You did the hard part: you got accepted to a program abroad. Now tuition, flights, housing, and a year of living expenses are staring you down, and the math does not add up. This is the wall most undergraduates hit — not the application, but the funding.
The good news is that study abroad scholarships for undergraduates are more accessible than most students realize. Programs from the U.S. Department of State, private foundations, and international governments are actively funding students right now for the 2026-2027 academic year. The key is knowing which ones are open, what they actually cover, and how to stack them to close the gap.
This list covers 21 ongoing or currently active undergraduate study abroad scholarships, verified for 2026-2027, with award amounts and direct links to apply.
21 Ongoing Study Abroad Scholarships for Undergraduates (2026-2027)
1. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Award: Up to $5,000 (up to $8,000 with the Critical Need Language Award)
Deadline: October 1, 2026 (for programs starting Dec 2026 to Oct 2027)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens receiving a Federal Pell Grant, enrolled at a 2- or 4-year institution
The Gilman Scholarship is the most widely known need-based study abroad funding program for U.S. undergraduates. Administered by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education, it awards nearly 3,000 scholarships annually. Students studying a critical need language — Arabic, Mandarin, Korean, Swahili, and others — can receive an additional $3,000 supplement, and STEM students may qualify for an extra $1,000.
2. Boren Scholarship (NSEP)
Award: Up to $25,000 (up to $12,500 for a semester; $8,000 for STEM summer programs)
Deadline: January 2027 (check official site for exact date)
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate citizens studying less commonly taught languages in national security-relevant regions
The Boren Scholarship funds immersive language study in regions including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. Recipients commit to one year of federal government service post-graduation — a trade-off that many students find valuable as a career launch.
3. Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
Award: Fully funded (tuition, housing, meals, flights, visa fees)
Deadline: Mid-to-late fall annually (watch for 2026-2027 opening)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens at the undergraduate or graduate level
The CLS Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, provides intensive 8-week summer language immersion abroad in 15 critical languages. Past participants have studied in Morocco, India, Brazil, Japan, and Russia. This is one of the few programs that covers every expense — making it ideal for students who cannot fund international travel independently.
4. Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
Award: $1,000 to $10,000
Deadline: Rolling cycles — Spring 2027 application opens July 2026
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates with demonstrated financial need, including first-generation and community college students
The FEA is purpose-built for students who face structural barriers to studying abroad. One application makes you eligible for all FEA scholarships you qualify for simultaneously. The program also provides mentorship and ongoing support throughout the program — an edge that sets it apart from most award-only grants.
5. Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)
Award: Up to $3,000 (summer), $5,000 (semester), $7,000 (academic year)
Deadline: Early spring each cycle
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the undergraduate level with demonstrated financial need
Freeman-ASIA, administered by the Institute of International Education, supports study in 15 countries including Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Applications require endorsement from both a study abroad and financial aid advisor. More than half of program alumni end up working in roles connected to Asian affairs — a strong signal of long-term career value.
6. DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)
Award: Monthly stipend (varies by host country and program type)
Deadline: October 1 annually for U.S. and Canada applicants
Eligibility: U.S. and Canadian undergraduate and graduate students for study, internship, or research in Germany
DAAD offers multiple international student funding tracks for undergraduates, including summer language courses and research grants. Germany’s technical universities and public research institutions make this particularly compelling for students in engineering, life sciences, and social policy.
7. Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan
Award: $2,500 to $4,000
Deadline: Twice annually
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates pursuing at least a semester-long program in Japan
Administered through the American Association of Teachers of Japanese, the Bridging Scholarship has been supporting U.S. students studying in Japan since 1999. Approximately 100 scholarships are awarded per year, covering travel and living expenses. It functions well as a stackable study abroad grant alongside program-level awards.
8. Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
Award: $1,000 + one Tortuga travel backpack
Deadline: April 15, 2026 (Fall 2026 cycle); October 15, 2026 (Spring 2027 cycle)
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students studying abroad for academic credit
Awarded biannually, this scholarship is a lower-barrier undergraduate travel grant ideal for students who have already secured a program placement and need supplemental help. Funds go directly to the university or program.
9. Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Award: $25,000 to $40,000 annually (varies by country)
Deadline: October 15, 2026 (for 2027-2028 academic year)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; graduating seniors and recent graduates apply most competitively
The Fulbright is the most prestigious government-funded scholarship for international study and research. It covers tuition, living expenses, travel, health insurance, and a book allowance across 160+ countries. Senior undergraduates should begin preparing their personal statement at least a year in advance — the application process is rigorous and competitive.
10. Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Award: $5,000
Deadline: Aligned with Gilman cycles (October 2026)
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates who are child or spousal dependents of active-duty military personnel receiving any Title IV federal financial aid
This congressionally funded program offers the same program access as the standard Gilman but is specifically designated for military families. Given the relocation demands placed on military households, this scholarship directly addresses the financial unpredictability that often makes studying abroad feel impossible.
11. Alpha Lambda Delta Study Abroad Scholarships
Award: $1,000 to $2,000 (20 scholarships awarded annually)
Deadline: Check official site for annual cycle
Eligibility: Active ALD members in good standing studying abroad
Alpha Lambda Delta invests $30,000 annually into merit-based study abroad funding for its chapter members. If you are already an ALD member, this is one of the fastest applications you will complete — and most eligible students skip it.
12. Going Study Abroad Scholarship
Award: $1,500
Deadline: Twice annually
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in or accepted to a study abroad program
Going (the flight deal platform) awards two scholarships per cycle — one per term. This is a quick-application, essay-based study abroad award without complex eligibility gates. It rewards students who demonstrate curiosity, personal growth, and global connection.
