Outside Scholarships

Many organizations, businesses  and the government offer study abroad scholarships. However, when looking for outside awards keep in mind that there are also scholarships for college or education in general that can be used for study abroad as well.

Here are some study abroad scholarship opportunities to get you started.

Please note that outside scholarships are not endorsed by UCLA nor IEO. 

National Scholarships 

Gilman Scholarship  – for U.S. citizens who receive the Federal Pell Grant. Provides awards of up to $5,000.

Gilman McCain Scholarship – provides awards of $5,000 for child dependents of active duty service members.

Critical Need Language Award (CNLA)  – for U.S. citizens studying a critical need language while abroad. This is a supplement award to the Gilman Scholarship. Awards of $3,000 in addition to the Gilman award (up to $8,000 total).

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) – intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students to master a foreign language considered critical to national security. The CLS Program covers most of the costs for participating in its overseas institutes.

Boren Scholarship – for undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens and are interested in pursuing a career in public service. Students must learn a foreign language considered critical to U.S. national security and must select a “preferred country” as indicated by the U.S. government. Provides awards of up to $25,000.

General Scholarships

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarships– provides scholarships to undergraduate students who are underrepresented in Study Abroad. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible. Financial support of up to $5,000.

Corinne Jeannine Schillings Scholarships – for undergraduate Girl Scout silver or gold awardees.

Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship – awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world. Award of $1,000 plus a backpack.

Google Scholarships – for undergraduate students in computer science or related fields who will study abroad in selected world regions for one academic year.

Bridging Scholarships – for U.S. undergraduate students participating in study abroad programs in Japan for one semester or one academic year. Up to $2,500 for one semester and up to $4,500 for an academic-year program.

Going Abroad Scholarship – to help people travel and experience the world. Twice a year, two outstanding students are awarded a $1,500 scholarship toward their upcoming study abroad program.

Freeman-ASIA – U.S. undergraduates with financial need studying abroad in Asia.

The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship (U.S. –Japan Council)– undergraduate study in Japan (semester or academic year).

HI Explore the World Scholarship – recipients receive $2,000 to help finance their international trip that includes an educational or service component.

Lerna Courses Study Abroad Award – Essay competition. $2,000 cash scholarship.

Go Overseas Study Abroad Scholarships – varied scholarship opportunities throughout the year.

Additional Resources