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Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships

Scholarships and grants are a great way to help cover costs associated with education abroad. Each year, UWM students receive thousands of dollars in funding to help pay for their programs.

Important Note: Almost always, study abroad scholarship applicants receive notification of an award AFTER applying and being acceped for their program. It is essential, therefore, that you never commit to participate in a program until confirming that you can afford it WITHOUT scholarship assistance. If you will be using financial aid to cover some or all of your program costs, you should contact the UWM Financial Aid Office before application to evaluate your financial needs.

Wisconsin Study Abroad Grant

The Wisconsin study abroad grant provides funding for qualifying undergraduate UWM students to help defray the cost of study abroad. Funding is contingent upon state budget legislation, so may not be available if the program is not funded. The amount of funding awarded per student differs from year to year based on the number of qualified applicants. Students participating in semester- and year-long programs generally receive more than students participating in short-term summer, UWinteriM, and spring break or studio programs. The maximum possible award is $2,000, with an average award of $500. Meeting application requirements for the grant does not guarantee an award.

To qualify for a Wisconsin study abroad grant you must:

  1. be a Wisconsin resident;
  2. be enrolled in a UWM bachelor’s degree program (this must be your first bachelor’s degree);
  3. be participating in a UWM-sponsored study abroad program or UWM exchange;
  4. be listed with the Federal Student Financial Aid System (through FAFSA).

UWM's Department of Financial Aid, Student Employment, and Military Education Benefits offices evaluate applicants' need and make grant awards. 

Application deadline:

  • October 15 for Winterim and Spring programs
  • March 15 for Summer and Fall programs
  • Applications are to be typed, then printed, signed and submitted to CIE study abroad office, Pearse Hall 166. Keep the cover sheet for your records about notification timeline

These are hard deadlines and no exceptions will be made for late applications.

UWM Provost's Study Abroad Diversity Scholarship

The Provost's study abroad diversity scholarship provides funding to support students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad.  Individuals from one or more groups may apply: (1) first-generation college students; (2) students with diverse ethnic backgrounds (e.g., American Indian or Alaska Native, African American or Black, Hispanic or Latino/a, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander); and (3) students with disabilities.  This scholarship reflects UWM’s commitment to expanding the diversity of students who participate in education abroad programs.  Students participating in semester- and year-long programs generally receive more than students participating in short-term summer, UWinteriM, and spring break or studio programs. The maximum possible award is $2,000, for academic year, fall, and spring programs.  The maximum possible award is $1,000, for Uwinterim and summer programs.  Meeting application requirements for the grant does not guarantee an award.

To qualify for this scholarship you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be from a traditionally under-represented study abroad group (see above).
  • Be a full-time, degree seeking UWM student in good standing.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Receive post-application acceptance into a UWM-sponsored study abroad program during the specified terms listed above.
  • Be prepared to commit to their program of choice and participate in full upon acceptance of this scholarship.

Application deadline:

  • October 15 for Winterim and Spring programs
  • March 15 for Summer, Fall, and Academic Year programs
  • Applications need to be submitted to CIE study abroad office, Pearse Hall 166.

These are hard deadlines and no exceptions will be made for late applications.

Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies Scholarships

The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) at the UWM develops, supports, and promotes teaching, research, and outreach about Latin America and the Caribbean.

Scholarships are available. Please visit the CLACS scholarship website.

 rpoint presentation on the Boren scholarship, please click here.

Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation Life Impact Program

The Life Impact Program is made possible by a generous grant from the Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation. The Life Impact Program provides all participants with a $5,000 renewable scholarship as well as extensive support services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of UWM students with children. All participants are expected to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and fulfill various other program requirements meant to assist students with identifying and meeting academic, personal and professional goals. Additional program information is available on-line at www.lifeimpact.uwm.edu.

Several UWM students will be selected to join the Life Impact Program for the 2013-2014 academic year. Only complete application packets will be reviewed by the selection committee. Please read the application instructions carefully and utilize the application checklist to ensure you have a complete application packet.

Amount of Award: $5,000 when enrolled full-time ($2,500 per semester)

Applications accepted year-round. Priority deadline is March 4th 2013. Applications received by this date will be screened and reviewed for eligibility at this time. If space remains available, applications may be accepted beyond the March 4th, 2013 priority deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early due to the selectivity of the Life Impact Program and limited number of available awards.

For more information please visit the website:  http://www4.uwm.edu/lifeimpact/

 

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Have you ever dreamed of studying abroad in another country but thought you couldn't afford it?  If yes, then the Gilman scholarship might be a great opportunity for you!  This scholarship program awards Pell Grant recipients up to $5,000 to study abroad for a semester or year.  

