Scholarships and fellowships can be beneficial and often necessary components to a successful and less stressful study abroad. You'll find below scholarships and fellowships to aid you in your search for funding. We recommend that you start early (one year in advance) in your funding research and that you thoroughly review the information below to see which scholarships you may apply to you and your study abroad. Some of them are general and others are for specific destinations and criteria.
Here is a list of some valuable general scholarship opportunities:
Study Abroad Financial Assistance Grant
The Study Abroad Financial Assistance Grant provides support to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need who are participating in programs administered by LMU Study Abroad (some restrictions apply). Grant amounts vary and are placed directly into the recipient’s LMU student account to go towards the study abroad program fee.
Students will have the opportunity to indicate whether they want to be considered for this need-based grant in Study Abroad's general application. No additional application is required.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Gilman International Scholarship Program offers competitive scholarships for U.S. citizen undergraduates receiving a Pell Grant to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. The Gilman Scholarship may award up to $5,000 for Fall, Spring, or Summer semester travel. If the program includes studying a language critical to U.S. national security, students may apply for an additional up to $3,000. Gilman offers two application cycles per academic year.
Please consult the Gilman website for October and March deadlines information.
This new funding opportunity is from LMU's Office of National & International Fellowships (ONIF) and Office of Study Abroad. Students who are eligible for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (see above) may work with ONIF to submit an approved application and automatically receive a grant of $2,000 from LMU to be used towards any LMU Study Abroad program regardless of the outcome of the Gilman Scholarship.
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. Students must be planning a study abroad trip with one of 17 partner educational networks and institutions to qualify for FEA. Students submit one application and may qualify for a variety of relevant scholarships through FEA, each with varying funding levels. Applications are usually due in September for the spring semester and in January for fall semester.
The Bridging Scholarship program will award scholarships to U.S. citizen students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan for a Fall or Spring semester ($2,500 stipend) or a full academic year ($4,500 stipend). Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Duration of study abroad program must be at least 3 months long. Application due in March.
The David L. Boren Scholarship/Fellowship funds U.S. citizen students to pursue language acquisition and study for several languages that are critical to U.S. national security interests but are less frequently studied by U.S. students, i.e., the Western world. Undergraduates should apply to the Boren Scholarship; Graduate students should apply to the Boren Fellowship. The Boren Awards provide funding up to $12,500 for a programs that are 12-24 weeks long or up to $25,000 for programs that are 25-52 weeks long. STEM students only may apply for up to $8,000 for summer programs that are 8-11 weeks long. The Boren Awards require recipients to commit to working in the Federal Government for at least 12 months, regardless of amount awarded or length of trip.
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. One hundred twenty-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year. Any student at LMU qualifies, but applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.75. Deadline is in mid-March.
DAAD
Apply for scholarships funding study, senior thesis research, and/or internships in Germany. Visit the DAAD website for more information.
For U.S. citizen students and permanent residents, Freeman-ASIA funds study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Applicants must demonstrate financial need for this award. Underrepresented students are encouraged to apply. Programs that are at least 8 weeks for a summer term may be awarded up to $3,000 and programs that are at least 12 weeks for a semester term may be awarded up to $5,000. Deadline will be in late March 2024.
For U.S. citizen students, First Trip funds historically underserved student populations who have never traveled abroad before up to $1,500. Additionally, students may be automatically considered for supplemental awards. Applications are due at least 3 months prior to the intended travel date, but students are highly encouraged to apply earlier if possible.
Diverse International Women Of Color Study Abroad Scholarship
DIWC is a $500 scholarship to women of color who have been accepted to an in-person study abroad program. This scholarship is open to international students attending U.S. institutions. Students must demonstrate financial need. Students may apply for the following term (Fall, Spring, or Summer), but should refer to program website for application deadlines.