Top International Study Scholarships In 2024-2025 (+ Application Tips)

When I chose to pursue my ambition of studying abroad, I was completely overwhelmed by the costs. I spent hours researching scholarships, hoping to find a way to make it happen. Through trial and error, I discovered that applying for international study scholarships does not have to be tough. With the proper precautions, it can even be a positive experience. Let me walk you through the process and provide some recommendations to help you receive the cash you need. It may appear difficult at first, but with enough planning and effort, you’ll be on your way to an unforgettable study abroad journey.

Top International Study Scholarships for 2024-2025

Below is a selected list of some of the best scholarships for international study, each designed to help students like you achieve their academic ambitions. These international study scholarships cover a wide range of US fields and destinations and are available to students of all levels, from undergraduate to graduate. Here are some excellent ways to finance your study abroad experience:

#1. Fund for Education Abroad

Deadlines: January (autumn, summer, and academic year) and October (spring).
Award: $1250–$10000
Degree Level: Undergraduate

The Fund for Education Abroad takes pleasure in providing accessible scholarships to previously underserved students. Students of color, first-generation, community college students, and others will be given priority in the admission process. FEA also collaborates with numerous study abroad organizations, including CAPA, AIFS, and SIT, through their Access Partner Program, to contact students studying abroad through a variety of channels.

#2. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

Deadline: March and October.
Awards: $3,000 (summer program), $4,000 (fall and spring programs), $5,000 (academic year program).
Degree Level: Bachelors

Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States. In order to increase the diversity of students studying abroad, the Department of State administers the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program, which offers awards to undergraduates in the United States with limited financial resources. This annual competitive grant is given to a restricted number of candidates who want to study or intern overseas.

#3. CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants.

Deadline: varies by program deadline.
Award: up to $2,000 for each student.
Degree Level: Bachelors

The Council on International Educational Exchange offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help minority students in the United States study abroad, as well as merit-based scholarships for funding assistance. Applicants must submit a variety of application papers, including a summary of academic achievements, proof of financial need, a personal statement essay, and letters of recommendation.

#4. USAC Scholarships

Deadlines: March (summer), May (autumn), and October (spring).
Award: Varies.
Recipients: Bachelor

Every year, the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) grants scholarships to students who demonstrate severe financial need to help them pursue their study abroad goals. To be eligible for these study abroad scholarships, students must participate in USAC study abroad programs. USAC offers three types of scholarships: general scholarships for non-consortium affiliate students, legacy scholarships, and program-specific scholarships.

#5. The Intern Group’s Global Leadership Grants

Deadline: varies by year.
Awards: Various
Degree Level: Any.

To encourage global leadership, The Intern Group is awarding four full-ride awards to students and recent graduates interested in interning remotely. Typically, they provide scholarships for summer or fall internships abroad in Dublin, Latin America, Australia, and Shanghai. The Intern Group provides exceptional six-week internship programs in each destination, allowing participants to obtain valuable job experience and a fresh global perspective.

#6. CEA Study Abroad Scholarships

Deadlines: April (summer), May (autumn), and December (spring).
Awards: $400–$1000 (summer), $500–$3000 (semester, trimester, academic year)
Degree Level: Bachelors

CEA is dedicated to improving students’ lives by providing them with the necessary financial aid to study abroad. Every year, CEA awards more than $2 million to students for study abroad programs. CEA Study Abroad scholarships are offered in three categories: merit, need, and diversity. To be eligible for these study abroad scholarships, students must first enroll in CEA study abroad Programs.

#7. AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants.

Deadline: varies by scholarship.
Award: $400-$1,000; varies by scholarship.
Recipients: Bachelor

Each year, the American Institute for Foreign Studies grants more than $800,000 in financial aid to outstanding students studying abroad. These scholarships are offered to students pursuing summer and semester studying programs.
Find scholarships all throughout the world with SecureMyScholarship.

