Scholarships
The financial component of an education abroad program is an important aspect to consider. As you compare program options, take care to note the costs associated with the program as well as the expenses that are not included. In some cases, you will find that education abroad programs are less expensive than attending WSU, while in other cases it will cost more.
By enrolling in a full-time study program, you are eligible to use financial aid (loans, grants, and most scholarships) to help fund the experience. There are also a number of study abroad scholarships that you can apply for.
WSU Education Abroad Scholarships
WSU Education Abroad (EA) Office has several scholarships available for WSU students to financially assist them in making their education abroad experiences a reality.
The following is a list of scholarships available through the EA scholarship process. Current students from any WSU campus are eligible and are encouraged to apply. Please read the descriptions and criteria carefully before applying to insure that you meet the minimum scholarship requirements. One WSU EA Scholarship Application is sufficient for all EA sponsored scholarships.
- Aaron Iverson Scholarship
- This scholarship was established by the parents of Aaron Iverson, a WSU student who loved to travel. Aaron died in an accident during Spring Break of 1996. The scholarship was established in his memory to help deserving WSU students experience the adventures that Aaron so enjoyed through travel in his short life. It the donors’ hope that the scholarship will impress upon the recipients the fact that someone sacrificed to give them an opportunity, with the distinct hope that they will one day do the same for others. Preference is given to high need students who have not traveled outside North American before, and have a philanthropic interest. The donors prefer to make awards to student studying abroad for a full year. Award amount varies.
- College of Business Scholarships
- The College of Business (CB) offers scholarships to encourage and assist WSU students participating in College of Business global education opportunities and global internship experiences. First priority will be given to business students participating in immersive, longer-term programs; students completing CB’s global learning requirement; students participating in CB faculty-led programs abroad; and students with demonstrated financial need. A student’s GPA also will be considered. Applicants for CB scholarships must be in good academic standing and complete all other application requirements. Students wishing to be considered for College of Business Scholarships are strongly encouraged to submit their scholarship application by Nov. 1as the College of Business may not have additional funding to offer scholarships during the spring scholarship cycle. This applies to all program terms: spring, summer, fall, calendar year and academic year.
- Education Abroad Endowment
- This endowment was established by the generous contributions of Carolyn and George Hubman in thanks for their own study and travel experiences while students at WSU. They wish to enable WSU students to pursue an education abroad experience in hopes that recipients in the future may also help provide similar opportunities for others. This scholarship will be awarded to WSU’s most qualified undergraduate student who maintains a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrates financial need, and who will participate in one of WSU’s education abroad programs.
- Hendrik S. Baarslag Scholarship
- The Hendrik s. Baarslag Scholarship was established to provide assistance to students from the College of Engineering and Architecture. Awards are made by the CEA based on academic merit and financial need.
- Marie Wright Scholarship for Non-Traditional Locations
- This scholarship was established to encourage WSU students to study abroad in non-traditional locations. "Non-traditional" is defined as outside Western Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. Highest priority will be given for study in Africa or the Middle East, but all non-traditional locations will be considered. Applicants must be WSU degree-seeking students in good academic standing and of sophomore status or above at the time of study abroad. Students must be studying abroad for at least one semester.
- Study Abroad in Asia Scholarship
- The Study Abroad in Asia Scholarship was established by the faculty of the Asia Program to encourage WSU student participation in a study abroad experience in Asia. Applicants for the scholarship must be in good academic standing, of sophomore status or above at the time of study abroad, and have completed a minimum of 6 credit hours in Asia Program courses or their equivalent. Students may be studying in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia or the Middle East.
- Thompson Education Abroad Scholarship
- The Thompson Education Abroad Scholarship is awarded each spring to a WSU Foreign Language major studying a minimum of one (1) semester in the target language. The amount of the award depends on the endowment’s earnings. The selection committee is appointed by the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and awards on made based on academic merit, financial need, suitability of proposed study plan, and potential for growth and development.
