Award Listings: Study Abroad

Please note: Most nationally competitive study abroad awards require undergraduate applicants to complete one year of college and to apply for study abroad programs approved by their home institutions. If you are interested in applying for a national study abroad award, please prepare for your ONCA advising appointment by following these steps:

  1. Check out the Steps to Study Abroad to learn how Winthrop's Study Abroad Office can help you start planning your study abroad experience.
  2. Attend a group advising session offered by the Study Abroad Office to learn about program options and locations
  3. Once you have a study abroad program/location in mind, identify national awards that interest you.
  4. Submit the ONCA Student Information Form to receive instructions for booking an ONCA advising appointment.

Planning ahead is important for all national award competitions, but study abroad includes the additional work of selecting and applying for a WU-approved study abroad program. Giving yourself at least one semester to consider study abroad programs and awards before applying can help you to make better decisions and to prepare more competitive applications without the stress of meeting application deadlines last minute.

Undergraduate Awards

    Description: Over 1,200 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded this academic year to U.S. citizens who are full-time undergraduates planning to study abroad. Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need with the average award being $4,000. Students who apply for and receive the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad are now eligible to receive an additional $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement from the Gilman Program for a total possible award of up to $8,000. Critical languages include: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Russian, and others.

    Eligibility: Applicants must be Pell-Grant eligible. The study abroad course can involve going abroad for Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer and a full Academic Year programs.

    Information: Gilman

    Deadlines: March 3 (for study beginning in Summer/Fall); October 3 (for study beginning Winter/Spring)

    Description: Boren Scholarships fund study abroad by U.S. undergraduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interest. The Boren Awards invest in linguistic and cultural knowledge for aspiring federal government employees.

    Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of the national application deadline, a high school graduate (or have earned a GED), at least 18 years of age or older at the time of the national application deadline, planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, planning to study in a country of which they are not a citizen, and matriculated for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program in an undergraduate or graduate degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

    Information: Boren

    Deadline: January 1

    Description: The Association of Teachers of Japanese Bridging Project offers scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. Bridging Scholarship recipients receive a stipend of $2,500 for semester programs or $4,000 for academic year programs. Each scholarship recipient will be expected to send a brief report about his or her study in Japan to the ATJ office within 60 days of returning from abroad.

    Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be enrolled as undergraduates in a college or university in the United States before and during the time they are studying abroad. Students studying in Japan on summer programs are not eligible to apply.

    Information: Bridging

    Deadlines:  March 15, 2023

    Description: The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. The CLS Program is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers.

    Eligibility: Undergraduates who are U.S. citizens at the time of application and have completed at least one academic year of study (two semesters) by the beginning of the CLS Program. Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate or graduate level at the time of application.

    Information: CLS

    Deadlines: September 15

    Description: Looking for a master degree scholarship in Europe? We can help. At educations.com, we believe that students who study abroad become the next generation of globally-minded leaders – and we want more of you to do it!

    Eligibility: The scholarship will be awarded for the Fall 2023 semester onwards up to a value of €5000, and is open to students from any country who will be studying a master’s degree abroad at a European university or graduate school.

    Information: https://www.educations.com/scholarships/study-a-masters-in-europe-15211 

    Deadline: May 14 (May 15 at 12:00pm CEST - Central European Summer Time)

    Description: All students enrolled in FIE, a Winthrop study abroad program, can apply for competitive scholarships worth $1,000 each. 

    Eligibility: Must be enrolled in the FIE Dublin study abroad program, which includes Fall, Spring, Summer, and Internship programs.

    Information: For FIE scholarship opportunities, visit FIE. Contact the Study Abroad Office for more information about the FIE program.

    Deadlines:  May 15 for Fall semester. September 15 for Spring semester.

    Description: The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship covers the costs for outstanding students of color to participate in a customized summer study abroad program focused on leadership and intercultural communication skills. Fellows are selected based on their academic achievement, communication skills, and commitment to social justice — qualities representative of the award’s namesake, African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and international statesman Frederick Douglass.

    Eligibility: Be a current undergraduate freshman, sophomore or junior with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Student must reside in the U.S. with student status or be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident and identify as an ethnicity typically underrepresented on study abroad programs (i.e. American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander).

    Information: Frederick Douglass

    Deadline: January 15

    Description: 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. Awards from $3,000 - $7,000 available.

    Eligibility: Open to undergraduates who have demonstrated financial need and are accepted to a WU-approved study abroad program in Asia. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and have at least one semester remaining at WU after return from study abroad in Asia.

    Information: Freeman Asia

    Deadline: March 1

    Description: The Killam Fellowships Program allows undergraduate students from Canada and the United States to participate in a program of binational residential exchange. Killam Fellows spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the host country.

    Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are full-time undergraduate students in good standing and meet the eligibility requirements of their home university to study abroad; complete the application process prior to the published deadlines, in the case of the direct exchange applicants; and be nominated by one's home university.