#8. SIT Study Abroad Scholarships

Deadlines: April 1st (Summer), May 15th (Fall), November 1st (Spring)
Award: $500-$3,000 (summer), $500-$5,000 (semester).
Degree Level: Bachelors

The School for International Training (SIT) provides scholarships to qualified students who wish to participate in one of SIT’s several study abroad programs across the world. SIT provides a variety of scholarships and grants that can be used to cover tuition and living expenses for students studying abroad.

#9. Critical Language Scholarship

Deadline: November.
Award: Varies.
Degree Levels: Bachelors and Masters

Each year, the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs awards Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) to American students, allowing them to participate in fully-funded abroad summer language and cultural immersion programs. Applicants are chosen based on their willingness to study non-traditional languages abroad, such as Arabic, Japanese, Swahili, and Russian. The Critical Language Scholarship is solely available to American undergraduate and graduate students.

#10. Golden Key Scholarships

Deadline: varies by scholarship.
Award: Varies.
Degree Level: Bachelors and Masters

The Golden Key Prize is an education-based prize given to qualifying individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic, leadership, and service achievements. Each year, the Golden Key International Honor Society awards $1 million in scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. The goal of this fellowship is to provide students with the chance to develop their professional abilities in an international setting.

#11. American Association of University Women Fellowships and Grants

Deadline: November and December.
Award: Varies.
Degree Level: Bachelors

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has a long history of empowering women both in the United States and around the world. AAUW is one of the largest funding sources for graduate women worldwide, offering more than $3 million in support to excellent women through over 200 fellowships and grants each year.

#12. Corinne Jeannine Schilling Scholarships

Deadline: May (Summer, Fall, Academic Year), December (Spring)
Award: $1,000.
Degree Level: Bachelors

The Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation offers both Silver and Gold Scholarships to girl scouts who want to study abroad when they get to university. This “Travel Study” fellowship is offered to girl scouts enrolled in any undergraduate major, minor, or area of study.

#13. Tortuga Backpacks: Study Abroad Scholarship

Deadlines: April (Fall Semester), November (Spring Semester)
Award: $1,000 and a Tortuga travel backpack.
Degree Level: Bachelors

Tortuga Backpacks offers study abroad scholarships to students who want to experience incredible extracurricular trips while studying abroad. This scholarship is offered biannually to qualified American undergraduate students, as well as students with a U.S. visa, who want to see more of the world during their international program.

#14. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: October.
Award: Varies.
Degree Level: High School Seniors

To mark Coca-Cola’s centenary anniversary, the business formed the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation to carry out their aim of providing students with the opportunity to make a difference in the world and enjoy lifelong enrichment through their international experiences. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship, administered by Phi Theta Kappa, is an achievement-based prize given to graduating high school seniors in the United States who have excelled academically, demonstrated remarkable leadership and have made a substantial contribution to their community.

#15. Generation Google Scholarship

Deadline: Varies annually.
Awards: $10,000 USD (for study in the United States), $5,000 CAD (for study in Canada)
Degree Levels: High School Seniors and Bachelors

While continuing to break down barriers by inspiring and assisting students to become the future of the technology industry, Google established the Generation Google scholarship to fund study abroad for American and Canadian students who aspire to be the best computer scientists of their time. This scholarship is open to current high school seniors and university students in Canada and the United States.

#16. Fulbright US Student Program

Deadline: August to October (varies by campus).
Award: Varies.
Degree Levels: Masters, Young Professionals, and Recent Graduates.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards funding to qualified individuals for one academic year of work, living, and learning in a foreign nation. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides two categories of grants: study/research and English teaching assistant. This Fulbright scholarship is available to graduate students, recent graduates, and young professionals in the United States. The availability of federally appropriated funds determines the number of grants awarded each year.

#17. Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants.

Deadline: Varies.
Award: $30, 000
Degree Level: Masters

For decades, the Rotary Foundation has served as a pillar in humanitarian efforts, whether through local service programs or global initiatives. Rotary’s Global Grants program supports students pursuing graduate-level coursework or research in the following areas: Peace and Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Education and Literacy, and Community and Economic Development.

