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Education Abroad Scholarships

 

Education Abroad Scholarships

Did you know that at least 25% of our students get scholarships to study abroad?

Did you know that applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving funding?

Did you know you can get up to $20,000 by applying for scholarships abroad?

Did you know that the UCR Education Abroad office will help you with your essays? We'll host nine scholarship essay-writing office hours in Summer 2025 on Zoom (meeting link): August 5 at 1:00 p.m.; August 12 at 11:00 a.m.; August 19 at 1:00 p.m.; August 26 at 11:00 a.m.; September 2 at 1:00 p.m.; September 9 at 11:00 a.m.; September 16 at 1:00 p.m.; September 23 at 1:00 p.m.; and September 30 at 11:00 a.m.

  • Help with Fund for Education Abroad scholarship essays. Opens July 30 with a mid-September deadline.
  • Help with UCR scholarships (Pollitt Study Abroad Fund, Rose Royal, EA Programs Scholarship) essays on Zoom. October 1 deadline.
  • Help with Gilman scholarship essays. Opens in August with an October 3 deadline.

Timing

If you are studying abroad during the summer, fall, or academic year, you will likely apply between February and April of that year. 

If you study abroad in the winter, spring, or summer, you will likely apply from September through November. 

We encourage you to read each scholarship description carefully for eligibility and deadlines. Good luck!

Sample Essays by UCR Students

Read sample award-winning scholarship essays written by real UCR students here (Gilman and Fund for Education Abroad winning essays).

 

Highlighted UCR Scholarships

Education Abroad Scholarships

To search for more scholarships, see these lists:

To view the UCR presentation, "How to Get Education Abroad Scholarships," see tinyurl.com/UCREAscholarships

To read sample award-winning education abroad scholarship essays written by UCR students, see this Google Docs file.

  • UCR Education Abroad Scholarship
    • Eligibility: Enrolled UCR students without prior study abroad experience. Students majoring in any field of study at UCR can apply for the UCR Education Abroad Scholarship, which is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Preferences for students with financial need and academic achievement (GPA), who are either veterans, community college transfer students, first-generation college students, and/or STEM majors. Submit an application on MyUCRAbroad before the deadline. Note: If you are a graduate student, please talk to the UCR Graduate Division about your plans to study abroad and other funding opportunities.
    • Awards: $500 to $1,000.
    • Annual Deadlines:
      • April 1 (for Summer, Fall, and Academic Year programs). 
      • October 1 (for Winter, Spring, and Calendar Year programs).
    • Recommendation Letter: One (not required but recommended).
    • Essays: One.

    UCR Education Abroad ScholarshiP (myUCRAbroad)  

    Questions about this scholarship? Email educationabroad@ucr.edu.

  • UCR Teresa and Byron Pollitt Study Abroad Fund

    The Teresa and Byron Pollitt Endowment for Study Abroad Fund is to support students participating in UCR education abroad programs. This scholarship will be for students of all backgrounds and majors. 

    • Eligibility: Enrolled UCR undergraduate students who have completed at least one academic year (three terms) at UCR by the time of studying abroad and have a minimum 2.8 GPA. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge. Apply on MyUCR Abroad before the deadline.
    • Award: $3,000 or more.
    • Annual Deadlines:
      • April 1 (for Summer, Fall, and Academic Year programs). 
      • October 1 (for Winter, Spring, and Calendar Year programs).
    • Essays: One personal statement.

    UCR POLLITT STUDY ABROAD FUND (myUCRAbroad)  

    Questions about this scholarship? Email educationabroad@ucr.edu.

  • UCR Rose Royal for Language Study Abroad Scholarship

    The Rose Royal for Language Study Abroad Scholarship is to support students participating in all UCR education abroad programs. This scholarship will be for students of all backgrounds and majors. 

    • Eligibility: Enrolled UCR students of all backgrounds and majors, though Liberal Arts majors are preferred. Students must be enrolled at UCR and preferably have no prior study abroad experience. Applicants should be studying for a full academic year and continuously pursuing knowledge in a foreign language through formal course work. Submit an application on MyUCRAbroad before the one annual deadline.
    • Award: Up to two $1,000 awards.
    • Annual Deadline: April 1
    • Recommendation Letter: One.
    • Essays: One, about how language study abroad will be used to further the student's academic and/or research experiences.

    UCR ROSE ROYAL SCHOLARSHIP (myUCRAbroad)  

    Questions about this scholarship? Email educationabroad@ucr.edu.

