6 Online Directories for Study Abroad Scholarships
Studying and living abroad is often hailed by students as one of the best decisions they’ve ever made, with many calling it a transformative experience. It’s easy to see why! Immersing yourself in another country’s culture, communities, and daily life fosters personal growth, broadens perspectives, and creates lifelong memories. The sheer joy and value of studying abroad can have a lasting impact on your life. That said, study abroad programs can be expensive. While many believe the experience is worth every penny, not everyone has the financial means to pursue it. Fortunately, a growing number of study abroad scholarships and grants are available to help make international education opportunities more affordable for qualified students.
Various organizations and companies offer free directories with information about financial aid—including scholarships, grants, and loans. Some of these directories specifically focus on study abroad opportunities, while others provide funding options that can be applied toward tuition and living expenses. Remember, even if the aid is not exclusively for study abroad, freeing up other funds for your overseas education is just as beneficial. To help you find an exemplary scholarship for your study abroad adventure, check out these six online directories that offer valuable financial aid resources:
1
College Board Scholarship Search
College Board offers a free financial aid search tool that allows students to look for scholarships, grants, and internships—some of which can be used to support study abroad programs. Just visit the site, input your details, and hit “See Results.” College Board’s database includes over 2,200 financial aid programs, allowing you to easily see the award sponsor, type of award, application deadline, and amount for each opportunity.
2
Your Home University’s Study Abroad Office
One of the best places to start your scholarship search for studying abroad is your home university’s study abroad office. Many universities offer institutional scholarships specifically for students participating in international study programs. Advisors at the study abroad office can help you identify available funding opportunities, walk you through the application process, and provide resources for external scholarships that align with your destination or academic program. They may also connect you with past study abroad students who successfully secured scholarships and can share helpful tips. Be sure to apply early, as funding is often limited and competitive, and explore options such as need-based aid, merit-based scholarships, and country-specific grants to maximize your chances of receiving financial support.
3
GoAbroad.com
GoAbroad.com is another free directory where you can search for scholarships that can be used to help cover the costs of studying abroad. You can explore their vast database by clicking the “Scholarship” link at the bottom of the page and entering “Study Abroad” into the search bar. This will show you all of the available scholarships for study abroad programs, and many of them may be applicable to you and your situation.
4
StudentScholarships.org
StudentScholarships.org offers a searchable directory of scholarships that can be used for various expenses, including tuition, living costs, and studying abroad. To get started, click “Start Finding Scholarships” and browse the opportunities by scholarship name, amount, deadline, and essential eligibility requirements. It’s a great user-friendly tool to help you explore financial support options.
5
Federal Student Aid
The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office offers detailed information about loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. While not all federal financial aid can be applied toward study abroad, some grants and loans are eligible. Visit the site to explore how you can utilize federal funds to support your international studies!
6
StudyAbroad.com
Finally, be sure to check out StudyAbroad.com’s scholarship page, specifically created to assist students in finding funding for their study abroad programs. This comprehensive resource features a curated list of scholarships that StudyAbroad.com offers as a provider, making it easier for you to discover numerous opportunities that can help make your study abroad experience more financially manageable.
Making Your Study Abroad Dreams a Reality
Securing scholarships for studying abroad is a great way to make your international dreams a reality without overwhelming financial stress. By exploring these six online directories, you’ll have access to valuable funding resources that can help turn your academic journey abroad into an affordable and enriching experience. Don’t let financial hurdles hold you back—start searching for scholarships today and take the next step toward the adventure of a lifetime!
