Niche College Scholarship

International Student/Study Abroad Scholarships

international student scholarships

The decision to attend college in another country can be a difficult one to make. Being far away from your friends and family and being thrust into an unfamiliar environment is tough. Add in the problems of linguistic and cultural differences, even among fairly similar nations, as well as the high cost of studying abroad and you can see how it might be both mentally and emotionally taxing to be an international student.

Scholarships and other financial aid can help take care of at least one of these concerns, but knowing where to look for such opportunities can also be a challenge. How do you find international student scholarships? Where do you start looking for money for college if you plan to study internationally? Do you apply for financial aid in your home country or in the country you travel to? What assistance is offered to international students?

What are International Scholarships?

International Scholarships are the primary form of financial assistance available to students who wish to study in another country. Organizations exist to grant scholarship awards to students from the U.S. who wish to spend anywhere from a semester to four years attending college in another country, as well as students from other countries who wish to complete a portion of their studies in the United States. The best way to find out about international student scholarships and grants is to do a scholarship search.

Students should also check with the school they’ll be attending to find out about other available scholarships for international students. Scholarships and other forms of financial aid are out there if you know where to look. Start early and be diligent and you might be surprised by all the international student scholarship opportunities you’ll find.

Frequently Asked Questions About International and Study Abroad Scholarships

What types of International student scholarships are available?

Similar to domestic scholarships, there are a number of different types of international scholarships out there. Both merit-based and need-based, geo-specific and so on. Below is a breakdown of all of the aforementioned.

What are the basic requirements for international scholarships?

Most of the requirements are quite similar to domestic scholarships. However, with the latter, you would be more focused on the ACT or SAT. To study in the U.S., if you are not a U.S. Citizen, you would need to submit the IELTS (international English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if you are going to be studying in an American University. The exception would be if your native language is English or you have taken a minimum of two years of formal school instruction for English prior to the application deadline.

When should I begin looking and applying for international scholarships?

Like with any other scholarships, you really should begin researching the entire process and applying for any financial aid you are qualified to receive as early as you possibly can. Give yourself as much time as possible to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.

Is it possible to find a full scholarship to cover tuition as well as related expenses?

Absolutely! While they are certainly not easy to get, there are a number of universities and other Organizations that will offer a full ride scholarship for the right student prospect.

CIEE College Study Abroad Scholarships

  • Amount
    Varies
  • Deadline
    October 15, 2023

For a very long time, we’ve had a single mission: to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by bringing the world together through the most meaningful exchange programs available. At CIEE, we create opportunities that help bring people together. We foster the development of understanding and mutual ... Read more

Luce Scholars Program

  • Amount
    Varies
  • Deadline
    October 16, 2023

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. Eligible applicants must: be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; and may be graduating seniors, recent graduates, or young professionals under the age of 32, or if older than 32, ... Read more

BAEF Fellowships for Belgians

  • Amount
    $100,000
  • Deadline
    October 31, 2023

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 ... Read more

Syracuse University Named Scholarships

  • Amount
    $2,500
  • Deadline
    November 1, 2023

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, number of awards and ... Read more

Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship

  • Amount
    $5,000
  • Deadline
    November 15, 2023

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. This money may be used to pay for tuition, books or living expenses.

Both Ted Rollins and Holly Rollins have always valued young people who invest extra time, dedication and sweat equity to ... Read more

Kress Foundation History of Art Institutional Fellowships

  • Amount
    $30,000
  • Deadline
    November 30, 2023

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 ... Read more

Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)

  • Amount
    Varies
  • Deadline
    December 15, 2023

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (also known as the Global UGRAD Program) provides one semester scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students from around the world for non-degree full-time study in the United States combined with community service, professional development, and cultural enrichment. Eligible criteria include: be at least 18; be a citizen of a UGRAD participating ... Read more

Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarships

  • Amount
    $4,500
  • Deadline
    January 20, 2024

The Committee on Minority Scholarships of the Society for Classical Studies (SCS) invites applications from minority undergraduate students for the Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarships to be awarded for the summer. Eligible proposals might include (but are not limited to) participation in classical summer programs or field schools in the Mediterranean, or language training at ... Read more

Boren Fellowships

  • Amount
    $25,000
  • Deadline
    January 31, 2024

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 ... Read more

Boren Scholarships

  • Amount
    $25,000
  • Deadline
    January 31, 2024

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 ... Read more

Dallas Center for Architecture Foundation - McDermott Traveling Fellowship

  • Amount
    $2,000
  • Deadline
    February 9, 2024

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. 4th, ... Read more

GRCF Economic Club Business Study Abroad Scholarship

  • Amount
    Varies
  • Deadline
    March 1, 2024

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Economic Club Business Study Abroad Scholarship is offered to a full-time second year or above undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in Business and will be studying abroad through a public or private college or university. Applicants must be a resident of Kent, Allegan, Ottawa, or Muskegon County (3 year minimum) or a resident student at a ... Read more

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

  • Amount
    $5,000
  • Deadline
    March 8, 2024

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be ... Read more

Jonathan Dax Cooke Grant

  • Amount
    $1,000
  • Deadline
    March 15, 2024

Jonathan Dax Cooke wholeheartedly respects the passion and dedication of a student with aspirations and ideas for improving society. No barrier, particularly one of a financial kind, should stand in the way of the prospects for success that higher education affords. One $1,000 scholarship opportunity is being offered by Jonathan Dax Cooke.

