Scholarship Opportunities for Master's Programs Abroad: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the perfect master's program abroad is exciting, but figuring out how to finance it can be daunting. Fortunately, many scholarship and grant opportunities exist to help make your study abroad dreams a reality. Thousands of dollars in scholarships go unclaimed every year simply because students don't apply! This article provides a comprehensive overview of scholarship opportunities for master's programs abroad, covering various funding sources, eligibility criteria, and application tips.

Where to Find Scholarships

Common places to find scholarships you qualify for are through study abroad program providers, third-party organizations, and through your home university's international or study abroad office. The trick is not only knowing where to find scholarships to study abroad but also how to apply for them and, ultimately, win them!

Program-Specific Scholarships

Many study abroad program providers offer scholarships specifically for students participating in their programs.

SIT Study Abroad: SIT Study Abroad awards need-based scholarships and grants.
IES Abroad: IES Abroad offers more than $6 million in scholarships and aid, including diversity scholarships and grants to provide opportunities for traditionally underrepresented communities in study abroad.
SFS: SFS works closely with your home school to help you fund your SFS program.
Semester at Sea: Semester at Sea is committed to fostering inclusivity among the shipboard community and offers need-based and merit scholarships, including the Inclusive Engagement Scholarship, which gives preference to underrepresented identities.
CISabroad: 70% of all CISabroad students receive scholarships, grants, or discounts to study abroad.
CET: CET offers scholarships and financial assistance for its high school abroad, gap year abroad, and college study abroad programs. Financial assistance and scholarships are need-based and merit-based. Upon applying to any CET program, you'll gain access to CET's scholarship application.
Verto Education: The Verto Education Opportunity Grant can reduce tuition by as much as $15,000. Funding is awarded based on Expected Family Contribution (determined by the FAFSA). Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to qualify. The Verto Scholars Award is offered to incoming students based on their high school GPA.
Global Experiences: Global Experiences offers scholarships for both summer and semester terms in any of the organization’s 11 global cities. Full scholarships are available for semester-long programs, with special consideration given to those who are underrepresented in study abroad programs. Global Experiences also contributes to those who receive a Pell Grant or Benjamin A.
ISE and SAS: Each semester, ISE and SAS offer scholarships, need-based grants, and merit grants to make it possible for more students to set sail and join our living and learning community. An average of 60% of voyagers receive some form of aid and scholarships each voyage. Even students who don't receive financial aid at their home colleges or universities may qualify for funding assistance through Semester at Sea.
CIEE: The Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Travel Grant helps cover outbound and return airfare to all CIEE program locations for students who demonstrate financial need. All students who receive a Federal Pell Grants are guaranteed a GAIN Travel Grant.
IFSA: IFSA is deeply committed to making study abroad accessible to as many students as possible. Financial assistance is available for IFSA January term, semester, year, and summer programs. Scholarships include the IFSA First-Generation Scholarship and IFSA Diversity Scholarship, as well as program-specific scholarships in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. The average scholarship awarded per student is around 15%-25% of the total tuition cost, with up to 60% of the cost awarded in exceptional cases.
Arcadia Abroad: Arcadia Abroad offers need-based scholarships. Around 70% of students who apply for aid money through Arcadia Abroad receive some form of award. Arcadia Abroad values equity, diversity, and inclusivity when awarding scholarships.
GLA: The goal of GLA's scholarship is to provide inclusion, diversity, equity and access to GLA programs.
AIFS: AIFS also offers internship and study abroad + internship blended programs to support the development of personal and professional skills. They offer $1 million dollars in merit and need-based scholarships thanks to the generosity of numerous donors who have a deep connection with AFS and value intercultural exchange.
CEA CAPA: CEA CAPA is committed to increasing access to study and interning abroad.
Forum-Nexus: Opportunities exist to earn study abroad scholarship by participating in a student assistantship.
FIE: FIE is a values-driven community that is invested in making a difference and believes everybody should be able access the life changing benefits of studying abroad.
International Business Seminars: The Founder's Scholarship provides assistance to students studying abroad on a program organized by International Business Seminars. Submit a 1,000 to 2,000-word essay to apply, then write two short blogs and create two short videos documenting your experience abroad while on the program to meet the scholarship criteria.
Barcelona SAE's commitment to removing barriers for students. Providing targeted financial resources is one of the core components of TODOS.
TEAN: The Global Opportunity (GO) Full-Ride Scholarship is designed to give a stand-out student the opportunity to study abroad. The scholarship can be used for any TEAN program and covers tuition, program fees and orientation (up to $15,000 value). This scholarship is offered for summer and semester programs and is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad.
Child Family Health International: Since 2007, Child Family Health International awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to support participation in our global health programs, electives, practicums, and internships.