  • UCR Undergraduate Travel and Research Mini-Grants

    Undergraduate Education (UE) offers students the opportunity to apply for funding to support research expenses or travel to present research at national conferences. For students enrolled in research-intensive education abroad programs, this may be an ideal award.

    • Award: Up to $1,000.
    • Annual Deadline (Travel Mini-Grant): Accepted on a rolling basis. Submit an application as soon as you have proof of acceptance to present at a conference and no later than two months in advance of the conference date.
    • Annual Deadlines (Research Mini-Grant):
      • March (for Summer and Fall conferences or research-related travel). 
      • August (for Fall and Winter conferences or research-related travel).
      • November (for Winter and Spring conferences or research-related travel).
    • Recommendation Letter: One.
    • Essay: A 2-3 page proposal narrative (research mini-grant) or 2-3 page proposal request (travel mini-grant).

    Undergraduate education travel and research mini-grants

  • UCR Honors Scholarships

    UCR Honors Study Abroad Scholarship

    • Eligibility: UCR Honors students in good standing who have been accepted to an education abroad program.
    • Awards: Up to $2,000.
    • Annual Deadlines:
      • April (for Summer and Fall programs). 
      • October (for Winter and Spring programs). 

    UCR Honors scholarshIPS 

    Kathleen Harris Endowed Scholarship

    • Eligibility: UCR Honors students in good standing who have been accepted into and plan to attend an education abroad program within the next two years.
    • Awards: Up to $1,000.
    • Annual Deadline: January.

    UCR Honors scholarshIPS 

    Questions about UCR Honors scholarships? Email latoya.ambrose@ucr.edu.

  • UCEAP Scholarships

    The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) offers scholarships to students enrolled in their programs. UCEAP scholarships—$800,000 annually—make study abroad accessible to UCR students of all backgrounds and majors. You could be eligible for thousands of dollars. Apply for multiple scholarships with only one application.

    • Eligibility: Enrolled UCR undergraduate students who haven't received this travel grant, which is only awarded one time per student. Submit an application on MyUCRAbroad before the deadline.
    • Awards: $500 to $8,000 each.
      • UCEAP Global Scholarship: Up to $2,000.
      • UCEAP Memorial Scholarship: $2,000.
      • UCEAP Social Media Scholarship: $500.
      • and more!
    • Annual Deadlines: Varies, depending on the scholarship.
    • Recommendation Letter: None is required.
    • Essays: One or more, depending on the scholarship (example: UCEAP Global Scholarship).

    UCEAP Scholarships

    Questions about UCEAP scholarships? Email scholarships@uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu.

  • Bridging Scholarships

    Geared toward U.S. undergraduate students who learn for one semester or an academic year in Japan, the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation helps students prepare for future global leadership roles.

    • Eligibility: Undergraduate U.S. citizen students majoring in any field of study at UCR are eligible to apply for Bridging Scholarships. Students must study for at least 3 months in Japan and transfer the credit back to UCR. 
    • Language: No Japanese language prerequisite.  
    • Awards: $3,500 (semester) or $6,000 (academic year).
    • Annual Deadline: March 15.

    Bridging Foundation Website

  • Boren Scholarships and Fellowships

    This fully-funded award is for students from a variety of academic backgrounds, though STEM majors are preferred. Undergraduate students apply for Boren Scholarships, and graduate students apply for Boren Fellowships. All applicants apply separately to participate in language-intensive study abroad programs in underrepresented countries critical to U.S. national security interests. 

    Boren Awards Website

    Questions about Boren? Want someone to look at your essays? Email sonjal@ucr.edu or educationabroad@ucr.edu.

  • Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

    Offered by the U.S. government, the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is fully funded and offers intensive summer language institutes overseas in "critical need" (under-studied) languages. If you are applying for academic credit, you must work with the UCR Education Abroad office (educationabroad@ucr.edu).

    • Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate U.S. citizen students majoring in any field of study at UCR can apply for CLS. No minimum GPA requirement.
    • Language: Some programs require 1-2 years of language study, while others do not require any prior study.
    • Awards: 100% covered costs.
    • Annual Deadline: Mid-November.
    • Recommendation Letter: None is required.
    • Essays: Four (three short sections and one statement of purpose).

    CLS Scholarship Website

    Questions about CLS? Want someone to look over your essays? Email sonjal@ucr.edu or educationabroad@ucr.edu.

  • Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) Scholarships

    The Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD), or German Academic Exchange Service, offers scholarships for short-term research, Master's degrees, or doctoral programs in Germany. Scholarships fund these programs from four months to four years. There are dozens of scholarships for undergraduates, graduates, doctoral students, and faculty.

    DAAD Scholarship Choices:

    DAAD Scholarships

  • Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship

    The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) covers 100% of program fees and travel costs for 12 students from universities, including UCR, to participate in a four-week summer education abroad program. During the program, Fellows will travel to Washington, DC, Cape Town, Dublin, Derry, and Belfast to explore the legacies of Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, John Lewis, Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Daniel O’Connell, John Hume, and other giants of social change. 

    • Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, or juniors with a minimum 3.3 GPA. This fellowship is open to U.S. citizen or permanent resident ("green cards") students who identify as an ethnicity typically underrepresented on education abroad programs (e.g. American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander).
    • Award: 100% covered costs (~$10,000 value).
    • Annual Deadline: February 14.
    • Recommendation Letter: One.
    • Essays: Yes.

    Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship

  • Freeman-Asia Award

    This award is for undergraduate students studying language and culture in East or Southeast Asian. 

    • Eligibility: Undergraduate U.S. citizen or permanent resident ("green card") students majoring in any field of study at UCR can apply for a Freeman-Asia award. You must plan to study Asian culture and language for at least 20 hours a week in one of these Asian countries: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, or Vietnam. You should also demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.8 GPA. 
    • Program Length: A minimum of 8 weeks for a summer term, 10 weeks for a quarter term, and 12 weeks for a semester term.
    • Language: No language prerequisite.
    • Awards: 
      • Summer: up to $3,000
      • Quarter/Semester: up to $5,000
      • Academic/Calendar Year: up to $7,000
    • Annual Deadline: Late March.
    • Recommendation Letter: None is required.
    • Essays: Two.

    Freeman-Asia Scholarship 

    Questions about Freeman-Asia? Want someone to look at your essays? Email sonjal@ucr.edu or educationabroad@ucr.edu.

  • Fulbright Scholarship

    Formed in 1946, the Fulbright Program is a fully-funded international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines for graduating college seniors, graduate students, and early-career professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. This is a grant for U.S. citizens.

    Participating Fulbright countries, as of 2023:

    • East Asia-Pacific: Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, South Pacific Island Nations, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam.
    • Europe and Eurasia: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, European Union, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, or the United Kingdom.
    • Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories (West Bank), Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, or the United Arab Emirates.
    • South and Central Asia: India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, or Uzbekistan.
    • Sub-Saharan Africa: Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
    • Western Hemisphere: Argentina, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, or Uruguay.
    • Award: 100% covered cost.
    • Annual Deadlines:
      • August: UCR campus deadline.
      • October: National deadline.
    • Recommendation Letters: Three letters required. 
    • Essays: 
    • Other documents: Transcripts, an affiliation letter (depending on your application type), and a foreign language evaluation form (depending on your country).
    • Connect with or read sample essays from former UCR students who have received this award:

    Fulbright Scholarship 

    If you're an undergraduate student, contact Dr. Sonja Lind, UCR's Undergraduate Fulbright Program Advisor: sonja.lind@ucr.edu.

    If you're a graduate student, contact Dr. Lauren Hammond, UCR's Graduate Fulbright Program Advisor: lhamm002@ucr.edu. 

    Visit this webpage for more information on Fulbright virtual workshops and resources: gwc.ucr.edu/fulbright-us-student-program.

  • Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarship
    • Eligibility: Undergraduate U.S. citizens, permanent residents ("green card"), or DACA recipients majoring in any field of study at UCR can apply for the FEA scholarship. You must demonstrate financial need. Preferences include students of color, first-generation college students, and transfer students. 
    • Language: No language prerequisite.
    • Awards: $1,000 to $5,000.
    • Annual Deadlines:
      • February (for Summer, Fall, and Academic Year programs).
      • September (for Winter and Spring programs). 
    • Recommendation Letter: None is required.
    • Essays: Two.

    Fund for Education AbroaD (FEA) 

    Questions about FEA? Want someone to look at your essays? Email sonjal@ucr.edu or educationabroad@ucr.edu.