#18. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Deadline: January.
Grant: Varies.
Degree Levels: Masters and PhD.

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, funded by the European Union, is an exclusive prize for EU master’s and doctoral students. Its mission is to improve the quality of higher education and foster understanding among diverse peoples and cultures around the world.

#19. Chevening Scholarships

Deadline: November.
Award: Varies (full financing).
Degree Level: Masters

In 1983, the UK government founded the Chevening Scholarship program to help develop future global leaders. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which funds the Chevening Scholarship, provides people from all over the world with the exceptional opportunity to reach their academic and professional potential at any UK university. This award is offered to graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in any subject.

#20. Australia Offers Scholarships

Deadline: Varies per award.
Award: Varies.
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Masters’, and PhD.

The Australia Awards Scholarship, administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is a long-term development award that allows students from developing countries to study full-time in any participating Australian institution at the undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate levels.

#21. IES Abroad

Deadlines: Summer (April 1), Fall/Academic Year (May 1), Spring/Calendar Year/January Term (November 1)
Awards: Semester students can receive up to $5,000, and up to $1,000 for summer students.
Degree Level: Bachelors

IES Abroad has committed $5 million in study abroad scholarships and grants because we think that financial constraints should not hinder qualified students from participating in an IES Abroad program. With a single application, you can apply for any IES Abroad scholarships and financial aid that you are eligible for. Financial aid and scholarships are available in the following categories: need-based aid, location and major-focused scholarships, diversity scholarships, summer internship scholarships, and grants for public university students, Boren & Gilman scholarship recipients, and students with disabilities.

#22. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals.

Deadline: Varies.
Award: Varies.
Degree Level: Masters

The Swedish Institute administers the Swedish Institute Study Scholarship (SISS), which the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs funds. Every year, around 300 scholarships are awarded to qualifying graduate applicants. The award covers tuition, living expenses, and insurance for scholars studying at a Swedish university.

#23. VLIR-UOS Awards and Scholarships

Deadline: Varies.
Award: Various expenses are covered.
Degree Level: Masters

VLIR-OUS seeks to make a difference by identifying innovative solutions to global and local concerns. With this goal in mind, VLIR-UOS wants to enhance the globalization of higher education institutions in Flanders, Belgium, by providing scholarships to international students and professionals. This scholarship program is offered to applicants from 31 African, Asian, and Latin American nations. Scholars will be able to engage in English-taught training programs and earn master’s degrees at any recognized Belgian academic institution.

#24. The NextGen Scholarship

Deadline: March.
Award: $1,000.
Degree Levels: High School Seniors and Bachelors.

The NextGen Scholarship was established to assist international or American students, whether high school seniors or undergraduates, seeking higher education degrees in the United States. Every year, one scholar is chosen based on both merit and financial need.

#25. Global Experience Scholarships

Deadline: Varies.
Award: Varies.
Degree Level: Bachelors

Global Experiences scholarships are available during any term, with options ranging from support for women or minority students to students who best represent their fundamental principles. With internships in significant cities all around the world, it’s worth looking into Global Experiences programs, especially if you can participate for almost nothing!

#26. Shanghai Government Scholarships

Deadline: Varies.
Award: Varies.
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Masters’, and PhD.

The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission seeks to advance international education and recruit international students to Shanghai, China, by providing financial resources. Thus, in 2005, the commission established the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS). Qualified international students interested in pursuing higher education at an academic institution in Shanghai will be eligible for three types of scholarships: Class A (full scholarship for graduate students), Class B (partial scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students), and Class C (Excellent Student Award).

#27. Korean Government Scholarship

Deadline: TBA.
Award: Various expenses are covered.
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Masters’, and PhD.

To strengthen global linkages and alliances, South Korea’s National Institute for International Education invites foreign university students from countries with bilateral cultural agreements to study abroad in Korea. The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) seeks to help future global leaders by encouraging genuine international education.

#28. Japanese Government Scholarship

Deadline: Annual.
Award: Varies.
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Masters’, and PhD.