To qualify, applicants: Must attend an accredited ... Read more

TKE International Exchange Scholarship

  • Amount
    Varies
  • Deadline
    March 15, 2024

The TKE International Exchange Scholarship was established to deepen the knowledge and foster friendships between members of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and members of the Weinhiem Senior Convent of the German Student Corps. A core objective would be to support exchange visits between members of both groups to the TKE Conclave in the U.S. and respectively to the Weinheimtagung in Germany to ... Read more

Patrick and Eileen Smyth Endowed Scholarship

  • Amount
    $7,500
  • Deadline
    April 1, 2024

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 ... Read more

DAAD German Studies Research Grant

  • Amount
    $3,000
  • Deadline
    May 1, 2024

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 U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have at least junior standing pursuing a German Studies track or minor, and be ... Read more

GTI Taiwan Scholarship

  • Amount
    $10,000
  • Deadline
    September 1, 2024

The GTI Taiwan Scholarship is offered to researchers and postgraduates with a demonstrated interest in scholarly research related but not limited to Taiwan’s democratic development, politics, security, international relations, economy, and social changes are welcome to apply. Preference will be given but not limited to researchers who have never traveled to Taiwan. Doctoral students conducting ... Read more

George J. Mitchell Scholarship

  • Amount
    $27,000
  • Deadline
    September 28, 2024

The Senator George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program is an initiative of the US-Ireland Alliance. The Scholarship is a nationally competitive post-graduate award for twelve Mitchell Scholars to pursue one year of study in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program, named to honor the former US Senator's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is ... Read more

AIFS Scholarships

  • Amount
    $10,000
  • Deadline
    October 1, 2024

Since 1964, AIFS has provided students with challenging educational programs in culturally diverse locations around the world. Our participants gain independence and valuable experience by immersing in the art, history, and business environment of a culture different from their own. The result is a more interconnected and peaceful world for future generations. At AIFS Abroad, we have a program ... Read more

Study Abroad Scholarship in BiH for American Minority Students

  • Amount
    $2,000
  • Deadline
    Varies

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) has designated Bosnia and Herzegovina as a study abroad destination under its TCA Study Abroad Scholarship Program for American Minority Students. TCA provides 100 scholarships per year to eligible American undergraduate and graduate students of African American, Hispanic American, and Native American descent who are accepted to study for a semester or a ... Read more

TCA Scholarships

  • Amount
    $2,000
  • Deadline
    Varies

TCA is a fully independent 501(c)(3) public charitable organization that receives no funding from either the U.S. or Turkish government. It is funded entirely by Turkish Americans who believe in a strong U.S.-Turkey relationship and who are proud of their Turkish heritage and by others who share these ideals. TCA is not affiliated with any other organization. TCA is committed to building ... Read more

Winston Churchill Foundation of the USA Scholarship Program

  • Amount
    Varies
  • Deadline
    Varies

The prestigious Churchill Scholarship offers American students the opportunity to attend, for one year of study, the University of Cambridge for one of two Master’s degrees: the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) or MASt (Master of Advanced Study). An applicant for the Churchill Scholarship must be a citizen of the United States, either native born or naturalized, and must be a senior who is enrolled ... Read more

Freeman-ASIA Award Program

  • Amount
    $7,000
  • Deadline
    Varies

The Freeman-ASIA program is designed to support U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The program’s goal is to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures. Freeman-ASIA Award funds may be adjusted should the recipient ... Read more

DAAD Study Scholarship

  • Amount
    Varies
  • Deadline
    Varies

DAAD is the world’s largest funding organization for the international exchange of students and researchers. It is a registered association and its members are German institutions of higher education and student bodies. Its activities go far beyond simply awarding grants and scholarships. DAAD supports the internationalization of German universities, promotes German studies and the German ... Read more

The Fulbright Program

  • Amount
    Varies
  • Deadline
    Varies

Through our unique international educational and cultural exchange programs, Fulbright’s diverse and dynamic network of scholars, alumni and global partners fosters mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, shares knowledge across communities, and improves lives around the world. Since its establishment in 1946 by Congress, the Fulbright Program has given more than ... Read more

Bosnian-American Study Abroad in Turkey Scholarship

  • Amount
    $2,000
  • Deadline
    Varies

The Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina (ACBH) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Bosnian Americans and works to improve relations between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). ACBH advocates for a democratic, multi-ethnic and indivisible BiH and one of our primary goals is advancing the integration of BiH into the EU and NATO, ... Read more

Last Reviewed: October 2023