STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS

Student scholarship opportunities

Every student should have the chance to study abroad, and it’s our mission to create as many accessible international experiences as possible. That’s why, together with our academic partners, we’re proud to offer scholarships and fundraising opportunities for student travelers.

Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) supports students who are underrepresented in the study abroad space—including first-generation students, students of color, and students of varying socio-economic backgrounds. Through our partnership, students doing short-term programs can be awarded $1,000–$3,750, and students doing semester programs can be awarded $5,000. The application is now open for students traveling on programs departing between April 16 and December 15, 2025.

Application deadline: February 5, 2025 at 12:00pm ET

Applications are evaluated based on financial need, demographic factors (minority background, first-generation college student status, and community college experience) and academic plan and preparedness as demonstrated by application essays and transcripts. 

Students must meet the below requirements: 

  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient 

  • Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a U.S. institution of higher education  

  • Receiving credit for the study abroad program at their home institution 

1. Financial aid form and FERPA waiver 

  • Print the FEA Financial Aid Form and FERPA waiver (found in the application) and send it to your university’s financial aid office. After someone from that office completes the form, please upload it to your online application.

2. Unofficial transcript 

3. Application essays

  • Please tell us how receiving an FEA Scholarship will impact you, both in the immediate future and long-term. Consider your reasons for choosing your specific study abroad program or course of study, academic and career goals, or any other relevant aspects. (250 words)

  • What should we know about you that is not conveyed elsewhere in your application? Please be specific. This is your opportunity to tell us why you are a deserving candidate and what makes you different from other applicants. (250 words)

Study Abroad Questions page instructions (page 3 of the application)

  • Be prepared to provide details about the dates of your program and the countries you will visit

  • Under “What is your study abroad program type?” select “Third Party Program”

  • Select “EF Study Abroad (Access Partner)” as your program provider

  • List efstudyabroad.com as the website of your study or internship program

Financial Aid Form instructions

Use the below instructions to complete the Study Abroad Budget section on pg. 2 of the form:

  • Program Fees/Tuition: List full cost of EF program.

  • Housing: Write “Included in program fees.”

  • Airfare: If flights are included on your program, write “Included in program fees.” If not, list the cost of your flights.

  • Passport/Visa: Add any passport renewal or visa costs. If none, leave it blank.

  • Miscellaneous/Other: Estimate the cost of non-included meals and other incidentals (tips, luggage fees, etc.).

  • Total Expected Study Abroad Cost: Add all the above expenses together.

Future Nobel Laureates Scholarship Program

During this fully funded program, selected students will participate in an online project-based course in intercultural communication and travel to Sweden for an international field experience, where they will attend sessions at the 2024 Nobel Week Dialogue. Led by distinguished international faculty leaders, student scholars will tackle global challenges through collaborative action-learning projects.

Applicants must:  

  • Be enrolled as an undergraduate or master’s student in good standing at an institution of higher education 

  • Be fluent in written and spoken English 

  • Have access to reliable internet service  

  • Be available to participate in an online course that may include live sessions in early morning or late evening times 

  • Be available to travel to Sweden in early December 

1. Project statement

Please respond to the following prompt in 500 words or less:

What do you see as one of the most critical challenges facing your community or the world? What idea(s) do you have for addressing this challenge? How does your approach advance equity and justice?

In your statement, please address how one might go about implementing your project or idea. We recommend that you devote roughly equal time to addressing each question in the prompt.

2. Nomination letter

Please submit a nomination letter by a faculty member or administrator from your home institution, a host institution, or an independent program provider organization. Up to two nomination letters may be submitted, and must:

  • Be written by a faculty member or administrator familiar with the student’s academic work, leadership, and collaborative abilities

  • Detail the academic achievements or abilities of the student, evidence of leadership qualities the student possesses, and how the student will uniquely contribute to and benefit from participation in the program

  • Be uploaded by applicants in PDF format on institutional letterhead and signed by the nominator (electronic signatures are acceptable)

EF TripFunder

TripFunder is a fundraising platform that makes it easy for students to receive financial support from friends and family as they prepare to study abroad. Each student has a link to their personalized TripFunder page, which can be found in their EF traveler account and shared with their communities. Students are encouraged to contact their EF Representative with any questions. For additional fundraising ideas, download our Fundraising Guide.

Additional scholarship opportunities

Go the extra mile and explore handpicked third-party scholarships to help fund your program. Just remember: EF Study Abroad is not affiliated with these scholarships and does not determine the outcome. Any questions should be directed to the provider listed below.

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