Third-Party Organizations

Numerous organizations offer scholarships for study abroad, regardless of the specific program.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers scholarships to U.S. undergraduates with limited financial means to study or intern abroad.
Boren Awards: Boren Scholarships and Fellowships provide funding for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study less popularly studied, minority world languages in world regions critical to the future security of our nation and underrepresented in study abroad. Boren Scholars can choose to study abroad in their country of choice, excluding nations within Western Europe as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship: The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world.
Rotary Club: The Rotary Club operates one of the largest and longest-run private study abroad funding programs offering up to $25,000 in scholarships to fund one year of academic study, room and board, and other associated expenses.
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants: Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.
Global Scholarships: Global Scholarships’ mission is to make scholarships accessible and transparent, and are happy to offer a $3,000 scholarship for one international student, studying in a country where they are not a citizen or permanent resident.
Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Stipends: Stipends of $500 are available for those who successfully apply to become a Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador. The money is put towards a Spring or Fall semester volunteer, intern, teach, or study abroad program.
Fund for Education Abroad: The Fund for Education abroad prides itself on providing accessible scholarships to students who are traditionally underrepresented. Students of color, first-generation, community college students, and more will be given preference in the application process.
Council on International Educational Exchange: The Council on International Educational Exchange offers multiple scholarships and grants aimed at providing minority students from the United States with the financial means to study abroad, as well as merit-based scholarships for funding assistance.
University Studies Abroad Consortium: The University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) awards students who demonstrate significant financial need with scholarships to support their study abroad aspirations annually. To be eligible for these study abroad scholarships, students must enroll in USAC study abroad programs.
The Intern Group: In order to promote global leadership, The Intern Group is offering four full ride grants for students and recent graduates interested in interning remotely. Typically, they offer scholarships for interning abroad in Dublin, Latin America, Australia, or Shanghai during the summer or fall.
American Institute for Foreign Study: The American Institute for Foreign Study awards deserving students with more than $800,000 in financial aid for study abroad annually.
School for International Training: The School for International Training (SIT) offers scholarship funding to qualified students interested in participating in one of SIT’s many study abroad programs around the world.
Critical Language Scholarships: Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs provides American students with the opportunity to enjoy fully-funded overseas summer language and cultural immersion programs through the awarding of Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) each year. Applicants are selected based on their commitment to studying non-traditional languages abroad, including Arabic, Japanese, Swahili, and Russian.
Golden Key Scholarship: The Golden Key Scholarship is an education-based scholarship awarded to qualified individuals with outstanding academic, leadership, and service achievements. Each year, the Golden Key International Honor Society offers $1,000,000 of scholarship awards to both undergraduate and graduate students.
American Association of University Women: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has a long history of empowering women, not only in the United States, but all over the globe.
Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation: The Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation provides both Silver and Gold Scholarships to girl scouts who have a desire to study abroad when they reach university.
Tortuga Backpacks: Tortuga Backpacks provides study abroad funding to students with a desire to take amazing extracurricular trips while studying abroad.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: To commemorate the centennial anniversary of Coca-Cola, the company established the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, to carry out their mission to provide students with the opportunity to make a difference in the world and experience lifelong enrichment because of their international experiences.
Generation Google Scholarship: While continuing to break down barriers by inspiring and helping students to become the future of the technology industry, Google established the Generation Google scholarship in order to fund study abroad for American and Canadian students who aspire to become the best computer scientists of their generation.

Home University Resources

Your home university's international or study abroad office is an invaluable resource for finding scholarships and financial aid. They often have a list of scholarships specifically for their students, as well as information on federal financial aid and other funding options.

Scholarships for Graduate Students

While many study abroad scholarships are geared towards undergraduate students, several opportunities are available for graduate students pursuing master's programs abroad.

