Best Scholarships for Study Abroad Students

Studying abroad offers students a unique opportunity to gain international experience, enhance their education, and develop a global perspective. However, the financial burden can be significant. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available to help alleviate these costs.

Andrew Harlow

01 Sep 2025 — 3 min read

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM / Unsplash

Below is a guide to some of the best scholarships for study abroad students.

a person looking out over a city — Photo by Lazy Leonor / Unsplash

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is designed to support U.S. undergraduate students with limited financial means. This program offers awards of up to $5,000, making it a valuable resource for students looking to study or intern abroad. Additionally, students pursuing studies in critical need languages or STEM fields may receive supplementary funding. This scholarship aims to diversify the students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go.

John McCain International Scholarship for Children of Military Families

A subset of the Gilman Program, the John McCain International Scholarship specifically supports U.S. undergraduate students who are children of active duty military personnel. This scholarship recognizes the unique challenges faced by military families and provides financial assistance to help these students gain international experience.

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program offers fully funded summer language institutes overseas in fifteen critical languages. This program is open to U.S. students and is an excellent opportunity for those looking to enhance their language skills in a fully immersive environment. The CLS Program is highly competitive and aims to increase the number of Americans mastering critical foreign languages.

Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX)

The Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) provides merit-based scholarships for recent vocational graduates and young professionals. This program offers a one-year professional study and training experience in Germany, fostering cultural exchange and professional development. Participants gain valuable insights into German culture and work environments, enhancing their global career prospects.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for study abroad. It sends recent college graduates and early career professionals to live, study, and conduct research in 140 countries. This program promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries through educational and cultural exchange.

Bridging Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan

Offered by the Association of Teachers of Japanese, the Bridging Scholarships provide financial support to U.S. undergraduate students studying in Japan for over three months. Awards range from $2,500 to $4,500, helping students immerse themselves in Japanese culture and language.

Boren Awards for International Study

The Boren Awards provide funding for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study in regions critical to U.S. security. With awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, this program encourages students to study less commonly taught languages and cultures, contributing to U.S. national security efforts.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Beyond these specific programs, there are numerous other scholarships available for study abroad students. The British Universities Transnational Exchange (BUTEX) offers scholarships for students studying in the UK, while the CIEE awards millions in scholarships and grants annually based on financial need and academic merit. Additionally, many organizations offer diversity scholarships to promote inclusivity in study abroad programs. Government and university scholarships are also available, often based on financial need or academic performance.

Conclusion

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, but it often comes with significant costs. Fortunately, a wide range of scholarships is available to help students fund their international education. By exploring these opportunities, students can find the financial support they need to pursue their academic and personal goals abroad.