, and enjoyment of the vast heritage of European art, architecture, and archaeology from antiquity to the early 19th century. We support the work of individuals and institutions engaged with the appreciation, interpretation, preservation, study and teaching of the history of European art and architecture from

  • 8

  • Bosnian-American Study Abroad in Turkey Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2026

Thanks to the generous support of TCA, this scholarship is given to Bosnian American students who wish to study abroad in Turkey, are full-time students at an accredited U.S. college or university in good standing and have been accepted to a study abroad program in Turkey. Scholarship Details Up to 10 grants awarded annually Each grant is worth $2,000 Supports study abroad

  • 9

  • Study Abroad Scholarship in BiH for American Minority Students

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 1, 2027

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) Study Abroad Scholarship Program for American Minority Students offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students of African American, Hispanic American, and Native American descent to study in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This program supports up to 100 students annually and provides funding to experience a unique study abroad opportunity in a country

  • 10

  • Boren Fellowships

  • Amount$25,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 21, 2027

David L. Boren is the principal author of the legislation that created the National Security Education Program and the Boren Awards, the scholarships and fellowships that bear his name. In arguing in the U.S. Senate for passage of NSEP, Boren expressed his view that the U.S. needed a large increase in experts in the languages and cultures of nations which were underrepresented in the number of

  • 11

  • Boren Scholarships

  • Amount$25,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 28, 2027

Boren Scholarships, a prestigious initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. In exchange for

  • 12

  • Vera R. Campbell Promise Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2027

The Vera R. Campbell Promise Scholarship supports undergraduate students attending higher education institutions in Los Angeles County, CA to participate in IFR field schools. Priority is given to first-generation college students with demonstrated financial need. Scholarship Details Award of up to $5,000 towards IFR field school costs Includes one-on-one mentorship with IFR Academic Board

  • 13

  • Dallas Center for Architecture Foundation - McDermott Traveling Fellowship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 13, 2027

Through the Architecture and Design Foundation, AD EX awards a variety of scholarships and travel/research fellowships to support high school and college architecture students, as well as young architects just beginning their careers. The McDermott Traveling Fellowship is awarded for traveling studies in architecture; to research, develop, and disseminate knowledge of the built environment.

  • 14

  • Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarships

  • Amount$4,500
  • DeadlineFebruary 23, 2027

The Committee on Diversity in the Profession of the Society for Classical Studies sponsors minority undergraduate students to participate in classical studies and archaeology abroad through the Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarships. These awards are worth up to $4,500 and are specifically appropriated for Study Abroad programs. Scholarship Details Need-based with

  • 15

  • David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 24, 2027

The David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad awards recipients funds to be used to help defray the costs of international travel, lodging, and maintenance for a period of at least 21 days of study or research outside the United States. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic merit and by the importance of their proposed study/research abroad experience for their personal,

  • 16

  • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMarch 5, 2027

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. Scholarship Details Administered by the U.S. Department of State Supports study abroad and international internship programs

  • 17

  • CIEE College Study Abroad Scholarships

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineApril 1, 2027

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) awards a variety of need-based and merit-based scholarships to students looking to participate in Study Abroad programs. Deadlines and amounts vary. Scholarship Details Many available Values and deadlines vary Some awards are available to siblings of CIEE alumni Funds to be used for Study Abroad

  • 18

  • Freeman-ASIA Award Program

  • Amount$7,000
  • DeadlineApril 7, 2027

The Graduate & Professional Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to graduate and professional students pursuing degrees in fields like dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and veterinary medicine. Maryland residents who demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply for this scholarship to support their educational expenses. Scholarship Details Awarded

  • 19

  • AIFS Cultural Engagement Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 15, 2027

The AIFS Cultural Engagement Scholarship awards $5,000 to high-achieving students who are passionate about maximizing their cultural engagement while studying or interning abroad. The scholarship is available for both the fall and spring semesters, supporting students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and/or community service involvement. Scholarship Details Award amount: $5,000 Up

  • 20

  • Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2027

The Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship was created to provide a semiannual scholarship that is open to students nationally. The applications will require essays of 500 words. Scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors based on the most compelling stories -- regarding their life story, their intended field of study, career and how they will make an impact on the world. Scholarship

  • 21

  • Syracuse University Named Scholarships

  • Amount$8,000
  • DeadlineVaries

Friends of the University have made generous contributions which enable us to award scholarships for specific study abroad experiences for Syracuse University undergraduate students who are participating in semester programs. Awards will be a part of your financial aid package and will be disbursed to your Bursar’s account before the start of classes. The dollar amounts and individual criteria

  • 22

  • Patrick and Eileen Smyth Endowed Scholarship

  • Amount$7,500
  • DeadlineVaries

To be eligible for the Patrick and Eileen Smyth Endowed Scholarship, applicants must: have a 3.0 GPA; and either be students intending to participate in a Cal Poly approved for-credit Study Abroad Program located in any of the twenty-six counties of the Republic of Ireland and/or the six counties of Northern Ireland, or be international students intending to attend Cal Poly who are Irish

What is a Study Abroad scholarship?

