A semester or a year abroad can be a defining moment in your life - altering the trajectory of your career and providing invaluable skills and experiences which will be of use both personally and professionally. The challenge is a familiar one to college students - how is it possible to pay for these valuable experiences?Good news:
we're here to help!
Auto Europe has assembled a comprehensive (and current) list of study abroad scholarships - a resource which we hope will support students and help them to see new places, gain valuable experiences and break through the financial roadblocks which stand in their way.Traveling the world is an opportunity that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, should have access to, and this comprehensive list of study abroad scholarships is a terrific resource for cash-strapped students looking to fund a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Let's not wait around! Here are some of the best scholarships we've found for studying abroad:
AIFS Generation Study Abroad Scholarship
The
AIFS Generation Study Abroad Scholarship is designed to support students who show high academic and leadership potential. The scholarship is intended to support those who wish to expand their knowledge through the study of foreign cultures.
Amount: $1000 for Fall/Spring, $500 for Summer
Who Qualifies: Students with a 3.0 GPA who show leadership potential.
Application Deadlines: April 15 for Fall, September 15 for Spring, March 1 for Summer
Restrictions: None
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is meant for undergraduate students in the United States who are looking to intern and study abroad who may not be able to do so due to financial constraints.
Amount: Up to $5000
Who Qualifies: Anyone who is receiving Federal Pell Grants at 2 or 4 year colleges or universities in the US
Application Deadlines: October 7 for Spring, March 4 for Summer and Fall
Restrictions: None
Fund for Education Abroad
The
Fund for Education Abroad is a study abroad scholarship aimed at students who wish to study abroad in order to assist their own college or university staff with information about the country of study. This program is designed to support those who wish to enroll in programs known for both academic rigor and immersion elements.
Amount: $5000 for one semester and $10000 for a full year
Who Qualifies: U.S. citizens enrolled as undergraduates at colleges or universities in the United States
Application Deadlines: All applications are due by January 17, 2014
Restrictions: None
International WaterCentre Scholarship
The
International WaterCentre Scholarship is a study abroad scholarship meant to cover expenses for students who wish to participate in the Master of Integrated Water Management program.
Amount: Partial scholarships up to $6,000
Who Qualifies: Students accepted into the Master of Integrated Water Management program.
Application Deadlines: August 1st
Restrictions: Must be accepted into the Master of Integrated Water Management program.
The Dr. Carlos E. Castaneda Memorial Scholarship
The
Dr. Carlos E. Castaneda Memorial Scholarship is a merit based scholarship for students wishing to study abroad who cannot afford the associated expenses.
Amount: $2,000 for one semester, $2,500 for two semesters
Who Qualifies: Students with at least a 3.25 GPA who have completed one year of foreign language or equivalent
Application Deadlines: Fall/full year applications are due April 30th; spring-semester applications are due on October 30th
Restrictions: None, except the qualifications above.
Kalyn Peterson Memorial Scholarship
The
Kalyn Peterson Memorial Scholarship is another study abroad scholarship fund meant to assist students who wish to study abroad but do not have the financial means to do so.
Amount: $1,000
Who Qualifies: Sophomores in the United States in good academic standing.
Application Deadlines: Summer deadline is February 15 and the fall deadline is April 30.
Restrictions: None
Boren Scholarship
The
Boren Scholarship is meant to provide funds for undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world which are considered 'critical to U.S. interests' and to nations that are underrepresented by current study abroad programs.
Amount: Up to $20,000 for a full year, $10,000 for a single semester, $8,000 for summer programs
Who Qualifies: Students interested in studying languages that are less commonly taught such as Russian, Portuguese, Korean, or Arabic.
Application Deadlines: February 5
Restrictions: None
BUTEX North American Scholarships
BUTEX North American Scholarships are study abroad scholarships meant for students who will study abroad at one of the BUTEX member institutions in the United Kingdom.
Amount: $1,000
Who Qualifies: Undergraduate students and BUTEX members in the United States
KCP Scholarship
The
KCP Scholarship is a merit based scholarship for students wishing to study the Japanese language offered through the KCP International Japanese Language School.
Amount: $500 if attending sponsor school, $250 if attending a non-sponsor school
Who Qualifies: Matriculated college students or undergraduates above the freshman level with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 who have taken at least one year of Japanese language coursework.
Application Deadlines: Students may apply following acceptance to the KCP program
Restrictions: None outside of the academic requirements
Key Club/Key Leader Scholarship
The
Key Club/Key Leader Scholarship is a study abroad scholarship meant for summer program and semester programs at foreign colleges and universities.