    Information: Killam

    Deadline: January 1

    Description: The US-UK Fulbright Commission offers special Summer Institutes for US citizens to come to the United Kingdom. These summer programs provide the opportunity for US undergraduates to participate in a three-, four-, five- or six-week academic and cultural summer program in the UK. The Summer Institutes will cover the majority of participant costs. This includes round-trip airfare from the US to the UK, tuition and fees at the host university/institution, accommodation and meals and in some cases a small daily allowance.

    Eligibility: Must be a US citizen over age 18 with at least two years of undergraduate study left to complete.

    Information: Fulbright UK

    Deadline: January 1

    Description: The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the US study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting minority, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs. FEA awards scholarships of up to $10,000 for students who plan to study abroad for a full academic year; $5,000 for students who plan to study abroad during the fall or spring semester; and awards that are prorated by number of weeks in-country (with a minimum of $1,250) for students studying abroad during the summer.

    Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S.; study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student's home institution; study abroad program must be at least 4 weeks (28 days) in country/countries.

    Information: Fund for Education

    Deadline:

    • Summer/Fall 2023 & Academic Year 2023-2024: CLOSED
    • Spring 2024: July 3, 2023 – September 20, 2023
    • Summer/Fall 2024 & Academic Year 2024-2025: November 22, 2023 – February 7, 2024

    Description: The Humanity in Action Fellowship explores issues of democracy, pluralism, human rights, and social justice. Each program is tailored to its location. Fellows are challenged to understand their host city’s unique history of injustice, its present struggles to encompass groups with minoritized cultures and identities, and the future of its democratic values

    Eligibility: Varies according to specific opportunity.

    Information: Humanity in Action

    Deadline: Varies; please view specific opportunity on website.

    Description: The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) offers students a unique view of the world aboard a floating university. This is a once in a lifetime educational opportunity where you will develop an appreciation of cultural diversity. NSCS is proud to partner with ISE to offer $90,000 in scholarships throughout the year.  

    For the Fall Semester Voyage, four NSCS members will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship and two NSCS members will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship towards their Semester at Sea tuition.

    Eligibility:

    • Applicant must be an NSCS Member.
    • Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

    Information: NSCS

    Deadlines: Varies; please view specific opportunity on website.

    Description: Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates accepted to summer study abroad programs. Thirty-eight $1,000 grants are awarded each year.

    Eligibility: The competition is open to Phi Kappa Phi members and non-members in all fields of study who meet the following requirements: 
    (1) Attend an institution with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter; (2) Have a minimum of 30 credit hours (or equivalent) but no more than 90 credit hours (or equivalent) by the deadline, including all AP, credit by exam, transfer credits, etc.; (3) Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale; (4) Have at least two semesters (or equivalent) remaining in residence at their home institution after completing the study abroad experience; (5) The study abroad program must be taken between May 1 and June 30;  (6) Must have been accepted into a study abroad program (provide the letter of acceptance on an official letterhead as part of your application); (7) Your study abroad plan should relate directly to your academic preparation, potential career choice, and commitment to the welfare of others.

    Information: Phi Kappa Phi

    Deadline: March 15

    Description: The scholarship provides up to $3,000 for the purpose of studying in a program that furthers the applicant's engagement with Sigma Tau Delta's mission for an academic term or year in a certified, undergraduate program outside the country in which the nominating chapter is located. Applicants should demonstrate academic scholarship and chapter service; they also must explain the relevance of their study abroad program and activities to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, or literacy.

    Eligibility: Undergraduate members who have been accepted to study abroad for a Fall or Spring semester program approved by their home institution.

    Information: Sigma Tau Delta

    Deadline: TBD for 2022

    Description: Young people deserve to experience the world beyond their college campuses, but not everyone can afford to travel, especially if you’re on a student budget. The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world. At Tortuga, our mission is to help you live on your terms, including students studying abroad. When customers purchase luggage from us for their trips, they are “paying it forward” by funding scholarships for students like you.

    Eligibility: To apply for the Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship, you must: be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or currently studying in the US on a student visa, be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing at a four-year, degree-granting college or university in the U.S., and have applied to or been accepted into a study abroad program eligible for credit by your college or university.

    Information: Tortuga Scholarship

    Deadline: April 15 for Fall, November 15 for Spring.

    Description: Our mission at Going is to help people travel and experience the world. Since 2017, we've helped young travelers get out there and get going. Twice a year, two outstanding students will win $1,500 scholarships towards their upcoming study abroad program.

    Eligibility: The Going Study Abroad Scholarship is open to any citizen and/or resident of the United States (and its territories and possessions) who is enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning.

    Information: The Going Scholarship

    Deadline: March 15th and October 15th

 

Graduate Awards

    Description: Boren Scholarships fund study abroad by U.S. graduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interest. The Boren Awards invest in linguistic and cultural knowledge for aspiring federal government employees.

    Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of the national application deadline, a high school graduate (or have earned a GED), at least 18 years of age or older at the time of the national application deadline, planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, planning to study in a country of which they are not a citizen, and matriculated for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program in an undergraduate or graduate degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Boren Fellows have additional guidelines for self-designed research, internship, and study programs.

