Funding Opportunities for International Study Programs

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to gain global experience, build intercultural skills, and enhance your academic journey. However, program costs can be a challenge for many students. The CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants help make international education more affordable by providing millions of dollars in financial assistance each year to eligible students participating in CIEE programs.

This guide explains the available scholarships, eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and tips to maximize your chances of receiving funding.

What Are the CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants?

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) offers a wide range of scholarships and grants for students participating in eligible CIEE study abroad and international internship programs. Funding is available through need-based, merit-based, and program-specific awards, with one scholarship application automatically considering students for multiple opportunities where they qualify.

Scholarship Benefits

Depending on the scholarship or grant, recipients may receive:

Awards ranging from a few hundred dollars to $2,500 or more.
Need-based grants to reduce program costs.
Merit scholarships recognizing academic excellence.
Travel grants to help cover international airfare.
Funding for semester, summer, quarter, January, and internship programs.

CIEE awards millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to students each year, making study abroad more accessible.

Types of Scholarships and Grants

CIEE offers several funding categories, including:

1. Need-Based Grants

These grants are designed for students who demonstrate financial need and may include:

GAIN Scholars Grant
GAIN Travel Grant
Gilman Go Global Grant

Eligibility is generally determined using FAFSA information and the Student Aid Index (SAI).

2. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit scholarships reward students with strong academic records and may include awards such as:

Ping Scholarship for Academic Excellence
McDermott Health Sciences Scholarship
Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarship
Douglass-O’Connell Scholars Grant

Many merit awards require a short essay and academic transcript.

3. Program-Specific Awards

Certain scholarships are available only for selected academic disciplines, destinations, or CIEE programs. Applicants are automatically matched with eligible opportunities during the application process.

Eligible Study Programs

Scholarships are available for many CIEE experiences, including:

Semester abroad
Summer study abroad
Quarter programs
January term programs
Global internships
Single-block programs

Students can study in destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania, and other regions through approved CIEE programs.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility varies by award, but applicants generally must:

Apply to an eligible CIEE study abroad or internship program.
Meet the specific requirements for the scholarship or grant.
Demonstrate financial need (for need-based awards) or academic excellence (for merit awards).
Submit all required application materials before the deadline.

Some awards are available only to students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities participating in CIEE programs.

Required Documents

Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need:

Completed CIEE program application
Scholarship and Grants application
FAFSA Submission Summary (for need-based funding)
Student Aid Index (SAI)
Academic transcript
GPA information
Short personal essay (for most merit awards)

Requirements vary according to the scholarship selected.

How to Apply

Step 1: Choose a CIEE Program

Select the study abroad or internship program that best matches your academic goals.

Step 2: Start Your Program Application

Complete the online application for your chosen CIEE program.

Step 3: Complete the Scholarships & Grants Section

Fill out the scholarship section within your application. A single application allows CIEE to consider you for multiple eligible awards.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Submit any required essays, transcripts, and financial information before the application deadline.

Step 5: Wait for the Funding Decision

Scholarship decisions are communicated after applications have been reviewed.

Application Deadlines

Typical scholarship deadlines include:

Summer and Fall programs: April 1
Spring and January programs: October 15

Some program-specific scholarships may have additional deadlines, so applicants should always verify the schedule for their chosen program.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

To strengthen your application:

Apply as early as possible.
Maintain a strong academic record.
Write a clear and compelling personal essay.
Submit all required financial documents if applying for need-based funding.
Review the eligibility criteria for every scholarship you qualify for.
Carefully proofread your application before submission.

Why Choose a CIEE Study Abroad Program?

CIEE programs offer students the opportunity to:

Experience different cultures.
Earn academic credit abroad.
Build international professional networks.
Improve language skills.
Develop leadership and global communication skills.
Enhance future career opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding can I receive?

Award amounts vary by scholarship. Individual awards may provide up to $2,500 or more, and eligible students can receive combinations of awards subject to term funding caps.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes. Completing the Scholarships & Grants section of your CIEE application automatically considers you for multiple scholarships and grants for which you qualify.

Are scholarships available for summer programs?

Yes. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for summer, semester, quarter, January, and internship programs.

Final Thoughts

The CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants provide valuable financial support for students who want to gain international academic and professional experience. With numerous need-based, merit-based, and program-specific funding opportunities, CIEE helps reduce the financial barriers to studying abroad.

If you’re planning to participate in a CIEE program, start your application early, complete the Scholarships & Grants section carefully, and submit all required documents before the deadline to maximize your chances of receiving funding.

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