*Some study abroad program sponsors provide WSU with scholarship monies to award WSU students who study on their programs. To apply for the scholarships listed below, use the EA Scholarship Application.
- API Scholarships
- API provides WSU with scholarship monies for students participating in API programs. Students should have a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Use the EA Scholarship Application to apply for this scholarship.
- AIU Merit-Based Scholarships
- AIU provides WSU with scholarship monies for students participating in AIU programs. Use the EA Scholarship Application to apply for this scholarship.
- Australearn Scholarships
- Australearn provides WSU with scholarship monies for students participating in Australearn programs. Use the EA Scholarship Application to apply for this scholarship.
- IFSA-Butler Scholarship
- IFSA-Butler provides WSU with scholarship monies for students participating in IFSA-Butler programs. Use the EA Scholarship Application to apply for this scholarship.
- ISA Scholarships
- ISA provides WSU with scholarship monies for students participating in ISA programs. Use the EA Scholarship Application to apply for this scholarship.
- Study Abroad Italy Scholarships
- Study Abroad Italy provides WSU with scholarship monies for students participating in Study Abroad Italy programs. Use the EA Scholarship Application to apply for this scholarship.
- USAC Scholarship
- USAC provides WSU with scholarship monies for students participating in USAC programs. Use the EA Scholarship Application to apply for this scholarship.
WSU Education Abroad Scholarship Application Process
Application Requirements and Deadlines
To better accommodate the financial planning needs of students, there are two scholarship application cycles each year. To be considered for a WSU Education Abroad Scholarship, a student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and an active education abroad program application. All elements of the scholarship application must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the appropriate deadline preceding your experience abroad. If the deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday your grade reports, faculty recommendations, and financial aid award reports must be turned in to the Education Abroad Office by the Friday preceding the deadline at 5:00 p.m. However, you may complete the on-line application anytime before 5:00 p.m. on the actual deadline.
Scholarship |
Application Deadline |
Suggested Abroad |
Fall |
Nov. 1** |
Spring and Calendar Year Programs, as well as all program terms for students applying for the College of Business Scholarship.* |
Spring |
April 1 |
Summer, Fall, and Academic Year programs* |
*Please note: If you would like to apply for scholarships earlier than the suggested application cycle, you may do so. However, you may be awarded scholarships only once per program abroad. **Students wishing to be considered for College of Business Scholarships are strongly encouraged to submit their scholarship application by Nov. 1, 2009 as the College of Business may not have additional funding to offer scholarships during the spring scholarship cycle. This applies to all program terms: spring, summer, fall, calendar year and academic year. |
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A complete WSU EA Scholarship application includes the following items:
- An active WSU Education Abroad Program Application
- A completed WSU Education Abroad Scholarship Application Form
- Academic Recommendation Form for EA Scholarships (to be completed by a WSU faculty member or academic advisor).
- A short personal essay (2 pages) outlining how your coursework, life experiences, career goals, and personal interest will contribute to a successful experience abroad.
- A copy of your WSU transcript or grade report printed from your My WSU account.
- A copy of your current financial aid award letter (for need based scholarships).
Awards are based on the following criteria:
- Quality of students' overall application
- Thoroughness of personal essay,
- Strength of academic recommendation,
- Record of academic performance
- Level of scholarship merit, financial need, or other special circumstance.
Award amounts typically range between $200 and $500.
Seeking Additional Scholarship Opportunities?
Below, is a list of scholarships and resources for students seeking additional financial assistance to fund their study abroad experience. In addition, please consult with your Study Abroad Program Sponsor for scholarships available through their own organization. All resources listed below are beyond the scope of WSU and the EA scholarship application process. Please visit the individual websites listed for more information and instructions on how to apply for these scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships/Grants:
Agribusiness Beyond the Borders Scholarship Application
Scholarship opportunity for students in Agricultural majors. AgCareers.com provides three $1,000 scholarships for students currently studying in North America who are embarking on a study abroad experience. One scholarship is provided each term, award amounts of $1,000 are typical. For more information, visit ttp://www.agcareers.com/scholarship_form.cfm.
