Unlock Your Global Potential: A Guide to UT Scholarships for Study Abroad
Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, enhancing your global competence and improving your employability. However, one of the perceived barriers to studying abroad is the cost of the program. At UT Austin, the university works with students to maximize funding opportunities, understanding that financial constraints should not prevent students from pursuing international opportunities. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and grants are available to help make studying abroad a reality. UT Austin students are encouraged to apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible for. Scholarship awards can range from $500 to $6,500.
General UT Study Abroad Scholarships
UT Austin offers several scholarships specifically for students participating in study abroad programs. These scholarships are designed to support both undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of fields of study and destinations.
Endowed Scholarships
UT Austin provides several endowed scholarships through LASSO, the university-wide scholarship system. These scholarships have unique criteria and deadlines, so it's important to research them early. To find these scholarships in LASSO, use the keyword search "Education Abroad." Most applications include questions about the student and personal essays related to the scholarship’s intent or their own experiences and background. Students submit their applications ahead of the application deadline to be reviewed.
Anna and Victor Ivanauskas Scholarship in Education Abroad: This summer scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students participating in education abroad or academic travel. Preference is given to students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher and those studying in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong. The scholarship supports U.S. citizens or permanent residents participating in education abroad or research.
International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS): Awarded in Fall, Spring, May Term, and Summer, IEFS supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing education abroad, including internships and research. It emphasizes financial need, academic standing, and program enrollment, offering flexible funding across multiple terms to enhance global learning opportunities.
Ivy McQuiddy Endowed Scholarship for Study Abroad: Awarded in the Fall after Spring participation is verified, the Ivy McQuiddy Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing academic year-long education abroad or research. It favors students in good academic standing and encourages exploration of nontraditional locations, broadening global perspectives.
Mark and Sarah Murray Endowed Student Scholarship for International Study: Available in Fall and Spring, this scholarship assists undergraduate and graduate students participating in exchange programs. It requires good academic standing and demonstrated financial need.
Merryman Revell Creative Excellence Scholarship: Awarded in the Summer, this scholarship supports undergraduate students engaged in education abroad or research who are also participating in Texas Global’s Marketing and Communications Creative Excellence Internship.
Sarah (Bunny) and Leo Horvitz Memorial Scholarship: Awarded in the Fall and Spring, the Sarah (Bunny) and Leo Horvitz Memorial Endowed Scholarship supports undergraduate students who are studying abroad in Israel or the region, whether through a traditional study abroad program, a research or internship opportunity in the region, or a virtual exchange program with an institutional partner in Israel or in the region.
Timothy M. Smith Inspiration Through Exploration Award
The Timothy M. Smith Inspiration Through Exploration Award will be presented annually to an Honors Program student. The award provides a talented student author with an opportunity to travel and find inspiration.
Read also: Requirements for TTU Abroad Scholarships
UT Tyler Scholarships
UT Tyler also offers scholarships for study abroad. However, students who have received this scholarship in the past are ineligible to receive this award again. Disbursements of awarded UT Tyler scholarship funds are made in accordance with the scheduled financial aid disbursement date for the semester awarded. Scholarships are designed to meet financial need and therefore impact aid eligibility. Scholarship amounts may be reduced or rescinded. Funds will be disbursed on the published financial aid refund date, and students may not receive the funds prior to trip departure. It is important to budget wisely and plan for how to afford to live abroad.
External Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to UT-specific scholarships, numerous external foundations and affiliates offer funding for education abroad. Here are some recommended scholarships:
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides funding (up to $5,000) to undergraduate students who receive a Federal Pell Grant to participate in study and intern abroad programs. Students studying critical-need languages can qualify for additional funds (up to an additional $3,000). The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman Scholarship Program is established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 and is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Butex Scholarship
Funding available to undergraduate students enrolled in a credit-earning study abroad program of at least four weeks. Priority is given to students from underrepresented populations in study abroad. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
Child of Active Duty Service Member Scholarship
Funding available ($5,000) for child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.
Read also: Global Opportunities with ASU
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at US colleges and universities. It provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students studying critical languages for most of the 13 languages. CLS seeks participants with a wide range of professional, regional, and academic backgrounds in the United States. There is no service requirement for CLS Alumni after the program. CLS Alumni apply their critical language skills in their professional careers.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
Funding available to economically disadvantaged students, first-generation students, ethnically and racially diverse students, students with disabilities, and students who identify as LGBTQ+. Funding through FEA available to LGBT+ students participating in a high-quality, rigorous education abroad program.
Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)
Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provides financial need-based funding to undergraduate students studying abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
Blakemore Freeman Fellowships
Blakemore Freeman Fellowships provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students to study less-commonly taught languages in world regions critical to US interests as well as those underrepresented in study abroad.
Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan
Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan provides funding to undergraduate students participating in study abroad programs in Japan. The scholarships are made possible by donations from corporations and foundations to the US-Japan Bridging Foundation.
CIEE Scholarships and Grants
CIEE offers more than $2 million each year to scholarships and grants to study abroad on their CIEE programs. CIEE Latin America offers fully-funded study abroad programs for FALL2025 or SPRING2026, allowing students to embrace Latin culture, history, and language on a life-changing experience.
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship provides funding for students to study in Germany. The scholarships are based at and organized by a German university (fall, and spring programs). Fifty $1,000 grants are awarded each year.
George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program
The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program funds students at an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The scholarship is for leadership, and community service in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program is designed to engage the next generation of America's leaders with the island of Ireland.
The Fulbright Program
Fulbright Foreign Student Program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide. Approximately 4,000 foreign students receive Fulbright scholarships each year. The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.
Thouron Award
The Thouron Award provides funding for postgraduate study in the United Kingdom. The Thouron Award is to foster understanding between the peoples of Britain and the United States. The scholarships are awarded to students of outstanding academic attainments and by their other activities and achievements.
Think New Zealand Scholarship
Think New Zealand Scholarship is available to students (at least a sophomore) who are enrolled at a New Zealand university or ITP through a study abroad program.
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship provides funding to students planning on studying, interning, or volunteering aboard. You must be a legal US resident and student over the age of 14 from an accredited high school, trade school, university, or college.
Program-Specific Scholarships
Some study abroad programs offer their own scholarships or grants. For example:
- UT in Florence Program Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students participating on the UT in Florence program. Award amounts vary based on term.
- WLC Majors Studying Abroad Scholarships: Scholarships available to WLC majors studying abroad.
- UT Language & World Business Program Funding: Competitive funding ($1,200) for students in the UT Language & World Business program.
Key Steps to Securing Study Abroad Scholarships
Start Early: Research scholarship opportunities as soon as possible. Many scholarship deadlines are the same as the program application deadline - not after. It is imperative that you research scholarships early and apply for scholarships in tandem with your program application.
Research Thoroughly: Each scholarship has a unique timeline and application process. Understand the eligibility requirements and application criteria for each scholarship you are interested in. Always check the criteria and due dates on the application.
Utilize LASSO: Use the search keyword "Education Abroad" on LASSO for more information regarding application criteria and deadlines.
Seek Advising Support: The International Programs Office can provide advising support. Talk to a Study Abroad Advisor.
Understand Your Finances: Talk to One Stop Student Services to understand the cost of your UT education as well as how you currently finance it.
Budget Wisely: It is important to budget wisely and plan for how to afford to live abroad. Part of this process may include applying for education abroad scholarships.
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