Study Abroad scholarships are financial aid awards established to help college students participate in international academic programs for a portion of their studies. Given the high costs of travel, housing, and overseas tuition, Study Abroad scholarships exist to ease the financial burden on students who participate in these programs.

Most Study Abroad scholarships are provided to students by the school they permanently attend. Some may also be awarded by the receiving institution. However, there are also Study Abroad scholarships offered by private organizations, businesses, and even the government.

Students who plan to study abroad should explore all these options and apply for as much aid as possible. This is because unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid, so they are the best option for students looking to minimize debt.

What are the best Study Abroad scholarships?

Because eligibility criteria and award amounts vary between scholarships, no singular Study Abroad award can be considered the best. To determine what scholarship is the best for you, you should look for the ones with the most specific qualifications that suit you. That way, you will face less competition when you apply.

Scholarships.com can match you with your ideal Study Abroad scholarship. All you need to do is create a free account. Using your traits and basic academic information, we filter our database of scholarships to create a dynamic list of awards tailored directly to your qualifications and needs.

How to apply for Study Abroad scholarships

The best way to apply for Study Abroad scholarships is with Scholarships.com. Once you’ve made your free account, you can organize your scholarship matches by amount or deadline to prioritize the order of your applications. Then you can use the detailed information within each scholarship’s description to apply straight from your dashboard.

It’s important to note that many Study Abroad scholarships require students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a prerequisite to apply. Even if you don’t want to take out student loans, you should still submit the FAFSA; doing so does not require you to claim any loans for which you may qualify. Nearly all U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens with a valid Social Security number and appropriate educational background can submit the FAFSA.

Frequently asked questions about Study Abroad scholarships:

What can you use a Study Abroad scholarship for?

Study Abroad scholarships may be applied in different ways than traditional on-campus scholarships. In addition to the standard tuition coverage, Study Abroad scholarships often cover expenses such as passport fees, travel expenses, and international housing costs. The permitted uses of Study Abroad scholarship funding differs depending on the award.

For instance, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sponsors American graduate students, teachers, and researchers to do academic work in over 140 countries. Alongside the travel costs, the $30,000 grant includes incidental coverage and health benefits. However, there are also restrictions; recipients in medical fields may not use Fulbright funds for clinical training or patient care.

Do you have to have financial need to win a Study Abroad scholarship?

Many Study Abroad scholarships are specifically targeted towards students with financial need, but merit-based Study Abroad scholarships also exist. These scholarships may be awarded based on academic achievement, efforts toward international charity or volunteer service, extracurricular or performance-based skill, and more.

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), for example, awards multiple Study Abroad scholarships that vary in their eligibility criteria; some are need-based, but many are judged solely on academic merit. Award amounts also vary, with some CIEE scholarships having the potential to cover a student’s full-tuition cost for their Study Abroad program.

Can you get a scholarship to study abroad in the summer?

Most colleges and universities operate on an academic calendar of 2 semesters: fall and spring. While some courses may be offered over the summer, it is not usually considered a full academic semester. Undergraduate students may take up internships or jobs during this time. Some, however, take advantage of the break by participating in summer Study Abroad programs.

Awards like the Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarships serve to promote and increase access to summer Study Abroad programs. This award in particular was established by the Society for Classical Studies to encourage minority students to participate in international classical studies. Worth $4,500, it may only be applied to summer Study Abroad programs.

Are there Study Abroad scholarships for minority students?

Minority students seeking to study abroad can apply to both general Study Abroad scholarships and minority-exclusive Study Abroad scholarships. Awards specifically designated for minorities have a smaller applicant pool than those to which any student may apply, so they are a great lower-competition option for eligible applicants.

One example of a minority-specific Study Abroad award is the Study Abroad Scholarship in BiH for American Minority Students. Worth up to $2,000, this scholarship sponsors Black, Native American, and Hispanic students to study abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 100 students win each year.

Can international students study abroad?

Students who are completing their college education in the U.S. but who maintain permanent residence in another country are considered international students. International students are not U.S. citizens; they hold temporary student visas which allow them to reside in the U.S. for the duration of their studies. The most common student visa is an F-1 visa.

It is possible for international students to participate in Study Abroad programs through their U.S. institutions, but the specifics of doing so depends on the type of visa they hold and the length of their stay. Current U.S. policy permits F-1 visa holders to participate in Study Abroad programs as long as the length of the program does not exceed 5 months.