Informational Sessions:

  • Monday, February 4,  3:30 – 4:30pm, Garland 104

  • Tuesday, February 12,  1 – 2pm, Garland 104

  • Friday, February 22,  10 – 11am, Garland 104

  • Wednesday, February 27,  11am – 12pm, Garland 104

Deadlines:

  • March 5, 2013

Gilman scholarships are awarded every semester.  In the past, students who have taken advantage of on-campus advising have been more likely to receive the award than students who applied on their own.  Scholarship advisor and a designated Financial Aid advisor must certify all Gilman applications coming from UWM in order for them to be considered complete.  Even if you do not wish to pursue on-campus advising, please let the Scholarship advisor know if you plan to apply for the scholarship because all applicants will need to provide the Scholarship advisor with some required information in order to certify all applications.

For more information on the scholarship, please visit the Gilman Scholarship website.

Contact the Scholarship advisor Ramona Washington for more information about on-campus advising opportunities and guidelines.

The Fulbright Program for U.S. Students

The Fulbright Program-administered by The Institute of International Education (IIE) and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State-offers fellowships to U.S. students for study, research, and/or teaching assistantships abroad.

Deadlines:

  • September 17, 2012 (UWM campus deadline):  If you would like assistance with the application process or if you would like/need a campus comittee to evaluate your application (strongly recommended), you must meet with advisor Sharon Gosz well before this date.  Complete applications must be submitted for review by this deadline; revisions may be made after the campus interview and prior to national deadline.
  • October 17, 2012 (national deadline): Deadline to submit electronic applications.  While not required in all cases, applicants are strongly encouraged to work with an advisor.
  • Actual deadline TBA

For more information:

DAAD German Academic Exchange Service Scholarships

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) offers several scholarships to undergraduates and graduates interested in studying in Germany.  Of particular interest to UWM students is the Undergraduate Scholarship which grants students spending a semester or year in Germany a €650/month stipend as well as travel expenses.  This scholarship is offered once a year.  This is a very competitive scholarship and students are encouraged to begin the application process early.

Deadlines:

  • Varies on Scholarship
  • January 31 for Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2013-2014 cycle.  Students interested in this scholarship should contact the study abroad coordinator listed below by November 2012.

For more information please visit the DAAD website.

CIEE Scholarship

CIEE is a study abroad program provider that hosts programs for studying, teaching and working all over the world. They realize that going abroad can tend to be a bit costly, so they offer numerous grant and scholarship opportunities.

Deadlines:

  • April 1 for summer, fall, and academic year programs
  • November 1 for winter, spring, and calendar year programs

Visit the CIEE webpage for more information.

NSEP Boren Awards for International Study

Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.  The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.

Boren applicants must identify how their study abroad program, as well as their future academic and career goals, will contribute to U.S. national security, broadly defined.  NSEP draws on broad definition of national security, recognizing that the scope of national security has expanded to included not only the traditional concerns of protecting and promoting American well-being, but also the challenges of global society, including sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease and hunger, population growth and migration, and economic competitiveness.

Students select to receive a Boren Scholarship must commit to working for the U.S. government for at least a year following the completion of their education. 

Deadlines:

  • Please contact the Boren campus representative by December 2012 if you are interested in applying for the 2012-2013 cycle.
  • CAMPUS DEADLINE - January 21, 2013
  • February 13, 2013 for all 2013-2014 undergraduate programs
  • January 31, 2013 for all 2013-2014 graduate programs

A representative from Boren will be visiting UWM!  Please come to the Boren Information Session on Tuesday, October 2, at 3pm in Curtin Hall 175.

This is a very competitive scholarship and requires an on-campus faculty review so students serious about applying should begin the process early.

For more information on the scholarship, please visit the NSEP Boren Awards website. To learn about on-campus Boren Scholarship advising opportunities and guidelines, contact Sue Conway.

For a powerpoint presentation on the Boren scholarship, please click here.

The Humanity in Action Fellowship

Intensive and demanding, the Humanity in Action Fellowship brings together international groups of university students and recent graduates to explore national histories of discrimination and resistance, as well as examples of issues affecting different minority groups today.

Program Dates:
May 31 to June 30, 2013: Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Lyon and Warsaw

Eligibility:
Students and recent graduates from universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States.

http://www.humanityinaction.org/programs/14-humanity-in-action-fellowship

Australearn Scholarships and Grants

Australearn is a study abroad provider that hosts programs in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AustraLearn provides numerous scholarships to students applying for a semester or year abroad through the AustraLearn program. Scholarship applications are made available to all eligible participants upon acceptance to the AustraLearn program. Eligibility, deadline, and other awards details.

