Education Abroad Scholarships

The Study Abroad Scholarship is designed to provide assistance for students with financial need with a priority to those who have not traveled international previously to participate in an MSU faculty-led education abroad program, KIIS or CCSA programs, or the Magellan Exchange, Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students; be at least a sophomore (at least 30 credits hours by the time of application); and have financial need based on their FAFSA.

Applicants should apply for the Gilman Scholarship to be eligible (October deadline if planning to apply for a scholarship to assist with a spring break program). The application deadline is November 1.

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The Study Abroad Fund provides scholarships of varying amounts to help students with MSU faculty-led education abroad program costs. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students; be at least a junior (at least 60 credit hours by the time of application); carry a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0, be Pell Grant-eligible based on their FAFSA; and be participating in an MSU faculty-led abroad program.

Applicants should apply for the Gilman Scholarship to be eligible (October deadline if planning to apply for a scholarship to assist with a spring break program). The application deadline is November 1.

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This is a need-based scholarship for students majoring in programs based in the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. Please refer to the college website for which majors qualify. The scholarship is available to graduate or undergraduate students. Undergraduate students must receive a Pell Grant, and graduate students must show financial need. Students must use the scholarship on an MSU faculty-led education abroad program. One scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded per academic year. The application deadline is November 1.

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The scholarship is for students majoring in Spanish, English, or philosophy. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be eligible. They must use the scholarship on an MSU faculty-led program or scholarship by a consortium partner (CCSA, KIIS, or Magellan Exchange). One scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded per academic year. The deadline is December 1.

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The Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) offers several scholarships for students to go abroad for its programs that are located in non-English speaking countries.

Scholarships amounts vary. For priority consideration, apply by Dec. 1 for summer programs or Aug. 1 for winter programs (and save an additional $100), otherwise normal scholarship deadlines are Feb. 5 for summer programs and Sept. 15 for winter programs.

The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA) offers several scholarships for students to go abroad for its programs that are located in English-peaking countries, such as England, Scotland, Australia, and Belize.

Scholarships amounts vary, with an emphasis on students who will help CCSA promote its programs. Apply by Feb. 5 for summer programs and Sept. 15 for winter programs.

The Gilman scholarship is a competitive scholarship awarded twice per year. Awards are up to $5,000 (typically $3,000 for spring break and up to $5,000 for longer experiences). Students must write three short essays asking for a personal statement, community impact that will build mutual understanding, and community impact related to service opportunities you would participate in your community after your education abroad experience. Deadlines are typically in early October and March for trips the following semester/term. Applicants must receive a Pell Grant to be eligible.

Additional funds are also available for those studying in STEM fields or a critical needs language. Visit the Gilman scholarship website for more info. Each fall and spring, a workshop and a Blackboard will help students through the application process.

The Gilman-McCain scholarship provides $5,000 awards to dependents of active-duty U.S. military forces or reserve forces on active duty. Students must also be eligible for federal financial aid. Deadlines are in August and October of each year. The application process is the same as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

MSU students receiving the George M. Luckey, Jr. Honors Scholarship can receive $1,500 to cover the cost of an Education Abroad experience. Programs must be at least 3 weeks long and include a Level UP component. Honors students can email Dr. Phillip Krummrich for more information.

The Fund for Education Abroad provides funding opportunities for various education abroad programs. It is a privately run scholarship program that provides a one-stop shop for scholarships to various education abroad providers. There are typically two application periods during the year.

Federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants, federal student loans, KEES, state College Access Grants, and TEACH grants, can fund education abroad experiences. Once you select a program, the education abroad coordinator can provide you with a budget sheet to take to the MSU financial aid office to see available options. It is important to contact the education abroad coordinator early in the fall semester to discuss your options.