Study Abroad Scholarships: Get Paid to Travel in 2026

Looking for scholarships and grants to study abroad this year? You’re in the right place! Explore active scholarships and grants and read our pro tips to help finance your study abroad adventure!

Do you want to start your study adventure abroad? Good news! A number of fully funded scholarships are available for international students. In this article, we will explain in detail about fully funded scholarships offered in the world’s top universities, their benefits and the step-by-step application process.

More than 1000 fully funded scholarships are available at the world’s top universities for international students. These scholarships provide an average monthly stipend of $15,000 along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance and travel allowance.

Apply for fully funded scholarships and fulfil your dream of studying at world-class universities like Yale University, USA, Oxford University, UK, Cambridge University, UK, Harvard University, USA, Monash University, Australia, CGS China and many more.

Unlocking Funding Opportunities for Your Study Abroad Journey

Federal Financial Aid for International Study

Did you know that your existing federal financial aid might actually travel with you? It’s true! Many students don’t realize that federal grants and loans can be used for study abroad programs. The first step? Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It’s not just for tuition at home; it can open doors to potential funding sources overseas too. It’s definitely worth checking out!

Leveraging University Resources for Scholarships

Your university is a goldmine of information and, more importantly, funding. Seriously, don’t skip this step. Here’s what you should do:

• Talk to your financial aid office. They know the ins and outs of available aid.
• Visit the study abroad office. These folks are experts in finding programs and funding.
• Check with specific departments (like foreign language or your major). They often have scholarships you didn’t even know existed.

Don’t be shy about asking questions. The people in these offices are there to help you achieve your study abroad dreams. They can point you toward scholarships tailored to your program, destination, or field of study.

Community and Cultural Organization Grants

Think local! Many community and cultural organizations offer grants to students studying abroad, especially if your program relates to their mission or the country they represent. Consider these:

• Local chapters of cultural organizations (German clubs, Italian-American societies, etc.).
• Community foundations that support education and international exchange.
• Religious organizations that offer scholarships for study in specific regions.

Navigating Scholarship Applications for 2026

Okay, so you’re thinking about studying abroad in 2026? Awesome! But let’s be real, it costs money. Scholarships are your best friend here, but getting them isn’t always a walk in the park. It’s all about playing the game smart. Let’s break down how to actually win at this scholarship thing.

Understanding Need-Based Scholarship Criteria

Need-based scholarships are all about showing that you actually need the money. It’s not just about wanting to travel (though, who doesn’t?). These scholarships look at your family’s financial situation to figure out how much help you need. The big thing here is the FAFSA. Remember that the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is now the Student Aid Index (SAI), so make sure you’re using the right numbers when you fill out your FAFSA. CIEE requires your current SAI details from your FAFSA Submission Summary for programs in 2025 and on. Basically, the lower your SAI, the better your chances for these scholarships. Also, some scholarships might ask for additional info, like tax returns or bank statements, so be ready to provide that stuff.

Key Deadlines for Study Abroad Scholarships

Deadlines are everything. Miss them, and you’re out of the running, no matter how amazing your application is. Start looking for scholarships early, like, really early. Some deadlines are almost a year before your program starts! Keep a spreadsheet or use a calendar to track every deadline. Set reminders for yourself, too. Don’t just assume you’ll remember. Applying early is crucial for competitive study abroad scholarships. Here’s a general idea of when to expect deadlines:

• Fall programs: February to April
• Spring programs: August to October
• Summer programs: November to January

It’s better to submit an application a week early than a day late. Seriously. Give yourself time to deal with any tech issues or last-minute questions.