Deadlines:

  • January intake - October 30th
  • February intake - November 30th
  • May intake - February 28th
  • July intake - April 30th
  • September intake - June 30th

Visit the Australearn Scholarship webpage for more information.

AIFS Scholarships

AIFS is a study abroad program provider that hosts an array of international programs.  AIFS annually awards more than $250,000 in scholarships to semester and summer students who submit application materials demonstrating high academic achievement.  Scholarships are available for both semester and summer programs.

Deadlines:

  • Varies by scholarship 

Visit the AIFS website for more information.

Herstmonceux Castle Scholarship

Dr. Alfred Bader generously funds awards (up to $2,500/semester) for eligible UWM students participating in the Herstmonceux Castle Study Abroad Program.  Students accepted to participate in this program are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.  For more information about the Herstmonceux Castle Study Abroad Program, visit Queen's University website. 

Contact Yomarie Castellano for more information.

Rotary International Ambassodorial Scholarship

The Ambassadorial Schoalships are provided to scholars that are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country.

Applicants must have completed at least two years of university of college course work, or mush have secondary school education and have been employed in a recongnized vocation for at least two years when the scholarship begins. This scholarship awards one year support up to $25,000.00.  Additional eligibility requirements, application procedures, and further details can be found by visiting their website.

Visit the Rotary International website for more information.

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant

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.  Forty-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year.  Please see eligibility requirements, application requirements, deadline information, and contact information on their website.

 Visit Phi Kappa Phi's website for more information.

Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan

The Associated Teachers of Japanese Bridging Project offers scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan.

Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for these scholarships.  Japanese language study is not a prerequisite.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be enrolled as undergraduates in a college or university in the United State before and during the time they are studying abroad.

Visit the website for more information.

Chinese Government Scholarship

The Chinese government offers scholarships to students interested in improving their Chinese language skills in China.  A full scholarship may include tuition, accommodation, and an estimated $117 USD stipend per month for living expenses.  This scholarship can be used for UWM's Guangxi Normal University study abroad program, but must meet all eligibility requirements. 

Deadlines:

  • Varies by scholarship

Visit the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China website for more information.

Huayu Enrichment Scholarship

The Taiwanese government offers scholarships to students interested in improving their Chinese language skills in Taiwan.  Recipients of this scholarship will be awarded approximately $790 USD per month for the duration of their award period.  Students have four award period options to choose from (one year, nine months, six months, or three months).  This scholarship can be used for UWM's Mandarin Training Center study abroad program, but must meet all eligibility requirements.

Deadlines:

  • Varies by scholarship

Visit the Taiwan Ministry of Education website for more information.

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

The U. S. Department of State is pleased to announce the scholarship competition for the 2013 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program in thirteen critical need foreign languages. The CLS Program provides fully-funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for seven to ten weeks for U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Languages offered: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, and Urdu.
  • Students from all academic disciplines, including business, engineering, law, medicine, sciences, and humanities are encouraged to apply.
  • While there is no service requirement attached to CLS Program awards, participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and later apply their critical language skills in their professional careers.

For more information and the application please visit http://www.clscholarship.org.

IIEPassport Study Abroad Funding

This comprehensive online database of study abroad scholarships, fellowships, and grants allows students to search by country or subject to find study abroad

Fastweb.com

Fastweb.com is a website dedicated to keeping students informed about domestic and international scholarship, grant, and internship opportunities

ScholarshipPortal.edu

A new online scholarship database, ScholarshipPortal.eu, was recently launched at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference. ScholarshipPortal.eu is an integrated, centralized European platform providing information on all scholarships offered for studying in Europe. The database already contains over 700 scholarship programs. Students can now find and compare relevant programs based on their nationality, background, where and what they want to study, and many more search criteria. ScholarshipPortal has been developed by StudyPortals and the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) and funded by the European Commission Lifelong Learning Programme.

For more information, please visit: www.scholarshipportal.edu

StudyAbroad.com

 Scholarships are a great resource that a lot of students neglect simply out of lazoiness. While you may be overwhelmed at the thought of more applications, you should absolutely take the time to scour scholarships. A standard Internet search can yield a lot of results, and speaking with an advisor at your school’s abroad office is important too. Talking to an advisor ensures you getting the information you need from a reliable source.


For more information, please visit: http://www.studyabroad.com