IPSL Global Engagement: IPSL Global Engagement offers an automatic $5,500 grant for Graduate degree programs in International Development and Service (IDS MA) and the Community Organizing and Social Activism Degree (COSA MA) to any AmeriCorps Alum, Peace Corps returnee or Veteran.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program: This prestigious option is for recent college graduates, master- and doctoral-degree candidates, and young professionals with less than five years of work experience. Arts, humanities, and social sciences students may enroll in a graduate degree program (master’s or doctoral), or attend courses without seeking a degree. Strong preference for those who have not previously held a Fulbright grant.
AAUW: The AAUW supports women pursuing a variety of graduate academic opportunities.
Kappa Gamma Pi: If you’re a paying member of Kappa Gamma Pi, you’re in luck.
Danish platform for sustainability: This Danish platform wants to help students change the world. They are focused on graduates who enroll in a master’s program that will help alleviate the impact of climate change and make the world a more sustainable place.

Destination-Specific Scholarships

Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan: $2,500-$4,000 for study abroad in Japan, these can also be used for travel and living expenses.
Freeman Asia: $3,000-$7,000 scholarships to spend up to eight weeks in one of 15 Asian countries.
IDB King Abdullah University International Scholarships: KAUST Fellowship supports individuals during their graduate studies at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.
Taiwan Fellowships & Scholarships (TAFS): Offers international students the chance to study for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree in Taiwan-with tuition covered and a generous monthly stipend to help with living costs.
Schwarzman Scholars: Fully funded, one-year master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing-designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships: Each year, DAAD offers a variety of scholarships to encourage students to study abroad for a semester or postgraduate degree.
American School of Classical Studies in Athens: If you want to deepen your studies on ancient Greece, you can do it with the help of the Malcolm H.

Key Dates for Master's in Europe 2026 Scholarship

Applications open: 15 May 2025, 14:00 CESTApplications close: 15 May 2026, 12:00 CESTFinalists notified: 15-26 June 2026Winner announced: 13-17 July 2026Scholarship paid out: Fall 2026 semester

Application Requirements

To be considered, submit your completed application by May 15, 2026, at 12:00 CEST.

The application consists of:

Filling out a form
Answering the questions in the application form

Please note that applications must be submitted in English. Applications in other languages will not be considered. Similarly, applications, including a CV, academic records, certifications, or documents other than the application essay, will not be evaluated.

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If selected as a finalist, you may be asked to provide:

Proof of acceptance into the university in the form of a copy of your acceptance letter
Proof of undergraduate qualifications in the form of a copy of your transcript
Proof of identity in the form of a copy of your passport
Copies of documents must be scanned in color. Please have these documents on hand should you be selected as a finalist. The scholarship fund can only be used towards upcoming tuition fees and is paid directly to your university.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Digital Ambassador Scholarship: The Digital Ambassador Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who create videos documenting their experiences at a GLO seminar.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers scholarships to U.S. undergraduates with limited financial means, including students receiving Federal Pell Grants, to study or intern abroad.
Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships: The Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships program supports an effort between the United States and Germany to support study abroad in Germany. It is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship Program and the German Academic Exchange Service.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship: The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate children of active-duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.
Going Study Abroad Scholarship: The Going Study Abroad Scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at an accredited higher education program in the United States (and its territories and possessions) and will be studying abroad.
Golden Key International Honour Society: Golden Key International Honour Society is the world's largest collegiate honor society for graduate and undergraduate students and connects with more than 400 institutions worldwide. Society members who are top performers in their class may use the scholarship portal tool to find scholarship opportunities that range between $500 and $1,500.
ItaliaRail and International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Scholarship: ItaliaRail, an official partner of the national railway of Italy, and International Student Identity Card (ISIC) partnered to create scholarships for study abroad students. It’s part of an initiative to offer students valuable benefits and discounts through membership.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship: The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers a scholarship for qualified international students who are accepted by a Japanese institution under a student exchange agreement or other student exchange arrangement. It is available to qualified students attending the Hiroshima or Nagasaki programs.
National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Scholarship: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) administers nearly 200 scholarships annually for students studying a wide range of academic areas. USAC Italy students who are Italian American or majoring in Italian studies or a related field are eligible.
British Universities Transnational Exchange (Butex): British Universities Transnational Exchange (Butex) is a membership organization offering scholarships to undergraduate students for summer, semester, or full year terms.
The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF): The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) provides grants/fellowships for individuals to pursue research, study, or creative arts projects in one or more Scandinavian country for up to one year.
Blakemore Language Fellowships: Blakemore Language Fellowships are awarded for one academic year of advanced level language study in East or Southeast Asia.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program: The Charles B. Student Program, a congressionally-funded international exchange program, provides grants for recent graduates and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary/secondary school teaching worldwide.
Peace Corps: The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated changemakers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges.
British Council: The UK government’s British Council offers several scholarships, bursaries, and additional financial support to students, including Chevening Fellowships and Royal Society research grants.
German Chancellor Fellowship Program: The German Chancellor Fellowship Program provides funding to university graduates from the United States who have an international outlook and are interested in spending a year in Germany to implement a project of their own design.
The Institute of Turkish Studies (ITS): The Institute of Turkish Studies (ITS) sponsors an annual grant competition for scholars in the United States.
Serge Bellanger International Business Degree Scholarship: The Serge Bellanger International Business Degree Scholarship, sponsored by the French-American Chamber of Commerce Foundation (FACC Foundation), provides funding for the next generation of transatlantic business leaders.
Australian Government Scholarships: Several scholarships and grants are available for students interested in studying and earning a degree in Australia. These are offered by the Australian Government, universities, and a number of private and public organizations.
Taiwan Government Scholarships: Several government- and university-funded scholarships are available for students interested in studying and earning a degree in Taiwan.
Churchill Scholarships: The Churchill Scholarships in science, mathematics, and engineering provide funding to American students for one year of Master’s study at the University of Cambridge, based at Churchill College.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship, established by a donation from Bill and Melinda Gates, offers full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom to pursue a full-time graduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
Yenching Academy of Peking University: The Yenching Academy of Peking University aims to build bridges between China and the rest of the world through a fully-funded interdisciplinary master’s program in China Studies.

Tips for Winning Scholarships

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search and application process well in advance of your program start date.
Research Thoroughly: Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship before applying.
Tailor Your Applications: Avoid the temptation to mass-apply for multiple scholarships. You need to create individualized, unique cover letters for each and every scholarship that you apply for.
Highlight Your Strengths: Showcase your academic achievements, leadership skills, community involvement, and relevant experiences in your application.
Write a Compelling Essay: Your essay is your opportunity to tell your story and explain why you deserve the scholarship. Connect your study abroad experience to your academic and career goals, and demonstrate how it will contribute to your personal and professional growth.
Emphasize Your "Life Puzzle": Many students fail to recognize their semester or summer of studying abroad as a smaller piece to their life puzzle; however, life will go on after you return. How do you anticipate being different? How do you plan to incorporate the lessons you learn while abroad onto your university campus or into your life in your home communities?
Connect it to your heritage: If you are going to a region or continent that is linked to your family history, why not use your study abroad experience as a way to get better acquainted with your second, third, and fourth cousins?
Don't be Intimidated: Let’s be honest: study abroad scholarship judges were probably not the end-all, be-all of their college campuses. Average joe’s are welcome.
Apply Often: It may be hard to stomach, but don’t count on a single application to score a fully funded study abroad program. Apply early, and apply often. Now, hop to it!
Seek Feedback: Ask professors, advisors, or career counselors to review your application materials and provide feedback.
Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos.

Additional Funding Resources

Federal Financial Aid: Many students don't realize that these government grants and loans may be used towards study abroad. Apply for federal financial aid.
IIE: IIE manages more than 200 programs with participants from more than 180 countries. In the last year alone, more than 29,000 people participated in IIE managed programs.
Registered Apprenticeship Program: Registered Apprenticeship provides the opportunity for workers seeking high-skilled, high- paying jobs and for employers seeking to build a qualified workforce. In this regard, the Registered Apprenticeship system effectively meets the needs of both employers and workers. Registered Apprenticeship is highly active in traditional industries such as construction and manufacturing, but it is also instrumental in the training and development of emerging industries such as healthcare, energy, and homeland security.

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