Funding Your Experience Abroad

UNCW students automatically receive affiliate grants of $400 for semester/year programs and $200 for summer programs, which will be deducted from your overall AIFS program fee. Students may be eligible for a maximum of five grants or $2500 per individual for semester programs, and $1,500 for j-term, summer, and internship programs based on the following criteria:

• Pell Grant Eligible - $500 grant for students who receive the Pell Grant
• Gilman Recipient Grant - $500 grant for students who receive the Gilman Award
• FEA Recipient Grant - $500 grant for students who receive a Fund for Education Abroad scholarship
• Boren Recipient Grant - $500 grant for students who receive the Boren Award
• U.S. Veterans Grant - $500 grant for students who receive GI Bill education benefits
• Go Abroad Again with AIFS - $500 grant for students who study or intern abroad again with AIFS Abroad or Global Experiences

Additionally, AIFS annually awards more than $600,000 in scholarships to both summer and semester programs.

Learn more about AIFS

CIEE awards more than $3 million in scholarships and grants annually. One application places you into consideration for every CIEE funding opportunity for which you may be eligible.

• Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship
  
  • Award will cover the full cost of travel to and from participation in a four-week, 3-credit study abroad program sponsored by CIEE.
• Eligibility:
• Be a current undergraduate freshman, sophomore or junior
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.00
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident
• Identify as an ethnicity typically underrepresented on study abroad programs (e.g. American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander).
• Submit a complete application no later than February 14

Learn More About CIEE

UNCW students automatically receive a $200 discount towards their ISA program fee, given UNCW's affiliation. ISA awards approximately $58,000 in scholarships each year to students participating in ISA programs. Scholarships are both merit and financial need based and are available for summer, semester, and academic year study.

Learn More About ISA

Semester at Sea and the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) provide $2.6 million in aid to students each year. Scholarships are available for both semester and summer programs. Visit Semester at Sea's Financial Aid & Scholarship page for details and a list of available awards. Use the code GLOBAL to get your application fee waived.

All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, TEAN offers a variety of generous scholarships – from $1,000 to $5,000 and even an annual full scholarship – to help significantly cover study abroad costs.

You can apply for a TEAN scholarship and find out if you’ve been awarded before our program application deadlines so that you can be fully aware of your financial situation before starting the entire process.

USAC- University Studies Abroad Consortium

USAC provides more that $1 million in scholarships and grants annually to students who participate in their programs. USAC provides general scholarships as well as region based and access, equity and inclusion scholarships. Full award details can be found on the USAC website.

Historically USAC provides more than $2 million in scholarships, grants and discounts annually. Scholarships are awarded three times a year to assist USAC students with their study abroad expenses. We have a variety of funding opportunities available for students enrolled in USAC programs who have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (please note that USAC scholarships are not available for students participating in any non-USAC international experiences). 

Learn more:

• Award amount maximum: $5,000
• Recipients of the Gilman Scholarship are eligible to receive an additional $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement for a total possible award of up to $8,000.
• Details on application deadlines can be found on the Gilman website
• Dr. Brian Chandler is the Gilman Faculty Advisor and is happy to meet to discuss your essays and Gilman application prior to submission. Contact Dr. Chandler via email to set up an appointment well before the deadline, chandlerb@uncw.edu. This is a great way to increase your chances of receiving an award!

Learn More About Program

• Award in the amount of $5,000 toward the cost of study abroad or international internship program.
• Eligibility:
  • Dependent of an active duty member during the time of application in one of the following branches: Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard.
  • A U.S citizen at the time of application
  • An undergraduate student at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States
  • Recipient of any type of Title IV federal financial aid

Learn More about scholarship

• Award amounts vary depending on the length of study.
  • $8,000 for a summer program (STEM students only)
  • $10,000 for a semester
  • $20,000 for a full academic year
• Eligibility:
  • A U.S. citizen at the time of application
  • A high school graduate, or have earned a GED
  • Matriculated in an undergrad program in the U.S.
  • Applying to a study abroad program that meets home institution standards in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

Learn About Boren Awards

• A fully-funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences.
• The program lasts seven to ten weeks.
• Undergraduate, Master's and Ph.D. students who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.

Critical Language Scholarship Program

• Funding Amount: up to $10,000.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled as undergraduates in a U.S. university or college.
• FEA awards are intended to support students participating in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs.

  Learn More about FEA's Scholarships

Going is helping four students travel and experience the world with StudentUniverse. Earn a $1,500 scholarship to study abroad!