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation German Chancellor Scholarship
Scholarships for a stay of one year in Germany for professional development, study or research. Students must have completed a Bachelors Degree. No previous experience with German language required.
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis/grapes/detail.asp?recordno=386
American Association of University Women
Funding for graduate women. For more information, visit http://www.aauw.org/education/fga/index.cfm
American-Scandinavian Foundation
Fellowships and grants for study and research in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway. For more information, visit http://www.amscan.org/fellowship.html
American Swedish Institute and Malmberg Scholarship
Scholarship and funding options for students studying abroad in Sweden.
http://www.americanswedishinst.org/ASI/Scholarships.html
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Students must receive a Pell Grant, and must spend at least 4 weeks in one country. Summer only programs are not eligible. For more information, visit www.iie.org/gilman or contact gilman@iie.org.
Bridging Scholarship for Study in Japan
Scholarship open to students studying in Japan for one semester or an academic year. For more information, visit http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/scholarships.html
BUTEX North American Scholarships
Open to all undergraduate students currently enrolled at an institution in the USA who have been offered a study abroad or exchange placement at a UK university which is BUTEX affiliated. Your study abroad or exchange placement must be for the current academic year and for a minimum of one semester. For more information, visit http://www.butex.ac.uk/?q=node/38
Canada America Society Study-Abroad Scholarships
Scholarships for American students that are enrolled in universities which are members of the PNWCSC studying abroad in Canada.
http://www.canada-americasociety.org/
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Provides funding for study abroad in Germany to over 50,000 individuals per year. For more information, visit www.daad.org
Diversity Abroad Scholarships
Scholarships available through this site are for semester and summer terms and are associated with many programs with which WSU works. Economically disadvantaged students, African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic/Latino and Native-American students are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://www.diversityabroad.com/scholarships
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant
Phi Kappa Phi grants are meant to help undergraduate students as they gain experience and professional development in their field of study when they study abroad.
www.phikappaphi.org/Web/Scholarships/StudyAbroad.html
John T. Petters Foundation
The John T. Petters Foundation seeks to increase study abroad opportunities for students who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints. Eligible students must be undergraduates in good standing and be pursuing a study abroad program that has a focus on international business.
http://www.johntpettersfoundation.org/default.aspx
Killam Fellowships Program
Scholarship program which allows undergraduate students to participate in a bi-national residential exchange program between Canada and the United States. Scholarship recipients spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the other country. /www.killamfellowships.com
NSEP Boren Scholarship
Students must study in a non-traditional location (Africa, Asia, Central/Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East). Emphasis is placed on non-traditional language study. For more information, contact Andrew Appleton at appleton@wsu.edu and visit http://www.iie.org/programs/nsep/default.htm.
Rhodes Scholarships
For more information, visit www.rhodescholar.org
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships
For more information, visit the Rotary Scholarships website
ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships
This scholarship program supports highly motivated and qualified U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to do research at a public Swiss university or research institute for 2 to 3 months. The scholarship is open to students of all fields. For more information, visit www.thinkswiss.org.
Additional Resources:
Links to scholarship searches and listing of financial aid information
www.finaid.org
Free customized list of financial aid sources including private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans.
www.fastweb.com
International Education Financial Aid
www.iefa.org
International Grant listings
www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3inttrav.htm
Michigan State University list of external scholarships
studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/external.html
Scholarship search engine
mach25.collegenet.com/cgi-bin/M25/index
Scholarships for students studying abroad
rockymountainiie.org/study_abroad_scholarships_and_exchange_opportunities.asp
Study Abroad Scholarships
www.studyabroad.com/os/finaid.html
Study Abroad Funding
www.studyabroadfunding.org/
Study Abroad Scholarship search engines
www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html
University of Minnesota search engine
www.umabroad.umn.edu/financial/index.html
