Financial Aid for a Study Abroad Program

Adventure is the best way to learn!

WHAT TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID ARE AVAILABLE?

Federal and state governments, foundations, private and public organizations are primary sources of financial aid. Be sure to check with your financial aid office, study abroad office or bursar’s office about whether your financial aid can apply to study abroad. Note the following types of financial aid:

Grants and scholarships

• Federal Pell Grant is awarded to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Part-time enrollment reduces eligibility. 
• Federal Supplemental Educational Grant (SEOG) is awarded to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Must be enrolled at least half-time.
• Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).  This scholarship program is only open to undergraduate Federal Pell Grant recipients who intend to study abroad for a semester, summer or year-long program.
• The National Security Education Program (NSEP) and the Fulbright Program funded by the Federal government have grants and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students for study and research overseas. Students should be aware that government organizations in other countries such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offer funding opportunities.
• Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship program funded by the U.S. Department of Education provides study abroad funding to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing foreign language and area studies.  The Critical Language Scholarship Program, a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, funds intensive summer language institutes in thirteen critical foreign languages. 

Private and Public Organizations

Other than governmental and institutional aid, private organizations, foundations, corporations, and civic groups are additional sources of aid for study abroad. For example, the Coca-Cola Foundation, Amoco, Chrysler Corporation, etc., have given funds for overseas study. The Rotary Foundation, Foundation for Global Scholars, and Fund for Education Abroad, all have private, sponsored international scholarship programs, which provides funds for undergraduate, graduate or international degree programs. Some private and public organizations will give overseas study funding for students in a particular major or area of study. Ethnic and service organizations such as the League of United Latin American Citizens, Alliance Francaise, Dante Alighieri, Goethe groups, etc., are other sources of funding for overseas study and research.

The following online and print resources are very useful for students who wish further information:

Online information

• The Financial Aid Page provides links to scholarship searches and comprehensive listing of financial aid information.
• The Student Guide is published annually by the U.S. Department of Education which includes the eligibility requirements on various federal aid programs.
• Fast Web provides a free customized list of financial aid sources, including private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans.
• The College Board Scholarship Search and P.L.A.T.O. Scholarship Search are other pertinent engines for grant information.
• StudyAbroad.com, the University of Minnesota, and Michigan State University also have information on scholarships and grants for study abroad.
• CareerOneStop provides a searchable database of scholarships and fellowships.
• Study Abroad Funding, a study abroad scholarship search engine, is maintained by the Institute of International Education.
• NAFSA: http://www.nafsa.org/Explore_International_Education/For_Students/Financial_Aid_For_Study_Abroad/Financial_Aid_for_Study_Abroad__An_Undergraduate_Student_s_Resource/

Of course, you should also be sure to check your school's web site for information about their financial aid and study abroad programs.