Established in 1954, the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship Program has assisted thousands of international students in pursuing higher education in Japan. This fellowship is open to students from all over the world and supports those studying undergraduate and master’s degrees, research, and various other training programs in Japan.

#29. Bridging Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: April (Fall), October (Spring)
Award: $2,500 (semester study), $4,000 (academic year study).
Degree Level: Bachelors

The United States-Japan Bridging Foundation, in partnership with the Bridging Project Clearinghouse at the American Association of Teachers of Japan, provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduate students who wish to study in Japan for a semester or the entire academic year. Each year, around 100 scholarships are offered to applicants who demonstrate a strong desire to pursue higher education in Japan and a need for financial help.

#30. Asian Exchange Scholarships

Deadline: Varies.
Award: Varies.
Degree Level: Bachelors

The Asia Exchange Scholarships, which are awarded twice a year, provide students in target countries with the chance to undertake undergraduate study at an Asian institution or college. This scholarship program can be utilized to study abroad at 12 Asian colleges.

#31. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarship

Deadline: Varies.
Award: Varies.
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Masters’, and PhD.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a variety of scholarships for Canadian and American students who desire to study or conduct research in Germany. Scholarships are competitive and range from short-term funding to monthly financial assistance for the duration of a German degree program.

#32. Eastern European Study Abroad Scholarships

Deadlines: March 1st (Fall Semester), October 15th (Spring Semester), April 1st (Summer Semester)
Award: up to $2,500.
Degree Level: Bachelors

Eastern European Study Abroad (EESA) provides merit- and need-based scholarships to economically disadvantaged students who want to study abroad with EESA. To be considered for an EESA scholarship, applicants must submit an essay answering a necessary question and achieve a minimum GPA requirement.

#33. SSA Scholarships

Deadlines: May 15th (Fall Semester), October 15th (Spring Semester), April 15th (Summer Semester)
Award: Varies.
Degree Level: Bachelor

SSA offers Spanish language-focused study abroad programs in a number of Spanish-speaking countries across the world. Their scholarship programs offer financial assistance to undergraduates interested in studying international studies in Spain, Argentina, and Cuba. The SSA scholarship program provides two sorts of awards: merit and diversity.

#34. Otago Polytechnic Scholarships

Deadline: Varies.
Award: Varies.
Degree Levels: Bachelor and Masters

Otago Polytechnic is New Zealand’s leading polytechnic institute of higher education. To realize Otago Polytechnic’s goal of becoming a top academic institution on an international scale, the school provides numerous scholarships to both local and international students in a variety of subjects.

#35. School for Field Studies (SFS) Endowed Scholarships

Deadline: Varies.
Award: Varies.
Degree Level: Bachelors

The School for Field Studies offers a variety of scholarship possibilities thanks to various graduates and donors who have established long-term legacies through endowed scholarship programs. Six scholarships are available for international students in need of financial assistance to attend the School for Field Studies.

#36. American Research Center in Egypt Fellowships

Deadline: Varies.
Award: Varies.
Degree Level: PhD

Fellowships granted by the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) allow pre-doctoral and post-doctoral applicants from the United States to dramatically extend their knowledge of Egypt and the Near East via study and research in Egypt. Partnerships with Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities and Ministry of Higher Education enable the ARCE to offer annual fellowships. ARCE offers three categories of fellowships, which are offered to more than ten applicants each year.

#37. NL Scholarship

Deadline: February or May, depending on university.
Award: € 5,000.
Degree Levels: Bachelors and Masters

Study in Holland promotes international education programs for Dutch students while also providing information and guidance for new international students. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science as well as a number of Dutch research universities jointly fund the Holland Scholarship, which Study in Holland offers. The Holland Scholarship provides support for non-European Economic Area (EEA) students who want to study in Holland. Applicants should be in the first year of their undergraduate or graduate program.

