Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid
For many students, cost is one of the biggest questions when considering study abroad. IFSA offers multiple scholarships, grants and financial aid options to help make these opportunities more accessible, reflecting its commitment to inclusive excellence and to supporting students from all backgrounds who pursue study abroad.
More than one in three IFSA applicants receive financial assistance to help make study abroad possible.
Depending on eligibility, students may qualify for multiple types of funding, including scholarships, grants, and financial aid. These options can work together to help reduce the cost of participating in an IFSA program.
Scholarships
Scholarships are competitive funding opportunities that students apply for as part of their study abroad planning.
IFSA offers a range of scholarship opportunities, including need-based and location-specific awards. Students can also pursue outside scholarships that support study abroad participation.
Learn more about scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and how the scholarship application process works.
Grants
Grants are automatic funding opportunities available to eligible students participating in IFSA programs.
Some grants are based on factors such as college or university type or other eligibility criteria, and funding is applied automatically when eligibility requirements are met.
Learn more about available grants, eligibility rules, and how grants are applied.
Financial Aid and Paying for Study Abroad
Many students are able to apply government financial aid they already receive toward an IFSA program. IFSA works closely with students to help them understand their options and prepare the documentation needed for study abroad.
Learn more about using financial aid, payment options, and how the financial aid process works with IFSA programs.
Study Abroad Funding FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the difference between scholarships, grants, and financial aid? |
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| How do students find out which funding opportunities they qualify for? | Students can explore available options through the IFSA Student Portal once they begin their application, as well as by speaking with an IFSA Enrollment Counselor, their university’s financial aid office, or their study abroad office. |
| How many IFSA students receive financial assistance? | More than one in three IFSA applicants receive financial assistance to help support their study abroad experience. |
| Can students receive more than one type of funding? | Yes. IFSA scholarships and grants may be stacked up to certain limits, depending on the program length. |
| Does IFSA offer other ways to reduce study abroad costs? | Yes, in addition to scholarships, grants, and financial aid, students may find additional support through special offers, student marketing correspondent stipends, and affordable IFSA-designed program options. |
| How much financial support can students receive for study abroad? | Depending on eligibility, IFSA scholarships and grants can be stacked up to certain limits based on program length:
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| Do I need to apply separately for scholarships and grants? | Scholarships generally require an application through the IFSA Student Portal, while most IFSA grants are automatically applied for eligible students. |
| Where can I see funding opportunities available for my program? | Funding opportunities are accessible through the IFSA Student Portal after you start your program application. |
| What if I don’t qualify for many scholarships or grants? | IFSA offers IFSA-designed programs to be more accessible and less expensive than direct enrollment at host universities, along with other opportunities that can help reduce costs. Additionally, payment plans are available, and details surrounding this aid method can be reviewed in the IFSA Student Portal. |
Have more questions? Reach out to us at admissions@ifsa-butler.org and our IFSA team will help you plan ahead for your time studying abroad.