Study abroad has, traditionally, been the preserve of the wealthy. Most programs cost thousands of dollars, making them unaffordable for most students who don’t number among the middle or upper classes.

It also tends to be a predominantly white affair. In the U.S., black, Hispanic, and Asian students are severely underrepresented in study abroad programs relative to their distribution in the population as a whole.

Fortunately, there are a number of organizations working to bridge the accessibility gap and bring the varied benefits of studying abroad to underserved communities. 

If you’re part of a group typically underrepresented in study abroad—by that, we mean first-generation, low-income, ethnic minority, LGBTQ+, or having a disability—there are several scholarships and grants available offering financial aid for your study abroad program.

In addition to the resources below, be sure to check with your international education office, which may have other scholarships available. With that said, here are eight of the best study abroad scholarships for minorities. 

Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships

One organization leading the way in making study abroad more inclusive is the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA). Since 2010, FEA has dished out over $1.6 million to more than 600 U.S. students.

FEA works with a host of study abroad institutions and providers to offer no less than 30 different diversity scholarships. That means that if you register with FEA, you are automatically considered for all scholarships that you meet the eligibility requirements for!

The amount of financial aid varies, running up to $5,000 in total per student. With such a wide variety of study abroad scholarships for minorities available, FEA offers something for every underrepresented group. 

Provider: Fund for Education Abroad

Level: Undergraduate and graduate

Award: Up to $5,000

Requirements: Varies

Deadline: Varies

Critical Language Scholarship

The exciting Critical Languages Scholarship is a U.S. government program for students learning any of 15 less commonly taught languages that are considered crucial to the country’s international engagement.

If you speak one of the critical languages at home with your family, this is a great opportunity to develop your language skills in a professional setting. You’ll gain plenty of valuable experience as a citizen diplomat during your time abroad.

The scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship and eventually apply those skills to their future careers. 

Provider: U.S Department of State

Level: Undergraduate and graduate

Award: Varies

Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen

Deadline: November 16

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Another U.S. government offering, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship has been helping undergraduate students in financial need study abroad for 20 years. 

1,350 American colleges and universities are signed up to the international scholarship which, to date, has sent more than 34,000 students to 155 different countries of study. Many Gilman alumni are first-generation students, hail from ethnic minority backgrounds, or have a disability.

Thousands of study abroad scholarships are awarded each year, making the Gilman scholarship program a great option for minority students wanting to maximize their chances of receiving financial assistance. 

Provider: U.S. Department of State

Level: Undergraduate

Award: Up to $5,000

Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be earning a Federal Pell Grant

Deadline: October 5, March 1

Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Scholarship

Not only is DiversityAbroad.com an excellent resource for minority students to find study and intern abroad opportunities. It also runs its own scholarship: the Overseas Ambassador Scholarship!

Overseas Ambassadors document their experience abroad by writing articles and sharing videos to inspire even more students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue an international education.

The eligibility requirements of this scholarship program are also very accommodating. It’s open to all students and recent graduates planning to study, intern, volunteer, or teach abroad.

Provider: Diversity Abroad

Level: Undergraduate and graduate

Award: $500

Requirements: Must be willing to share experiences abroad, must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher 

Deadline: Varies

Boren Scholarships

Federally funded by the National Security Education Program, Boren Scholarships are awarded to graduates and undergraduates studying languages deemed critical to U.S. interests. 

Boren scholarships prioritize study in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. With professional development at the core of the program, it’s considered a great stepping stone for a diplomatic career in the federal government. 

Awards reach up to $25,000, making this one of the most lucrative diversity scholarships around. Research-led fellowships are also available for graduate students.

Provider: Boren Awards

Level: Undergraduate and graduate

Award: Up to $25,000

Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen

Deadline: February 2 for undergraduates, January 26 for graduates

USAC Access, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship

The University Study Abroad Consortium—or USAC for short—knows a thing or two about study abroad. The non-profit organization has worked with more than 800 educational institutions around the world to help send students abroad.

Each year, USAC serves up around $2 million in scholarships. Its Access, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship targets underrepresented groups including ethnic minorities, first-generation students, LGBTQI+ community members, religious students, and students with a disability. 

When applying for the Access, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship, you’ll also be considered for any other USAC scholarships that you are eligible for!

Provider: USAC

Level: Undergraduate and graduate

Award: Varies

Requirements: Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher

Deadline: May 1, October 15, March 15

AUC Scholarships

The American University in Cairo (AUC) has delivered over $25 million in funding across more than 90 different scholarships programs for study abroad in Egypt’s capital city. 

Among its many scholarships are a number of offerings for students from underserved communities, including the Scholarship for Refugees which covers all tuition fees and provides an additional monthly stipend.

Both undergraduate and graduate students are accepted. Awards and deadlines vary depending on the scholarship.

Provider: The American University in Cairo

Level: Undergraduate and graduate

Award: Varies

Requirements: Varies

Deadline: Varies

DIS Diversity Scholarship

If you’re interested in a Scandinavian study abroad program, this is the scholarship for you! Operating in Copenhagen and Stockholm, DIS assists more than half of its participants with some form of financial support.

The organization runs several need-based scholarships, including its Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to students from diverse ethnic, cultural, or educational backgrounds. Applications from LGBTQ+ students and students with a disability are likewise encouraged.

While most DIS alumni hail from the U.S., its scholarship programs are also open to international students from other countries. 

Provider: DIS

Level: Undergraduate 

Award: Up to $6,000

Requirements: Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Deadline: May 1, October 15

How do I Apply for a Study Abroad Scholarship?

If you’re interested in any of these diversity scholarships, you can access further information about the application process by following the links included above.

All of the scholarships can be applied for online by filling out a form and providing some personal details. In most cases, you will be required to write a personal statement or essay explaining why the scholarship should be awarded to you. 

And that’s it! If you meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarships above, we strongly encourage you to apply so that you can make your study abroad dreams a reality!

If you’re interested in how international education can enrich your life, visit the Learn from Travel blog. If you are a faculty member interested in your own fully customized program, please, get in touch with us today!