  • Gilman Scholarship
    • Eligibility: Undergraduate U.S. citizen students majoring in any field of study at UCR can apply for the Gilman scholarship. You must demonstrate that you receive Pell Grant funding. 
    • Awards: $2,500 to $8,000.
    • Annual Deadlines:
      • March (for Summer, Fall, Academic Year, Winter, and Spring programs). 
      • October (for Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Academic Year programs).
    • Recommendation Letter: None is required.
    • Essays: Three to five. Read sample essays written by UCR students here.

    Gilman Scholarship  

    Questions about Gilman? Want someone to look at your essays? Email sonjal@ucr.edu or educationabroad@ucr.edu.

  • Going Abroad Scholarship
    • Eligibility: Students majoring in any field of study at UCR can apply for the Going Abroad scholarship. This is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
    • Award: $1,500.
    • Annual Deadlines:
      • Mid-March (for Summer or Fall programs). 
      • Mid-October (for Spring semester programs).
    • Recommendation Letter: None is required.
    • Essay: One, but it is a 3-4 minute video essay application.

    Going abroad scholarship

  • HI USA Explore America Travel Scholarship

    HI USA Explore America scholarship 

  • HI Explore the World Scholarship
    • Eligibility: Applicants between ages 18 and 30 years old who will travel to another country. U.S. citizens or permanent residents ("green card") who demonstrate financial need. Applicants have to stay in a youth hostel for at least two nights during their travel.
    • Awards: $2,000 (extra $1,000 if you are a first-time passport applicant).
    • Annual Deadline: Late November.
    • Recommendation Letter: None is required.
    • Essays: Yes.

    HI Explore the world scholarship 

  • Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
    • Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study at UCR can apply for the Tortuga scholarship. This scholarship is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents ("green cards"), or international students in the U.S. who will study in another country outside the U.S.
    • Award: $1,000 and a backpack.
    • Annual Deadlines:
      • Mid-April (for Fall programs). 
      • Mid-November (for Spring semester programs).
    • Recommendation Letter: None is required.
    • Essay: One.

    Tortuga Study Abroad scholarship

  • Wander Abroad Spring Break Scholarship to Costa Rica

    This scholarship, funded by Wanderstay Hostel, covers the costs of university students to study abroad for the spring break week in Costa Rica (March).

    • Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study at UCR can apply for the Wander Abroad scholarship in Costa Rica. This is for students who have never studied abroad before.
    • Special Note: This application requires a $40 application fee.
    • Award: 100% costs covered (~$5,000 value).
    • Annual Deadline: August.
    • Recommendation Letter: One.
    • Essay: One.

    wander Abroad scholarship

  • UCR Highlander Abroad Fund (HAF) Travel Grant [On Hiatus]

    As recently as Spring 2025, UCR students contributed $2 each quarter to the Highlander Abroad Fund, as part of their student fees, for education abroad. However, as of May 2025, UCR students did not vote in a renewal of this fund. The Highlander Abroad Fund (HAF) Travel Grant supported students participating on a UCR Faculty Led Education Abroad Program (FLEAP), UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), or Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP). With this grant, students would receive up to $660 reimbursement of their travel costs, including:

    • Transportation: Airfare, bus fare, travel agency service fees, private car mileage allowances, baggage fees, bridge and road tolls, taxi and public transportation fares, and all other charges for transportation services necessary to accomplish the education abroad travel plans in accordance with UCOP and UCR Travel Policies.
    • Lodging: Expenses for overnight sleeping facilities, which may include but are not limited to a homestay, dormitory, on-campus apartment, private apartment, private student residential halls, shared apartments, hotel, and hostel that are provided through their education abroad program in accordance with UCOP and UCR Travel Policies.
    • Passport: Expenses related to Adult Passport Book, USPS Application Fee, and Passport Photo.

    Recipients needed to submit their travel receipts and confirmation of enrollment upon arrival to their program for the award to be processed.

    • Eligibility: Enrolled UCR undergraduate students who haven't received this travel grant, which is only awarded one time per student. Submit an application on MyUCRAbroad before the deadline. [Note: As of May 2025, this scholarship is on hiatus.]
    • Awards: Up to $660.
    • Annual Deadlines:
      • April 1 (for Summer, Fall, and Academic Year programs). 
      • October 1 (for Winter, Spring, and Calendar Year programs).
    • Recommendation Letter: None is required.
    • Essays: None is required.

    THIS GRANT IS CURRENTLY ON HIATUS.  

    Questions about this grant? Email educationabroad@ucr.edu.

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