Study Abroad Scholarships
Take advantage of scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
We Award Millions In Grants & Scholarships for College Study Abroad Annually
We get it. Funding your study abroad program can be an overwhelming process. At CIEE, our goal is to award study abroad scholarships and grants to college students across three categories: need-based, merit-based, and other areas of funding. Whether you're looking for semester abroad scholarships, summer scholarships, or specific areas of study scholarships, we offer travel scholarships, grant money, and study abroad financial aid that help students conquer their dreams abroad.
By simply completing the Scholarships & Grants portion of your study abroad application, our team determines the best scholarship and grant opportunities for you. Receiving financial assistance for study abroad is as simple as that!
Important Scholarship & Grant Deadlines
Summer* & Fall Programs - April 1
Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship deadline - March 6
Spring & January Programs - October 15
*Early decision Summer Global Internship - February 15
Scholarships & Grants to Study Abroad
Need-based Scholarships
Our need-based study abroad scholarships are based on students' Student Aid Index (SAI) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution.
| Name | Qualifications | Description | Amount (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilman Go Global Grant | Qualified Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship applicants | Deducted from semester program(s) fees** | $2,500 |
| GAIN Travel Grant | SAI up to 10,000 guaranteed; other SAIs considered post deadline | Travel costs to and from study abroad or internship program*** | $1,500 |
| Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Grant | Current attendee at an MSI. Award supports high-need students based on SAI and availability of funds. | Deducted from program fees | $2,000 for semester |
For need-based grants, you will not need to complete the essay section under the Scholarships & Grants portion of your application, but will need the following items to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible:
- The Student Aid Index (SAI) number from your most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Submission Summary
- For the CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant, you must provide proof of submission of an eligible application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Note: EFC (Expected Family Contribution) was replaced by SAI (Student Aid Index) for the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle. CIEE requires your current SAI details from your FAFSA Submission Summary for programs in 2025 and on.
Merit Scholarships
Merit study abroad scholarships are based on academic achievement.
| Name | Qualifications | Description | Amount (Up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship | Freshman, sophomore, or junior, Pell-eligible, 3.0 GPA | Eight-week summer global internship program, including airfare | 100% of program fee and travel costs |
| Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant | Qualified applicants not chosen for the Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship are guaranteed a $1,500 grant toward any summer or semester program through spring 2026 | Deduction from program fees | $1,500 |
| McDermott Health Sciences, Nursing and Public Health | Academic achievement and acceptance into a program focused on health sciences, nursing, or public health | Deduction from program fees | $2,500 |
| Ping Scholarship for Academic Excellence | Academic achievement | Deduction from program fees | $2,500 |
| Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarship | Academic achievement and acceptance into a program focused on tropical or marine ecology | Deduction from program fees | $2,500 |
| STEM Scholarship | Any STEM major studying on any CIEE Summer Program | Deduction from program fees | $500 |
| Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarship | Academic achievement and acceptance into a qualified program | Deduction from program fees | $2,500 |
| Wollitzer Merit Scholarship in Area or Comparative Studies | Academic achievement and acceptance into a qualified program | Deduction from program fees | $2,500 |
To receive a merit scholarship, you must complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
- Under the essay section of the Scholarships Application, you need to explain to us (in 300 words or less) how your CIEE program will impact your college experience and/or future career plans
- Complete the G.P.A. and transcript sections of the program application before you submit the Scholarships Application
Other Scholarships
Other awards are based on program or alumni status.
| Name | Qualifications | Description | Amount (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go Abroad Again Grant | CIEE alumni or sibling of alumni | Deduction off of non‑consecutive in‑person terms | Up to $1,500 |
| Refer-a-Friend Rewards | Open to all CIEE alum and participants from high school and college study abroad, teach abroad, and tefl certifications. | Earn a cash reward for each person you refer who travels on a CIEE program | $200 per successful referral |
| Summer Session Discount | Enroll in more than one four-week summer session | Deduction off of additional sessions | 20% discount |
| Trailblazer Grant | Students who travel on a qualifying spring, summer, or fall 2026 program | Earn a flight voucher for your eligible CIEE program | Up to $1,500 |
| CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship | Open to college undergraduate sophomores or juniors from an accredited institution at the time of participation | Fully-funded spring 2026 semester program in Latin America | 100% of CIEE program fee and a $2,000 stipend |
| Fall in Love With Latin America | Open Campus Block Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 | Open to all college undergraduate students who study abroad on an Open Campus Block program in Latin America in fall 2025 or spring 2026 | Receive a six-week Open Campus Block for free when enrolled in three consecutive Open Campus Blocks across Latin America locations | $5,500 |
Scholarships & Grants by Term
Semester Scholarships
Scholarships for fall and spring semesters abroad
Learn MoreSummer Scholarships
Scholarships for summer study abroad programs
Learn MoreStudy Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Quarter Scholarships
Scholarships for quarter school schedules
Learn MoreSingle Block Scholarships
Scholarships for one block
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
If you’re wondering how to get a scholarship to study abroad, follow these three simple steps:
- Search for your dream program and start an application
- Review CIEE scholarships and grants
- Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your application
For more detailed instructions on how to apply to merit-based and need-based scholarships, check out How To Apply To Scholarships or read our blog post: How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps.
