Study Abroad Scholarships for College (2025 - 2026)

Overview of Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

Studying abroad opens doors to global education, cultural understanding, and career opportunities — but for many students, the cost can seem out of reach. Fortunately, hundreds of scholarships and grants make international study possible, many of which cover full tuition, travel, and living expenses. This guide provides a detailed overview of the best study abroad scholarships available for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. It highlights prestigious international programs such as Fulbright, Chevening, and DAAD, as well as diversity-focused awards and field-specific funding. Whether you’re seeking a short-term exchange or a full degree program overseas, this resource will help you find scholarships that align with your goals, academic interests, and background.

From government-sponsored fellowships to private foundation awards, these opportunities are designed to make global learning accessible to students from all walks of life. With the right planning and preparation, you can earn a world-class education abroad without taking on excessive student debt — and gain the cross-cultural experience that employers value worldwide.

Are There Full Scholarships to Study Abroad?

Yes, full scholarships to study abroad are available through a variety of competitive programs that cover tuition, travel, housing, and living expenses. Leading options include:

• Fulbright Program: Sponsored by the U.S. government, this prestigious fellowship funds graduate study, research, and teaching abroad in more than 140 countries.
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, these scholarships fund international students pursuing degrees or research in Germany.
• Chevening Scholarship (UK): A fully funded award from the UK government that supports exceptional scholars pursuing master’s degrees at British universities.

These programs are highly competitive and emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and community impact, giving students the chance to earn international degrees with full financial support.

What Scholarships Are Available to Study Abroad for Undergraduate Students?

Undergraduate students can access many scholarships designed to promote cultural exchange and global learning. Top programs include:

• Gilman International Scholarship: Provides funding for Pell Grant recipients to study or intern abroad, helping underrepresented students access international experiences.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Bachelor Degrees: Offers fully funded undergraduate programs across multiple European universities, often including travel and housing assistance.
• Boren Awards: Supports undergraduates studying critical languages and world regions important to U.S. interests, in exchange for a federal service commitment.

These scholarships expand access to global education and help students earn credits toward their degree while gaining valuable international experience.

Are There Study Abroad Scholarships for High School Students?

Yes. Several programs provide full or partial scholarships for high school students interested in international cultural exchanges or academic immersion. Examples include:

• Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX): A fully funded exchange between the U.S. and Germany, allowing students to live with host families and attend school abroad for a year.
• AFS Global STEM Accelerators Scholarship: Provides fully funded virtual and in-person exchange programs for young women interested in science, technology, and sustainability.
• NSLI-Y (National Security Language Initiative for Youth): A U.S. Department of State scholarship for high school students to study critical languages abroad.

These programs help students develop independence, language skills, and a global mindset early in their academic journey.

What Study Abroad Scholarships Are Available for Black Students?

Scholarships for Black and underrepresented students promote diversity and inclusion in international education. Key opportunities include:

• Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Rainbow Scholarship: Awards funding to Black, LGBTQ+, and first-generation students to increase access to study abroad opportunities.
• Boren Awards: Supports minority students studying languages and cultures that are underrepresented in global education.
• Diversity Abroad Scholarships: Provides financial aid and mentorship for students from diverse backgrounds participating in study abroad programs.

These scholarships ensure that global learning experiences are accessible to all students, regardless of race, background, or financial need.

Are There Study Abroad Scholarships for Graduate Students?

Graduate students can apply for fully funded programs supporting advanced study, research, and leadership abroad. Leading examples include:

• Rotary Peace Fellowship: Covers tuition, housing, and travel for master’s programs focused on peace and conflict resolution at select global universities.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Provides full funding for graduate study at the University of Cambridge for students with exceptional academic merit and leadership potential.
• Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship (Australia): Offers comprehensive financial support for international students pursuing master’s or Ph.D. degrees in Australia.

These awards allow graduate students to pursue specialized research and global professional development without financial barriers.

What Are Study Abroad Grants?

Study abroad grants offer financial assistance that does not need to be repaid, typically awarded based on need, merit, or program goals. Common examples include:

• Critical Language Scholarship (CLS): Fully funded summer language immersion programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
• GoAbroad.com Scholarship Fund: Provides small grants for students participating in approved study abroad programs worldwide.
• Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Grants: Offers additional support to students with financial need who participate in programs lasting at least four weeks abroad.

Grants like these make international study accessible to students who might otherwise be unable to afford the experience.

What Is the Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship?

The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship provides $1,000 and a travel backpack to students studying abroad through accredited programs. Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, this scholarship supports individuals passionate about international learning and cultural exchange. It’s a simple yet meaningful award that helps offset travel and living costs for global education experiences.

How Can You Find the Best Study Abroad Scholarships?

Finding the best study abroad scholarships takes research and early preparation. Follow these steps to get started:

• Check Your School’s Study Abroad Office: Many universities maintain databases of country-specific and program-affiliated scholarships.
• Use Trusted Scholarship Databases: Search reputable platforms and verified databases that regularly update international funding opportunities.
• Explore Government and Institutional Programs: Look into national organizations such as DAAD (Germany), Education New Zealand, and Campus France for country-specific funding options.

Start your search early, tailor each application to the program’s mission, and highlight your academic goals, leadership, and commitment to cross-cultural understanding. With persistence and planning, a fully funded study abroad experience is well within reach.