    Information: Boren

    Deadline: January 1

    Description: The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. The CLS Program is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers.

    Eligibility: Undergraduates who are U.S. citizens at the time of application and have completed at least one academic year of study (two semesters) by the beginning of the CLS Program. Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate or graduate level at the time of application.

    Information: CLS

    Deadlines: September 15

    Description: One of the most widely recognized academic honors, the Fulbright awards provide support for graduate students and young professionals to study or teach abroad. Awards include full grants for up to one year of academic year of study or research, language training, travel grants and teaching assistantships in English.

    Eligibility: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen who is a college senior, recent graduate, or graduate student. NOTE: Students may begin the application process as juniors or seniors and are strongly encouraged to begin well in advance of the deadline.

    Information: Fulbright

    Deadline: September 1

    Description: The Humanity in Action Fellowship explores issues of democracy, pluralism, human rights, and social justice. Each program is tailored to its location. Fellows are challenged to understand their host city’s unique history of injustice, its present struggles to encompass groups with minoritized cultures and identities, and the future of its democratic values

    Eligibility: Vary according to specific opportunity.

    Information: Humanity in Action

    Deadline: Varies; please view specific opportunity on website.

    Description: Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) are engaged in English language instruction and make up over 90% of all JET Program participants. They are mainly assigned to local boards of education or elementary, junior high or senior high schools and carry out their duties under the guidance of language teachers' consultants or Japanese teachers of English (JTEs) as specified by the supervisor and/or principal of the board of education and/or school. ALTs teach in Japan for one year.

    Eligibility: Applicants must be graduating seniors or recent graduates who have an interest in Japanese culture and language and will be excellent ambassadors for the U.S.

    Information: JET

    Deadline: October 15

    Description: The Research Student Scholarship is a one-and-a-half to two-year scholarship for students with undergraduate degrees to study a subject of their choosing at a graduate school in Japan. Benefits of the program include a monthly allowance of 152,000 yen (approx. $1450) per month; transportation to and from Japan; and university tuition. Proposed field of study must be the field, or any related field, that the applicant studied at a previous university. Applicants must be able to arrive in Japan between April 1-7 or between October 1-7. Proficiency in Japanese is not required.

    Eligibility: College graduates not older than 35 years of age; U.S. citizen.

    Information: MEXT

    Deadline: May 1 for Fall entry, early February for Spring

    Description: The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program is a nationally competitive award for U.S. citizens sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance. Named in honor of the former U.S. Senator's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, the Mitchell Scholarship is designed to introduce and connect future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to public service.

    Eligibility: Candidates must be US citizens with a bachelor’s degree between the ages of 18 and 30.

    Information: US-Ireland Alliance Website

    Deadline: September 1

    Description: The Department of Human Development of the Organization of American States (OAS) administers one of the hemisphere's largest multinational fellowships and training programs. OAS offers fellowships for graduate study or research in the Americas in any field except medical and related fields and introductory language studies. Awards are tenable for at least 3 months and up to 2 years and provide travel expenses, tuition, special fees, study materials, and a subsistence allowance.

    Eligibility: Applicants must have a university degree, know the language of their host country, and secure acceptance at chosen university, study center, or research site.

    Information: OAS

    Deadline: Varies; please view specific opportunity on website.

    Description:  The Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. The goal of the fellowship program is to attract outstanding students who enroll in two-year master's degree programs in public policy, international affairs, public administration, or academic fields such as business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages, who represent all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds and who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The program develops a source of trained men and women who will represent the skill needs of the Department and who are dedicated to representing America's interests abroad.

    Eligibility: Only individuals who are US citizens at the time of application will be considered. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale. At the time of application, candidates must be seeking admission to graduate school for the following academic year. Winners are expected to enroll in a two-year, full-time master's degree program in either public policy, international affairs, or public administration, or in an academic field such as business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages (U.S. graduate institutions only).

    Information: Pickering

    Deadline: September 1

    Description: Scholarships to support one year of graduate-level study abroad with sustainable, high-impact outcomes in one of Rotary's six areas of focus: peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development. Minimum of $30,000 for graduate-level study during one academic year abroad. Funds may be used for round-trip transportation, tuition and fees, room, board, language training (if necessary) and living expenses.

    Eligibility: All applicants must be sponsored by their local Rotary Club, which develops specific eligibility requirements.

    Information: Rotary

    Deadline: June 1

    Description: The Teaching Assistant Program in France offers you the opportunity to work in France for 7 months, teaching English to French students of all ages. Each year, over 1,200 American citizens and permanent residents teach in public schools across all regions of metropolitan France and in the overseas departments of France such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. The American cohort is part of the larger Assistants de langue en France program, which recruits 4,500 young educators from 60 countries to teach 15 languages annually in France. The Assistants de langue en France program is managed by the CIEP, the Centre international d'études pédagogiques.

    Eligibility: Graduating seniors and graduates aged 20-35 with intermediate French language proficiency and an interest in teaching children.

    Information: TAPIF

    Deadline: December 15