Studying abroad offers incredible opportunities for personal and academic growth, exposing students to new cultures, perspectives, and educational systems. However, the financial burden of international education can be significant. Partial scholarships, which cover a portion of expenses like tuition, living costs, or travel, are a valuable way to make studying abroad more affordable. These scholarships are often merit-based, need-based, or tied to specific fields, regions, or extracurricular achievements. Below is a detailed guide to some of the top partial scholarships available for undergraduate students pursuing studies abroad.
Top Partial Scholarships for Undergraduate Studies Abroad
1. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
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Provider: U.S. Department of State
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Eligibility: U.S. citizen undergraduate students receiving Federal Pell Grants, enrolled at a U.S. institution, and applying to or accepted into a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program.
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Award: Up to $5,000 for study abroad programs, with an additional $3,000 for critical language studies.
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Details: This scholarship supports students with limited financial means to study in diverse global regions. It prioritizes diversity and critical language acquisition, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Swahili, to enhance national security and economic competitiveness.
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Application Process: Submit an online application with essays, transcripts, and proof of Pell Grant eligibility. Deadlines typically occur in March and October.
2. Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
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Provider: Tortuga, a travel backpack company
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Eligibility: Open to passionate undergraduate students worldwide who are enrolled in a study abroad program.
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Award: $1,000 biannually, plus a Tortuga backpack.
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Details: Aimed at students eager to explore the world, this scholarship supports travel-focused study abroad experiences. Applicants must demonstrate enthusiasm for global exploration through a short essay.
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Application Process: Submit an essay (500-1,000 words) on why you want to study abroad. Deadlines are typically May 1 and November 1.
3. Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants
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Provider: Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
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Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a 3.75 GPA or higher, attending an institution with an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter (membership not required).
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Award: $1,000 grants, with 125 awarded annually.
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Details: These grants support undergraduates seeking academic and cultural experiences abroad. The focus is on academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge in any field.
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Application Process: Submit an application with academic records, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Check for annual deadlines, usually in February.
4. Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarships
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Provider: Fund for Education Abroad
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S. institution, with preference for underrepresented students (e.g., students of color, first-generation, or community college students).
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Award: Up to $5,000 for a semester or $1,250 for a summer program.
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Details: FEA prioritizes inclusivity, supporting students who might otherwise lack access to study abroad. It partners with organizations like CAPA, AIFS, and SIT to expand opportunities.
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Application Process: Submit an online application with essays, financial need documentation, and program details. Deadlines are typically in January.
5. IES Abroad Need-Based Diversity Scholarship
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Provider: IES Abroad
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Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students from underrepresented groups (e.g., racial minorities, low-income, or first-generation students) enrolled in an IES Abroad program.
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Award: Up to $5,000, awarded biannually.
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Details: This scholarship promotes diversity in study abroad by providing financial aid to students in IES Abroad programs, which span Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
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Application Process: Apply through the IES Abroad portal with a financial aid form, personal statement, and program acceptance. Deadlines align with program applications (May and November).
6. University of Bristol Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships
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Provider: University of Bristol, UK
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Eligibility: International students with overseas fee status applying to an eligible undergraduate course at the University of Bristol.
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Award: £6,500 or £13,000 per year of study.
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Details: The Think Big program supports high-achieving international students with financial aid and access to a development program for leadership and career skills. It’s ideal for those pursuing studies in the UK.
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Application Process: Submit an application with academic records and a personal statement during the admissions process. Deadlines typically align with university application cycles.
7. OAS Academic Scholarships Program (Undergraduate)
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Provider: Organization of American States (OAS)
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Eligibility: Students from OAS member states (excluding their home country) in their final two years of a bachelor’s degree, committed to returning home post-study.
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Award: Up to $5,000 per year.
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Details: This program fosters educational exchange within the Americas, supporting students studying in OAS member countries like Canada, Brazil, or Mexico.
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Application Process: Submit an application with academic records, essays, and proof of program enrollment. Deadlines are typically May 1 and November 1.
8. MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
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Provider: MPOWER Financing
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Eligibility: International and DACA students enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian institution supported by MPOWER.
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Award: Up to $10,000, awarded annually.
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Details: This scholarship supports international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in North America, with a focus on financial need and academic potential.
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Application Process: Submit an essay and academic records through MPOWER’s online portal. Deadlines vary, often monthly or quarterly.
READ ALSO: How to Get into Canadian Universities Without High School Honors
FAQs
What is a partial scholarship, and how does it differ from a fully funded scholarship?
A partial scholarship covers a portion of study abroad expenses, such as tuition, living costs, or travel, while a fully funded scholarship covers all major costs (tuition, accommodation, travel, and sometimes a stipend). Partial scholarships require students to supplement funding through personal savings, loans, or other scholarships.
Who is eligible for these partial scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship but often includes criteria like academic performance (e.g., minimum GPA), financial need (e.g., Pell Grant recipients), nationality, enrollment in a specific program, or underrepresented status (e.g., minorities or first-generation students).
Do partial scholarships require repayment?
No, partial scholarships are typically grants or awards that do not require repayment, unlike loans. However, some may have conditions, such as maintaining a certain GPA or completing program requirements.
Can I combine multiple partial scholarships?
Yes, in many cases, you can combine scholarships to cover more expenses, but check each scholarship’s terms for restrictions. Some programs may limit stacking awards to ensure fair distribution.
Are there scholarships for specific destinations or fields of study?
Yes, many scholarships target specific regions (e.g., Boren Awards for critical languages) or fields (e.g., STEM or humanities). Research scholarships tied to your destination or academic focus for better alignment.