• Open to any citizen and/or resident of the United States who is enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning. 
• Two $1,500 scholarships given each spring and fall.

Video Essay Requirements:

Applicants are required to answer at least one of the following questions, and may answer all three:

- Why do you want to study abroad?
- What impact do you hope to make from studying abroad?
- Why are you the right person for this experience?

Learn more

• The J. Scott Van Der Meid Memorial Scholarship is established in memory of J. Scott Van Der Meid. In honor of Scott, his family and friends are establishing this scholarship to continue his legacy of advocating for underrepresented students and increasing diversity in study abroad. This scholarship will be available to deserving U.S. undergraduates attending a study abroad program of at least 4 weeks (28 days). Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a U.S. college or university.
• Sponsored through the Fund for Education Abroad.

• Seventy-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year.
• Eligibility:
  • Must attend an institution with an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher (cannot round-up)
  • Applied or been accepted to an accredited study abroad program before the deadline
• Deadline: Feb. 15^th and Sept. 15^th

Learn More about grants

The Rotary Foundation has a rich history of funding scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study in a wide range of academic fields.

• District Grant Scholarships
  • Eligibility:
    • Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Any subject & any length of time
• Global Grant Scholarships
  • Eligibility:
    • Graduate student
    • Conducting research and study in one of the six areas of focus: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, or growing local economies
  • Funds one to four academic years of research abroad.

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships

• Over $1 million awarded per year in need-based and merit scholarships.
• Recipients must be SEA Semester students.
• All applications and supporting documents must be submitted to SEA Financial Aid Office.
• All awards, criteria, and deadlines are listed on the SEA website.

Visit Sea Education Association

There is nothing like totally immersing in a culture to learn to speak the language like a native, learn the customs, develop respect for their history, and to really absorb everything around you! It goes without saying, however, that this kind of educational adventure is expensive. This is where financial aid - scholarships, grants and possibly a loan - comes in. We've listed a number of the better known opportunities here for you.

• Average award is $750. Not more than $1,000 is awarded to a single student.
• Students under the age of 18 must be nominated by an educator, program leader, or designated school official. Nominations by parents are not considered.
• Students 18-25 may apply and submit a Road Scholarship Application on their own behalf.
• Applications can only be submitted during three application periods.

TCA Study Abroad in Turkey Scholarships

• TCA Study Abroad provides up to 100 scholarships per year are awarded for students with the following backgrounds:
  • African American
  • Armenian American
  • Bosnian American
  • Filipino American
  • Hispanic American
  • Macedonian American
  • Native American
• Scholarships are awarded to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who have been accepted to a university in Turkey, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) or in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
• Eligible students will receive between $500 and $2,000.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Blakemore Freeman Fellowships for Advanced Asian Language Study

Only available to American citizens and permanent residents of the United States who have a college degree and plan to use an Asian language in their career.

Learn more Asian Language Study

The Bridging Scholarship Japan

• For undergraduate students participating in education abroad programs in Japan.
• 100 scholarships are awarded each year.
• Applications are accepted twice a year.
• Semester-long program awards: $2,500.
• Academic year program awards: $4,000.
• Eligibility:
  • Japanese language study is not a prerequisite
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled as an undergraduate in a U.S. college or university
  • Completed application form and accompanying materials

Learn more about bridging Scholarship

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)

• For U.S. permanent residents studying at the undergraduate level who demonstrate financial need.
• For education abroad programs in East or Southeast Asia.
• Need-based funding to assist the recipient with the cost of the study abroad program and related expenses (including airfare, basic living costs, local transportation, books, etc.).
  • Summer Award: up to $3,000
  • Semester/Quarter Award: up to $5,000
  • Academic Year Award: up to $7,000
• Students should complete the online application form in the academic term before their education abroad program.

Learn More about Freeman Awards

Japanese Student Services Organization (JASSO)

• JASSO offers a number of scholarships for study in Japan.
• Application must be submitted through Japanese host institution. 

Learn more about JASSO

BUTEX (British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association)

• Each award is £500 and will be paid to the winners once they have arrived and registered at their host university.
• Eligibility:
  • You must have been offered a study abroad or exchange place which is not eligible for an ERASMUS grant
  • Your study abroad or exchange place must be for a minimum of one semester

Learn More about BUTEX

Scotland's Saltire Scholarships

• Open to students from Canada, China, India, and the U.S. who plan to live, work, and study in Scotland.
• Up to 200 awards are offered, each worth the equivalent of approximately $3,000 toward the cost of tuition for students enrolled in a full time Masters level program at any of Scotland's universities and Higher Education Institutions.