Amount: $2,000
Who Qualifies: Students belonging to the Key Club who maintain at least a 2.0 GPA who were born between 1996 and 2000.
Application Deadline: January 15
Restrictions: The only restrictions are the age restriction and the restriction based on GPA.
Oxbridge Academic Program Scholarships
The
Oxbridge Academic Program Scholarships are meant for students who wish to study abroad in one of the Oxbridge academic programs but who do not have the financial means to do so without assistance.
Amount: Full payment for the programs the student is accepted into
Who Qualifies: Students who wish to study in and are accepted into one of the Oxbridge academic programs.
CIEE Scholarship
The
CIEE Study Abroad Scholarship is a financial assistance program for students who wish to help to offset their program fees and travel costs.
Amount: Variable
Who Qualifies: Undergraduate students studying in the United States qualify for these scholarships.
Application Deadlines: On a rolling basis
Restrictions: None
Council of American Overseas Research Centers Scholarship
This study abroad scholarship is meant to be part of an effort by the United States government to expand the number of students in the U.S. studying and mastering foreign languages. The
Council of American Overseas Research Centers Scholarship is comprehensive - providing full coverage of all major study-abroad expenses.
Amount: Full coverage for programs including all room and board
Who Qualifies: Undergraduate and graduate students studying foreign language in the United States
Application Deadlines: November 15
Restrictions: None
Fulbright Program
The
Fulbright Program is a fully funded scholarship program for students in the United States who wish to partake in international graduate study programs and teaching programs worldwide.
Amount: Fully funded
Who Qualifies: Graduate students who wish to teach internationally
Application Deadlines: Varies based on the school
Restrictions: Graduate students only
School for International Training Scholarships
The
School for International Training Scholarships are study abroad funding meant for students wishing to study in one of the many 'School for International Training' participants around the world. Programs range from anthropology to scientific studies.
Amount: Varies
Who Qualifies: Undergraduates, sophomore and above.
Application Deadlines: April 1 for Summer, May 15 for Fall, November 1 for Spring
Restrictions: None
The Michaela Farnum Memorial Scholarship
The
Michaela Farnum Memorial Scholarship is meant to support participants who wish to study business and foreign language abroad.
Amount: $1,000
Who Qualifies: Undergraduates looking to study language and business during their sophomore, junior or senior year.
Application Deadlines: Varies
Restrictions: None
ISA Diversity Scholarship
The
ISA Diversity Scholarship is meant to encourage students to broaden their cultural horizons. This program caters to students (graduates and undergraduates) who have been accepted in the ISA program.
Amount: $1,000 for Summer study, $2,000 for Fall or Spring study
Who Qualifies: Students accepted into the ISA program with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Application Deadlines: February 28 for Summer, April 30th for Fall, October 30 for Winter
Restrictions: Only junior or sophomore undergraduates and graduate students.
AASAP/UK Lord Acton Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is meant for students who wish to study abroad in the United Kingdom. The AASAP/UK Lord Acton Memorial Scholarship is a merit based scholarship and is awarded to students who demonstrate understanding and value in an international academic experience.
Amount: $1,000 for a semester, $2,000 for a full year
Who Qualifies: Students above freshman level with cumulative GPA of 3.00
Application Deadlines: Variable
Restrictions: Undergraduates only

While there are numerous study abroad scholarship and grant opportunities listed here, it's important to remember that there are also numerous local opportunities which are available to you. Scholarships from local clubs and organizations which value the importance of education are available at the state and local level and these organizations look for opportunities to support hard-working students. As you set about funding your trip, it's important to take the time to explore all avenues in an effort to identify the right combination of financial support for your semester, summer or year abroad. Both need and merit based opportunities exist - you just have to know where to look for them.
Where to Look for Other Study Abroad Resources:
Host university scholarships - There are usually scholarships offered by individual universities for students who wish to study abroad, check the host university website where you will be studying for more information about available funding resources and opportunities - you may be surprised by what you find!
Home university scholarships - Scholarships are offered by the university the student originates from as well. Check the foreign studies office on your campus for more details. We also recommend that you check in with your faculty adviser and/or department chair - these people will likely know of additional resources which may be available to students at your university and if they aren't aware of opportunities they can certainly point you in the right direction and put you in touch with someone who does know.
Government funding - The government will, at times, offer study abroad scholarship and grant programs designed to support students working toward specific jobs that the government hopes to fill in the future. These programs will often have student-friendly repayment methods for students who wish to study abroad for high-value jobs. More information can be found at the foreign studies office on your college campus, and you should also stop by the financial aid office at your university to be sure you've covered all of your bases and made use of all of the resources which are available to you.ina