Taking the next steps in your academic journey is always an exciting prospect. No matter the level of education you pursue, there is an endless variety of degrees, programs, and courses available. Many of them are located in different parts of the world. Though studying internationally can often be costly. But fear not, because study abroad scholarships can help you ease your way into foreign life. It can be overwhelming to choose from the types of scholarships that are on offer. It is important to choose one that aligns with your wants and needs.
What is a Study Abroad Scholarship?
A study abroad scholarship provides financial aid to a student who wants to study in a foreign country. It can be in the form of a stipend or a grant. These scholarships often cover student expenses for tuition, living costs, travel, and even health insurance. They are usually given by the government, foreign universities, or private institutions. To apply for a scholarship, one must meet the requirements put forth by the organisation providing the scholarship.
Before we see the various scholarships offered to students, we must first know the types of scholarships.
What are the Different Types of Scholarships?
1. International Scholarships:
As the name suggests, international scholarships are for international students. They are provided by countries to international students coming into the host country. These are the most common study abroad scholarships that students use.
2. Merit-Based Scholarship:
These scholarships are granted to students who have exceptional academic achievements. Students with high GPAs or high accomplishments in specific academic fields are usually considered for these types of scholarships.
3. Need-Based Scholarship:
These types of scholarships are made to aid students from low-income families. It assesses the financial situation of a student and bridges the gap between the cost of education and what the family can afford.
4. Minority Scholarship:
Minority scholarships represent students from minority groups. These are granted to promote diversity and support students from racial and ethnic minorities. These scholarships are provided so they can have equal opportunities for educational growth.
5. Research Assistant Scholarship:
It is granted to a researcher employed by a university. The researcher often works with the faculty or conducts independent research. Research fellowship holders often already have degrees or have completed relevant fieldwork. These grants are offered to students pursuing the highest levels of studies or to students conducting extensive research in a specific field of study.
You can apply for multiple scholarships if you are eligible for them. When studying internationally, your focus should be on applying for study abroad scholarships. Below is a list of study abroad scholarships provided by various institutions. You can see which ones you are eligible for and which ones fulfill your needs.
Different Study Abroad Scholarships That Are Available
1. Gilman Program
The Gilman Scholarship Program is an initiative by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This is a merit-based scholarship. It looks to help students with limited financial means to study or intern abroad. In addition to the basic Gilman Award, this program grants funding to students who want to conduct STEM research. Their study abroad programs are well received, as one student states, “With Gilman behind me, I was able to study almost debt-free and it made the finances needed to study abroad stress free”
Specialisation: STEM, Critical Language
Max Funding: $5000
2. Boren Scholarship
The Boren Awards and Fellowships are a program that focuses on language studies. It provides financial aid to students who wish to study less commonly taught languages. The criteria for selection and the financial aid offered depend on the location and language of study. The amount given depends on the duration of the study.
Specialisation: Language and Culture
Max Funding: $25,000 (52 weeks)
3. AIFS Scholarships
These are study abroad scholarships offered by the American Institute for Foreign Study. AIFS offers study, volunteer, and internship opportunities across Europe. The scholarship differs according to the destination and program. Each scholarship offered has its criteria for eligibility.
Specialisation: General
Max Funding: $5000 (per semester)
4. Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program is a highly prestigious scholarship for U.S. students. This program provides grants to selected students to live, learn, and work for a full academic year in a foreign country. There are two primary grants offered by the Fulbright U.S. Students Program: Study/Research and English Assistant.
Specialisation: General
Max Funding: $35,000 (only for Master’s Programs)
5. USAC Scholarships
Started by the University Abroad Consortium, USAC has awarded over $1.2 million in grants and scholarships. These scholarships are awarded three times in a year and are available for students enrolled in the USAC program. USAC is about “finding yourself and immersing yourself in the community”.
Specialisation: General
Max Funding: $5000 (Semester Terms)
6. American Association of University Women Fellowship & Grants
These fellowships and grants are designed to support women who achieve academic excellence and show commitment to bridging the gap in gender equality. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides fellowships and grants to women pursuing studies in various fields, including STEM, social sciences, and education. AAUW gives over $3 million in educational funding.
Specialisation: Women in various fields
Max Funding: $50,000 (for post-doctoral studies)
7. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is a non-profit organisation run under the guidance of Coca-Cola. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, it provides students around $3.4 million each year. It is open to senior high school students in the U.S. who excel in academics. Founded in 1986, this scholarship has had a big impact on student education. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation aims to develop individuals who can make an impact in the world.
Specialisation: Undergraduate Studies
Max Funding: $20,000
8. CIEE Scholarships
CIEE aims to award students with study abroad scholarships across merit-based, need-based, and other areas of funding. CIEE covers a wide range of student funding, including summer scholarships, travel scholarships, grants, and other study abroad financial support. CIEE Scholarships can change lives.
Specialisation: STEM, Humanities, Business, Arts
Max Funding: $2,000 (per student)
9. Corinne Jeannine Schillings Scholarship
This scholarship is open to Girl Scouts wishing to study abroad. Corinne Jeannine Schillings Scholarship provides both Gold and Silver study abroad scholarships. This program is for Girl Scouts who want to pursue higher education.
Specialisation: Girl Scouts
Max Funding: $1,000
10. Bridging Foundation Scholarship
The Bridging Foundation, or, more precisely, the United States-Japan Bridging Foundation, assists U.S. undergraduate students who want to study in Japan. This scholarship is offered twice a year. The duration of study can range from a semester to a year.
Specialisation: For Studying in Japan
Max Funding: $4,000 (for one academic year)
11. Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
The Tortuga Backpack Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded twice a year. American undergraduates, or students with a U.S visa, are eligible to apply for this scholarship. It aims to help students who are passionate about traveling the world.
Specialisation: Undergraduate/Travel
Max Funding: $1000
12. Cobell Scholarship
Cobell Scholarship is available to any degree-seeking American Indian or Alaskan Native. This scholarship is available to students pursuing all levels of degrees, from vocational to doctoral professional degrees or certificates.
Specialisation: Native Americans
Max Funding: $12,500 (for graduate students)
13. Verto Opportunity Grant & Verto Scholars Award
Verto Education is a study abroad scholarship that offers students the opportunity to have their first year of college abroad. It offers two main scholarships: The Verto Opportunity Grant & the Verto Scholars Award. The main goal of Verto Education is to help students reduce tuition costs.
Specialisation: First year of College
Max Funding: $14,000
14. Rotary Foundation Scholarship
Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants are open to students studying graduate-level coursework. They are also available to people pursuing research in fields that align with Rotary’s areas of interest. These interests often include environmental studies, provision of clean water, peace etc.
Specialisation: Peace, Disease Prevention, Environment
Max Funding: $30,000
End Note:
Travelling to a foreign country to study can be truly fulfilling. Everyone should get the opportunity to experience it. There are hundreds and thousands of scholarships available to students. And, there is a good reason for it. Study abroad scholarships are beneficial in reducing the cost of studying internationally. They are the perfect stepping stones for students to progress in their educational quest and ultimately reach the summit.
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