Find Scotland scholarhips

US-UK Fulbright Commission

To meet the minimum eligibility, applicants must:

• be a US citizen and possess a US passport
• be at least 18 years old
• have a high level of academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 3.7 (confirmed by academic marks, awards and references)
• have at least two years of university study upon their return ( i.e. applicants should currently be a Freshman or Sophomore in college/university)
• be mature, responsible, independent, and open-minded

The Awards will cover the majority of all costs incurred, including flights to and from the UK, university fees, and room and board at the host UK University.

More about US-UK Fulbright Commission

Central Europe Summer Research Institute (CESRI)

• CESRI is a fellowship opportunity for U.S. graduate students in science and engineering who are seeking a quality, hands-on international research experience in: Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.
• Enrolled MS and PhD students in sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics).
• U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents.
• Fellowship award of $2,000.
• Round-trip international airfare to Central Europe.
• Living costs (room and board) for 8 weeks.
• Health and accident insurance.
• Four-day academic and cultural orientation in Budapest, Hungary.

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX)

• For students and recent graduates who are interested in living, studying, and interning in Germany on a full-year, funded fellowship.
• For applicants in all career fields between the ages of 18-24.
• Does not require any prior German language knowledge.
• Applicants in business, vocational, technical, engineering, scientific, and agricultural fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Learn More about CBYX

German Academic Exchange Service

• Highly qualified undergraduate students are invited to apply for scholarships funding study, senior thesis research and/or internships in Germany.
• Preference will be given to students whose projects or programs are based at and organized by a German university.
• Scholarship may be granted for a minimum of one semester and a maximum of one academic year.
• Recipients are awarded a monthly stipend of €650, plus additional funds to help defray travel and research expenses as well as health insurance.

Learn more about German Academic Exchange Service

German Universities of Applied Sciences

• Study & Internship Program (SIP)
  • Eligibility:
    • Full time student at U.S. or Canadian college or university (citizenship not required)
    • Enrolled as sophomore or junior in engineering, science, life sciences, business, management, economics, architecture, art, design, journalism or social work
    • Complete application process for program, then for scholarship
  • Deadline: February 15
• Study Program (SP)
  • Eligibility:
    • Full time student at U.S. or Canadian college or university (citizenship not required)
    • Enrolled as sophomore or junior in engineering, science, life sciences,
      business, management, economics, architecture, art, design, journalism or social work
    • Complete application process for program, then for scholarship
  • Deadline: February 15 / October 1
• Internship Program (IP)
  • Eligibility:
    • Prior laboratory experience (academic or otherwise)
    • Sufficient English fluency
    • Degree-seeking student at U.S. or Canadian college or university (citizenship not required)
    • Minimum U.S. GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated preparation for the proposed internship
    • Please refer to the< list of projects for additional criteria
    • Completed application process
  • Deadline: February 15 / October 1
• UAS7 Travel Scholarship: 1000€
  • Must be applied to transatlantic travel expenses for program participation.
  • All successful applicants to the SIP, SP and IP programs are eligible and students are automatically entered into evaluation.

Learn More about exchange service

Sons of Norway Foundation: King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund

• Americans, 18 years or older, who plan to explore an interest of Norwegian heritage or modern Norway at an institution of higher learning are welcome to apply.
• The Sons of Norway Foundation Scholarship Committee will determine each year the number of scholarship/grants to be awarded.
• The range is typically $1,000 - $1,500.

Swedish Women's Education Association Inc., North Carolina- Study in Sweden Scholarship

• Each year, one or more scholarships are awarded to a student planning to study Swedish culture, traditions, history, or the Swedish language, or to spread knowledge about any of these in the United States.
• In the past, the scholarships have generally amounted to $1,000 each.

Think Swiss Research Scholarships

• Offers 15 scholarships for a research stay in Switzerland.
• Supports highly motivated and qualified U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to do research at a public Swiss university or research institute for 2 to 3 months.
• The scholarship is open to students of all fields.
• Eligibility:
  • Be currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. university/college
  • Be a graduate student or an undergraduate student who will have completed your sophomore year by the time the research stay in Switzerland begins
  • Provide a written confirmation from a professor at a Swiss university that he/she will accept you for a research stay in his/her group