#38. The University of Bologna (UNIBO) Study Grant

Deadline: March, April, or May (based on your qualifications).
Awards: €11,000.
Degree Levels: Bachelors and Masters

The University of Bologna awards study funds to 40 international applicants each year. Study funds are provided based on students’ SAT and GRE exam scores, as well as their online application submission. Only students wishing to enroll in the university’s First Cycle, Second Cycle, or Single Cycle degree programs are eligible for the funds.

#39. Monash International Merit Scholarship

Deadlines: March 15th, April 15th, June 12th, October 15th, November 15th
Award: Up to $50,000 ($10,000 year).
Degree Levels: Bachelors and Masters

Monash University offers over 30 annual scholarships to excellent international undergraduate and graduate students. Students from any country can apply for scholarships. Scholars are chosen based on their academic performance and a 500-word application statement.

#40. Boren Scholarships & Fellowships

Deadline: January (fellowships); February (scholarships).
Award: $8,000 (8–11 weeks; STEM students only), $12,500 (semester program), $25,000 (academic year program).
Degree Level: Undergraduate

The National Security Education Program’s annual scholarships grant funds to undergraduate students in the United States to study lesser-known minority global languages. This prize program, which encourages linguistic and cultural immersion, seeks to assist students pursuing language courses essential to US national security. Boren Scholars may study abroad in any place they want, except Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Scholars must agree to work for the federal government for at least one year following graduation in exchange for funding.

How to Find International Study Scholarships

We have assembled as many study abroad scholarships and grants as possible here, but this is not an entire list. Here’s a way to find more study-abroad scholarships and fellowships:

Apply for federal financial help. Many students are unaware that these government grants and loans can be utilized for study abroad. Fill out the application, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), online at the US Department of Education’s FAFSA website.
Check with the government of the country you intend to study abroad in; some provide financial assistance to international students.
Visit your financial assistance, study abroad, and foreign language departments to inquire about possible financing possibilities.
Ask your study abroad advisor if there are any scholarships available for your major.
Check with local organizations in your area, such as Sons of Italy chapters, German clubs, Hispanic heritage groups, and others, to see whether they provide or host scholarships.
Do you identify as a BIPOC student? As travel tries to be more accessible for all, we invite you to take advantage of these scholarships, which are exclusively for BIPOC students!
Google, Google, Google. Browse the internet for any more scholarships and financial opportunities that may arise!

How to Apply for International Study Scholarships

So, what comes next? If you’ve done your homework and compiled a list of potential scholarships, it’s time to apply! This step may appear difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these suggestions to streamline the process and make your application stand out.

#1. Make a checklist

Get organized by identifying all of the scholarships you intend to apply for and noting their requirements. This allows you to acquire all required documents and stay on track. Many scholarships require similar documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. Prioritize scholarships based on how well you fit their requirements and get started!

#2. Gather the necessary documentation

Important components of your application include:

Transcripts: They can be legitimate (sealed and issued straight from your university) or unofficial (grade printouts). Determine which type is required and prepare for delivery times.
Letters of Recommendation: Request a professional or academic reference well in advance. If necessary, send a friendly reminder as the deadline approaches.
Essays: Use this as an opportunity to explain why you deserve the scholarship. Address any specific prompts and explain your need for financial assistance, your study abroad ambitions, and how you intend to spend the funds. Proofread your writing and consider having someone else look at it.

#3. Review and submit

Before submitting your application, make sure you followed all instructions and included all essential papers. Be mindful of deadlines and continue to look for new opportunities, even after you begin university.

#4. Congratulations on a job well done

Celebrate your efforts once you’ve pressed the submit button! Applying for scholarships is an important step toward fulfilling your study abroad goals. Your hard work will be rewarded as you discover different cultures and make international acquaintances.

Conclusion

Applying for scholarships to study abroad might be difficult, but it is a necessary step in realizing your ambition. Staying prepared, understanding the requirements, and devoting time to creating a solid application will significantly boost your chances of success. The scholarships listed above provide a variety of alternatives, each with unique perks to assist you in funding your international study. Remember, persistence and determination are essential.
What next steps will you take to acquire your international study abroad scholarship? Share your thoughts, and let’s continue the conversation!