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 be 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.

Scholarships are available for education abroad students through the Education Abroad Office, study abroad program providers, and other scholarship providers.

Education Abroad Scholarships

You can apply for these scholarships by filling out the Scholarship Application and submitting a short essay, a copy of your grades, your current financial aid award letter (if applicable), and a letter of recommendation. The applications are due November 1 for Spring programs and April 1 for Summer or Fall programs. Awards are based upon the quality of students’ application and financial need. Award amounts typically range between $200 and $500.

College of Business Scholarships

The College of Business 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 completing their global learning requirement, students participating in College of Business faculty-led programs abroad, and students with demonstrated financial need. Applicants for CB scholarships must be in good academic standing and complete all other application requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Study Abroad Program Sponsor Scholarships

Please consult with your Program Sponsor for available scholarships.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship search engine

mach25.collegenet.com/cgi-bin/M25/index

Michigan State University list of external scholarships

studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/external.html

Funding for graduate women

www.aauw.org

American-Scandinavian Foundation offers fellowships and grants for study and research in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway

www.amscan.org/award.htm

International Education Financial Aid

www.iefa.org

Free customized list of financial aid sources including private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans.

www.fastweb.com

Links to scholarship searches and listing of financial aid information

www.finaid.org

Scholarships for students studying abroad

www.iie.org

International Grant listings

www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3inttrav.htm

Rhodes Scholarships

www.rhodescholar.org

Rotary

www.rotary.org

Study Abroad

www.studyabroad.com/os/finaid.html

Scholarship search engine

www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html

University of Minnesota search engine

www.umabroad.umn.edu/financial/index.html

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) provides funding for study abroad in Germany to over 50,000 individuals per year

www.daad.org