13. CEA CAPA Study Abroad Scholarships
Award: $250 to full tuition at partner universities (over $2 million awarded annually)
Deadline: Rolling, varies by program
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a CEA CAPA study abroad program
CEA CAPA distributes more than $2 million per year across merit, need, identity-based, and program-specific scholarships. Because the awards are tied to enrollment in their programs, this works best if a CEA CAPA destination already fits your academic plan.
14. IES Abroad Scholarships
Award: Varies; $500 to $5,000+
Deadline: Rolling by program session
Eligibility: Students applying to or enrolled in IES Abroad programs
IES Abroad offers merit, need, and diversity-based scholarships across its global network of programs. Students in underrepresented fields and those from low-income backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. Their diversity abroad scholarships are among the most competitive in the provider scholarship space.
15. API Abroad Scholarships
Award: $250 to full tuition at partner universities
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students applying to an API study abroad program
Academic Programs International (API) awards millions of dollars annually in scholarships tied to its program network. Merit and need-based tracks are both available, along with awards for specific identities, majors, and destinations.
16. Arcadia Abroad Scholarships
Award: Varies by scholarship type
Deadline: Ongoing (rolling applications)
Eligibility: Students applying to Arcadia programs; equity, diversity, and inclusion emphasized
Arcadia runs a rolling application model — there is no single hard deadline — which makes it accessible for students who are still planning their international experience. Their scholarship framework centers on equity and access in study abroad, particularly for students who have historically been underrepresented in international programs.
17. GLA Program Scholarships (IDEA Scholarships)
Award: Covers full program cost including airfare (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, or Guatemala)
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Two tracks: students of color with financial need; any student with financial need
Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) offers its IDEA Scholarships to students pursuing 10-, 12-, or 14-day programs in Latin America. This is an accessible short-term study abroad scholarship for undergraduates who cannot commit to a full semester abroad but want meaningful international experience.
18. FLAS Fellowships (Foreign Language and Area Studies)
Award: Academic year: up to $15,000 in tuition + $18,000 stipend; Summer: up to $5,000 tuition + $2,500 stipend
Deadline: Varies by university consortium; typically February to March
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying less commonly taught languages at an eligible institution
FLAS Fellowships are Title VI awards administered through designated university consortia. They are among the most financially comprehensive language study abroad grants available and pair well with programs in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Contact your institution’s international studies office to apply — these are not open applications.
19. Rotary Foundation District Grants (Study Abroad Track)
Award: Varies by district
Deadline: Varies by local Rotary chapter
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students; programs of 6 weeks to one year
Rotary District Grants are local awards available through your regional Rotary club. Most students overlook them entirely. While the global-level Rotary Peace Fellowship targets graduate researchers, district grants are accessible to undergraduates pursuing internationally focused coursework in areas including education, environmental sustainability, public health, and community development.
20. BUTEX Scholarships (UK Study)
Award: £500 per semester
Deadline: Annually; check the official site
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from U.S. or Canadian institutions studying in the UK for a minimum of one semester
BUTEX (British Universities Transatlantic Exchange) offers semester scholarships to North American students studying in Britain. While the award amount is modest, it stacks well with other funding and requires no major GPA threshold — just enrollment in a qualifying UK program.
21. Bright!Tax Global Scholar Initiative
Award: Varies
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: U.S. citizens on full semester study abroad programs with a minimum GPA of 3.8
The Bright!Tax scholarship supports U.S. students on semester-length programs and is one of the few awards that prioritizes high-achieving students who are already committed to a full-term abroad. It works well as a merit-based supplemental study abroad award layered on top of need-based funding.
How to Choose the Right Study Abroad Scholarship
Not every scholarship on this list will fit your situation, and that is fine. The strongest strategy is stacking multiple smaller awards rather than waiting on one large grant. Start with the scholarship you are most likely to qualify for — usually one tied to financial need, your destination, or your field of study — then layer in others.
For U.S. students, the Gilman Scholarship is the best starting point if you receive a Pell Grant. From there, a program-level scholarship from IES, CEA CAPA, or Arcadia can close a significant portion of remaining costs. Students heading to Asia should look seriously at Freeman-ASIA alongside Gilman. Language-focused students should explore CLS and Boren concurrently.
Wondering how to build the strongest possible application? Our guides on how to write a winning scholarship essay and scholarship application mistakes to avoid cover the strategy in depth. If you are still building your academic foundation before applying abroad, our HBCU scholarships guide and college rankings resource are worth bookmarking. For students balancing test prep with scholarship applications, our ASVAB study guide and complete study skills resource will help you stay on top of both.
FAQs: Top 21 Ongoing Study Abroad Scholarships for Undergraduates
Yes, and you should. Most scholarship programs allow stacking, though your school cannot disburse more than your total Cost of Attendance. Notify your financial aid office about every outside award early so they can adjust your package rather than reduce grants you need.
It depends on the program. Need-based scholarships like the Gilman and FEA do not set a GPA floor. Merit-based awards like the Bright!Tax Global Scholar Initiative require a 3.8. Most program-level scholarships through IES and CEA CAPA look at academic standing but set their own standards.
Yes. The Gilman Scholarship explicitly includes two-year institution students, and the Fund for Education Abroad actively supports community college and first-generation applicants. These programs recognize that the traditional scholarship landscape skews heavily toward four-year research universities.
Plan to apply 6 to 12 months before your program departure date. Major deadlines for fall programs typically fall in February to April; spring program deadlines usually fall in October. Starting early gives you time for multiple rounds of essay revision — which is where most competitive applicants win.
Coverage varies by program. Most scholarships can be applied to tuition, housing, meals, books, and local transportation. Some — including CLS and Boren — also cover international airfare and visa fees. Always read the eligible expenses list on the official program page before building your budget.
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