New Zealand Study Abroad Travel & Excellence Awards

• Awards of $2,000 are offered to help students fund their flight to New Zealand.
• Generation Study Abroad New Zealand Universities Excellence Awards (NZUEA) offers $500 U.S. for study at one of the eight New Zealand universities.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a US citizen or hold U.S. Resident status
  • Currently enrolled as at least a sophomore
  • Enrolled at a New Zealand university through an education abroad program
  • 18 years or above at the time of application
  • Hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 in tertiary studies to date (4.0 scale)

Go Overseas New Zealand Scholarship

• Apply to win a $15,000 scholarship, covering full semester tuition & roundtrip flight.
• How to apply:
  • Submit a 300-word essay, New Zealand-themed photo and choose 3 programs you want to study at.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship & Education New Zealand

• Apply for up to $5,000 to study or intern in New Zealand.
• Eligibility:
  • U.S. citizen currently enrolled as an undergraduate student
  • Receiving Federal Pell Grant at the time of application

Study Abroad Scholarships for American Students of Minority and Heritage Communities

• Up to 100 scholarships per year are awarded for students with the following backgrounds:
  • African American
  • Armenian American
  • Bosnian American
  • Filipino American
  • Hispanic American
  • Macedonian American
  • Native American
• Scholarships are awarded to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who have been accepted to a university in Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) or in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
• Eligible students will receive between $500 and $2,000.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Diversity Abroad Scholarships

Diversity Abroad offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate students who are interested in studying abroad. Simply choose your experience and the country you're interested in and the website will provide you with a variety of options based on your preferences.

Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Scholarship

Diversity Abroad, in collaboration with the AIFS Foundation, will offer $500 grants for semester study abroad. Economically disadvantaged students, first-generation, students with disabilities, and ethnic and racially diverse students are strongly encouraged to apply.

The FEA Rainbow Scholarship

• Will award up to $5,000 to an LGBTQ study abroad student for use during an academic year.
• Applicants must meet general FEA scholarship eligibility requirements and preferences.

The ISA Diversity Scholarship

• $10,000 in awards are offered annually to be used towards ISA programs.
• The ISA Diversity Scholarships aim to encourage students of a broader cultural make-up to participate in ISA programs by offering funds to assist with the expenses of studying abroad.

American College of Thessaloniki (ACT)

• Study Abroad Merit Aid Scholarship: $1,000
  • Applicable towards the semester's tuition to study abroad
  • Student must have reached sophomore status
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.6

• Hellenic American Scholarship
  • Scholarships are available during the fall and spring semesters
  • Scholarships cover half of tuition
    • Acceptance to the ACT study abroad program
    • Proof of enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution
    • Minimum GPA of 3
    • Completion of Hellenic Scholarship Application

Learn More about act

Saint Andrew's Society

• Awards are offered to scholars enrolled in U.S. or Scottish institutions for the third or fourth year of College or University or full-time graduate study.
• There are generally 5 to 10 awards made totaling in excess of $20,000.
• Eligibility:
  • Scholars must be of Scottish birth or descent
  • British applicants must have been born in Scotland
  • U.S. citizens must maintain their permanent residence in the Mid-Atlantic Region (Washington D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia)
  • Applicants must be able to cite their Scottish descent
  • Applicants must submit a statement of their plans and goals
  • Completed application

Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship

• Award will cover the full cost of travel to and from participation in a four-week, 3-credit study abroad program sponsored by CIEE.
• Eligibility:
  • Be a current undergraduate freshman, sophomore, or junior
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident
  • Identify as an ethnicity typically underrepresented on study abroad programs (e.g. American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander).
  • Submit a complete application no later than February 14 

• The Diverse International Women Of Color Study Abroad Scholarship is intended to assist women of color who are exceptional in their studies and in need of financial assistance to study abroad.
• DIWC will award $500 scholarships to women of color who have been accepted to an In-Person Study Abroad Program.

IIEPassport Study Abroad Funding

This valuable funding resource allows you to search by country or subject to find study abroad funding information.

Internationalscholarships.com

A listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other information to assist college and university students in their pursuit to study abroad.

FastWeb

FastWeb has the largest and most complete source of scholarships with millions of scholarships worth billions of dollars available.

Go Overseas Scholarships

• Scholarships are awarded each year.
• Students applying to any education abroad program are eligible.
• The scholarship is awarded based on the creativity and analytical thinking displayed through writing samples and/or video submissions.
• The award for each scholarship is $500.
• Additional scholarships are available:
  • Study Abroad Scholarship

NAFSA

Financial Aid for Study Abroad: An Undergraduate Student's Resource.

Scholarships.com

Search 2.7 million scholarships and grants worth over $19 billion, review scholarships by deadline, dollar amount and more.