CIEE makes study abroad scholarships and grants accessible to all students, regardless of where they choose to study. Whether you’re looking for study abroad grants or scholarships in Italy, South Korea, Argentina , South Africa, Australia – and so much more – CIEE offers funding and financial aid to all students looking to study abroad that qualify for funding.
While the best scholarship for studying abroad is up to you, CIEE offers a wide variety of scholarships for summer, semester, quarter, internship, and single block programs. CIEE scholarships and grants range in value from $200 for our Refer-a-Friend Reward to $2,500 for scholarships like our Gilman Go Global Grant and Ping Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
Students could also receive full funding for their study abroad program if they apply to the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship, which covers 100% of the program fee and travel costs.
No, it is not hard to get scholarships and grants for study abroad programs from CIEE. Getting scholarships for a CIEE study abroad or global internship program is a simple three step process:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review CIEE scholarships and grants
- Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your application
Select study abroad scholarships and grants are awarded to students based on financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE program areas. Some scholarships are awarded based on your FAFSA, program selection, or alumni information, while other scholarships and grants may require a short personal essay.
Materials needed to apply for study abroad funding with CIEE vary across need-based grants and merit scholarships.
For need-based grants, students will not need to complete the essay section under the Scholarships & Grants portion of their application, but will need the following items:
- The Student Aid Index (SAI) number from your most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Submission Summary
- For the CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant, you must provide proof of an eligible application submission for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
For merit scholarships, students will not need to provide any financial data, but instead must:
- Under the essay section of the Scholarships Application, you need to explain to us (in 300 words or less) how your CIEE program will impact your college experience and/or future career plans
- Complete the G.P.A. and transcript sections of the program application before you submit the Scholarships Application
Studying abroad may be financially challenging, but luckily there are several ways to make it more affordable. Some strategies to make studying abroad more affordable include:
- Apply to Scholarships & Grants
- Check in with your school's financial aid office for state or institutional aid
- Explore affordable programs
- Save money on housing by selecting an option that fits your budget
- Select a term that makes the most sense for you financially (Summer, J-term, Semester, Single Block)
While these tips may be helpful, it's important to consider your own individual financial situation and identify the solutions that work best for you.
Study Abroad Scholarships Blogs
Study Abroad Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know
Funding your study abroad journey can feel like an overwhelming process before you even begin. And applying for scholarships and grants may sound like a daunting concept. But don’t let... keep reading
How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps
@cieestudyabroad Here are the four easy steps to applying for a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE! #fyp #ciee #cieestudyabroad #studyabroad #scholarship #travel original sound - CIEE Study Abroad For many... keep reading
How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in 2025?
@cieestudyabroad Let’s talk money! Funding your study abroad program may seem daunting, but we’re here to help! #cieestudyabroad #studyabroad #expenses #financialaid #scholarships #grants #studyabroadtips Flight of the Mitoglider - Myriad... keep reading
Get Started
1
Search for and apply to your dream program anywhere in the world (Exciting!)
2
Review all available funding opportunities (Take your time; really read through them.)
3
Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application (It’s that easy!)
Things to Remember
Important - Check Deadlines & Qualifications
Watch out! Scholarship deadlines can come up faster than you think. All students applying for CIEE funding must complete the CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants task on their application by the published deadline. Applications completed after CIEE deadlines will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and funding may not be awarded.
Scholarships & Grants Caps
Scholarship and grant totals cannot exceed the caps established for each term. If you are selected for multiple awards, CIEE may need to reduce the size of your awards to stay within the maximum cap amounts listed below.
Spring: $5,000
Fall: $5,000
Summer: $2,500
One Block: $2,500
Two Blocks (Quarter): $4,000
Three Blocks (Semester): $5,000
January: $500 GAIN Travel Grants based on need
Terms & Conditions
**Need-Based Grants: Students must submit their CIEE Scholarships & Grants application by these dates and provide proof of an eligible application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
***Need-Based Grants: Students with an SAI of 10,000 or less must submit their CIEE Scholarships & Grants application by these dates to be guaranteed a GAIN Travel Grant. Students with SAIs above 10,000 should still apply, but they will be considered after the Scholarships and Grants Deadline. The GAIN Travel Grant is valid toward outbound and return airfare on CIEE programs. This is a credit with our partner travel agency and has no cash value. If you are selected for a GAIN Travel Grant, CIEE will not reimburse you for out of pocket travel costs. If your institution covers your flights, you are not eligible for a GAIN Travel Grant.
