Discover study abroad scholarships and fellowships for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students, including Fulbright, Gilman, Critical Language Scholarship, Boren Awards, SMART Scholarship, NSF opportunities and other international education funding programs.
Studying abroad can provide students with academic, professional and cultural experiences that complement their university education. For students concerned about the cost of international study, scholarships, fellowships and government-funded programmes can provide important financial support.
The U.S. Department of State’s Study Abroad resource highlights a wide range of opportunities for American undergraduate and graduate students, including programmes supporting international study, language learning, research, internships and professional development.
Below is a selection of opportunities students can explore when planning an international academic or research experience.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports U.S. undergraduate students with limited financial means who want to study or intern abroad.
The programme also includes the John McCain International Scholarship for Children of Military Families, which supports eligible U.S. undergraduate students who are children of active-duty military personnel.
Students considering an international semester, internship or other approved study-abroad experience should review the programme’s current eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Critical Language Scholarship
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program provides fully funded intensive summer language institutes overseas in critical languages.
The programme is particularly relevant for students interested in developing language skills while gaining international experience. The source lists 15 critical languages supported by the programme.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) provides merit-based scholarships for recent vocational graduates and young professionals.
Selected participants receive an opportunity for a one-year professional study and training experience in Germany in their areas of interest.
This can be particularly useful for applicants seeking international professional development rather than a conventional university exchange.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is one of the best-known international academic exchange opportunities for American students and recent graduates.
According to the U.S. Department of State resource, the programme sends recent college graduates and early-career professionals abroad to live, study and conduct research in approximately 140 countries.
Because Fulbright opportunities are country-specific, applicants should carefully review the requirements and application process for their intended destination.
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program provides opportunities for recent college graduates to work in classrooms abroad while supporting English-language education and serving as cultural ambassadors.
The programme places participants in classrooms across 75 countries, according to the source.
For graduates interested in education, international relations and cross-cultural exchange, this can provide valuable overseas experience.
Boren Awards for International Study
The Boren Award for International Study provides funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in regions considered important to U.S. interests.
The programme focuses on areas that are underrepresented in traditional study-abroad participation.
Students should review current programme priorities and eligibility conditions before applying.
Language Flagship
The Language Flagship combines university-based language programmes with overseas study opportunities.
The source indicates that programmes are available through 22 U.S. universities and colleges, together with overseas study opportunities through 10 Flagship Overseas Centers.
This makes the programme worth considering for students who want intensive language development integrated into their academic pathway.
Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad
Doctoral candidates conducting international research can explore the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship Program.
The programme supports full-time dissertation research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies. The source notes that grants cover world regions other than Western Europe.
This opportunity may be particularly relevant to doctoral researchers whose dissertation projects require substantial international fieldwork or research.
Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships
Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships support outstanding undergraduate and graduate students undertaking area studies and world-language training.
Unlike programmes where students apply directly to a central scholarship provider, FLAS funding is allocated to participating higher-education institutions, which then make awards to eligible students. Students must therefore be enrolled at and apply through a FLAS-recipient institution.
Goldwater Scholarship
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program supports college students interested in careers in scientific research.
The programme provides scholarships to students intending to pursue research careers in areas such as science, mathematics and engineering.
Although Goldwater is not exclusively an international study programme, its funding can support students whose academic and research plans include international experiences.
NOAA Hollings Scholarship
The Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship focuses on undergraduate education and training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology and education.
The programme also promotes multidisciplinary training opportunities.
Students pursuing environmental science and related STEM disciplines may want to investigate this opportunity alongside other study-abroad funding programmes.
NSF International Research and Education Funding
The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports international research and education through a range of programmes.
These can include fellowships, travel grants, summer institutes, workshops and research and education projects.
Because NSF funding is distributed across multiple programmes, students and researchers should identify the specific opportunity that matches their academic level, field and research objectives.
NIH Fogarty International Opportunities
The NIH Fogarty International Center supports and facilitates global health research involving U.S. and international investigators.
Its programmes seek partnerships between health research institutions in the United States and abroad with the goal of training the next generation of scientists to address global health challenges.
This makes Fogarty particularly relevant to students and researchers interested in global health, public health and international biomedical research.
NOAA Educational Partnership Program Scholarship
The NOAA Educational Partnership Program Undergraduate Scholarship provides scholarships for two years of undergraduate study to eligible students at Minority Serving Institutions pursuing STEM fields that directly support NOAA’s mission.
Participants also conduct research at NOAA facilities through paid summer internships.
SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program
The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program supports undergraduate and graduate students studying STEM disciplines.
The programme provides a full scholarship and employment following degree completion.
Students should carefully examine the service component and other obligations before deciding whether this type of scholarship fits their long-term career plans.
EPA STAR Fellowships
The Science to Achieve Results (STAR) programme supports Master’s and doctoral students in environmental studies.
Eligible fields can include traditionally recognised environmental disciplines as well as areas such as social anthropology, urban and regional planning and decision sciences.
This broader disciplinary scope makes STAR relevant to students approaching environmental challenges from scientific, social and policy perspectives.
Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college students planning careers in government or public service.
The source states that Truman Scholars can receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, alongside leadership development opportunities and special opportunities for federal internships and employment.
Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Students interested in international affairs can explore the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship.
The programme provides undergraduate and graduate students with financial support, mentoring and professional development intended to prepare participants for careers in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service.
Additional Opportunities
The U.S. Department of State resource also lists other programmes that can provide funding for education, research, internships or professional development, including:
- CIA Student Scholarships
- Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
- Export.gov internship opportunities
- Cobell Scholarship
- Greater Research Opportunities Undergraduate Fellowships
- Hubert Global Health Fellowship
- Registered Apprenticeship Program
- Saul T. Wilson Jr. Scholarship Program
- Stokes Scholarship Program
- Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
- USAID funding opportunities
- USDA/1994 Tribal Scholars Program
- USDA/1890 National Scholars Program
- William F. Helms Internship Program.
The opportunities vary substantially in eligibility, academic level, field and funding structure, so applicants should investigate each programme individually.
How to Choose the Right Study Abroad Scholarship
Before applying, students should consider several factors.
1. Check eligibility
Determine whether the programme is available to your academic level, nationality, field of study and institution.
2. Identify the type of funding
Not every scholarship provides the same form of support. Some fund study abroad directly, while others support research, internships, language training or graduate education.
3. Check application requirements
Some programmes require university nomination, while others allow students to apply directly. Institutional programmes such as FLAS, for example, require applicants to apply through participating institutions.
4. Plan early
Competitive scholarships can require essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, research proposals and other supporting documents. Starting early gives applicants more time to develop a strong application.
5. Verify information with the official provider
Scholarship deadlines, eligibility requirements, award amounts and participating countries can change. Applicants should therefore confirm the latest information through the official programme website before submitting an application.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous opportunities available to U.S. students seeking funding for international study, language programmes, research, internships and professional development. The U.S. Department of State’s Study Abroad resource provides a useful starting point, with opportunities spanning undergraduate education, graduate study, STEM, language learning, global health, public service and international research.
The best opportunity will depend on your academic stage, field, destination, financial circumstances and career goals. Rather than applying broadly to every scholarship, students should build a targeted shortlist and carefully match their experience and objectives to each programme’s criteria.
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