Scholarships
IFSA offers scholarships for students participating in IFSA study abroad programs, with awards ranging from $500 to $2,500. IFSA scholarships help students offset costs associated with studying abroad. More than one in three IFSA applicants receives scholarship or grant funding.
There are also many outside scholarships that students can apply for. Explore a curated list of these opportunities at the end of this page to find options that may match your background, interests, or career goals.
How IFSA Scholarships Work
When students begin their IFSA application in the IFSA Student Portal, they can select multiple areas of interest, including scholarships. Selecting scholarships will automatically link the IFSA General Scholarship Application to their account.
IFSA General Scholarship Deadlines
| Program Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall semester/quarter | March 1 |
| Academic year | March 1 |
| Summer term | March 1 |
| January term | October 1 |
| Winter quarter | October 1 |
| Spring semester/quarter | October 1 |
These deadlines apply to all IFSA scholarship applications. Due to the number of scholarship applications we receive, IFSA is usually unable to accept late scholarship applications. It is important to plan ahead to meet the scholarship deadline, especially if your IFSA program has a different deadline.
IFSA Scholarships
IFSA General Scholarships
To apply: Access the IFSA General Scholarship Instructions and Application in the IFSA Student Portal once you have started an application to study abroad with IFSA.
IFSA First-Generation Scholarships
Designed to: Support first-generation college students (neither parent/guardian holds a bachelor’s degree) who want to participate in study abroad.
Awards:
- Up to $1,500 for January term, summer term, and quarter programs
- Up to $2,500 for Semester and Academic or Calendar Year programs
The full amount will be issued as a flight voucher for bookings through ScholarTrip. Any remaining funds may be used to cover visa or passport fees, or applied toward housing costs.
Deadlines:
- March 1 for fall semester, fall quarter, and academic year programs
- October 1 for January term, winter quarter, spring semester, spring quarter, and calendar year programs
To apply: Visit our IFSA First-Generation Scholarship Application here. Over the summer, we will be moving this scholarship application process into the student portal as a part of the IFSA scholarship application item.
IFSA First-in-Family (Australian Students) Scholarships
Designed to: Provide first-in-family university students a chance to benefit from the life-changing experience of studying abroad. First-in-family university students are those for whom neither parent or custodial guardian have a three- or four-year undergraduate degree. This achievement-based scholarship program offers first-in-family university students significant financial, academic, and preprofessional support for study abroad on a January Term or Winter Term IFSA program.
Awards:
- Up to $1,333 AUD ($1,000 U.S.) for January and Winter term programs
Deadlines:
- March 1 for Winter term
- October 1 for January term
To apply: Visit our IFSA First-in-Family Scholarship Application here. Over the summer, we will be moving this scholarship application process into the student portal as a part of the IFSA scholarship application item.
IFSA Gilman International Matching Scholarships
Designed to: Provide additional support for students with Pell Grants who are applying for Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. For more information and application details on the Benjamin A. Gilman Internship Scholarship application, visit the additional scholarships section of this page.
Awards:
- Up to $2,500 for a semester program with IFSA.
Deadlines:
- March 1 for fall semester, fall quarter, and academic year programs
- October 1 for January term, winter quarter, spring semester, spring quarter, and calendar year programs
To apply: Email us at scholarships@ifsa-butler.org and include a copy of your FAFSA summary (to confirm you are receiving a Pell Grant) and proof of your IIE Gilman scholarship application submission.
Please note that the Gilman Scholarship has a separate application process and a different deadline than this scholarship.
IFSA Student Marketing Correspondents
Designed to: This program allows students to earn a stipend and gain professional experience while documenting their study abroad experience through photography, video, and digital storytelling.
Awards:
- $1,000 stipend for semester programs, paid through PayPal or direct deposit
To apply: Students who have enrolled in an IFSA study abroad program will receive an email invitation to apply and can view details on the IFSA Marketing Correspondent page. This is a competitive opportunity with limited positions available.
- Invitations sent in November for Spring programs
- Invitations sent in June for Fall programs
University Partner Scholarships
IFSA partners with universities around the world to offer scholarships tied to specific programs and schools. These awards often reflect partnerships with host universities and can support students with financial need or specific program interests.
Australia
University of Melbourne Equity Scholarships (for IFSA students only)
The University of Melbourne and IFSA have partnered to offer ten Equity Scholarships, each valued at $2,000 to study abroad at The University of Melbourne.
Awards:
- Ten awards valued at $2,000
- Multiple scholarships are available for both fall and spring terms
- Available to students studying abroad at The University of Melbourne
Students with demonstrated financial need or social and educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply.
Deadlines:
- March 1 for Fall programs
- October 1 for Spring programs
To apply: Access the IFSA Scholarship Instructions and Application in the IFSA Student Portal, after you have started an application to The University of Melbourne.
University of Sydney Equity Scholarship (for IFSA students only)
The University of Sydney, IFSA, and the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) offer an Equity Scholarship valued at up to $10,000 for study abroad at the University of Sydney.
Award includes:
- $7,500 tuition grant
- $2,500 travel grant
Deadlines:
- Next cycle not yet released
To apply: While all students with financial need are encouraged to apply, preference is given to students of color, first-generation college students, and community college students. Visit the FEA website to review eligibility requirements and begin your application.
Ireland
Queen’s University Belfast – Norman Houston Award
The Norman Houston Award supports one American student with high financial need studying abroad at Queen’s University Belfast.
Award includes:
- One semester of tuition
- University accommodation
- Air travel
Applications require a personal statement, a short video introduction, and documentation confirming financial need. Review all application details.
Deadlines:
- April 30 for Fall programs
- Spring date not listed yet
To apply: Wait until your IFSA Queen’s University Belfast application has been submitted. Then, send an email with a personal statement, short video introducing yourself, and proof confirming financial need to the email address listed here.
New Zealand
University of Auckland Scholarships (for IFSA students only)
The University of Auckland offers scholarships valued up to $5,000 to help cover upfront study abroad costs. Preference is given to students with high financial need and first-generation college students.
Awards:
- Up to $5,000 to help cover upfront study abroad costs including:
- Program deposit ($500)
- Flight voucher to be used for bookings with ScholarTrip
- Remaining cash funding distributed at the start of the program
Deadlines:
- March 1 for Fall programs
- October 1 for Spring programs
To apply: Students apply to this scholarship by completing the IFSA scholarship application in the IFSA Student Portal.
University of Canterbury Scholarships (for IFSA students only)
The University of Canterbury offers scholarships exclusively for IFSA students participating in the IFSA University of Canterbury Partnership program.
Awards:
- Up to $2,000
Deadlines:
- March 1 for Fall programs
- October 1 for Spring programs
To apply: Students apply to this scholarship by completing the IFSA scholarship application in the IFSA Student Portal.
University of Otago Housing Scholarships (for IFSA students only)
The University of Otago offers two full housing scholarships for first-generation college students participating in the Fall term program.
Awards:
- Two awards are available that cover the full housing cost
Deadlines:
- March 1
To apply: Students apply to this scholarship by completing the IFSA general scholarship application in the IFSA Student Portal.
Victoria University of Wellington Study Abroad Scholarship
The Victoria University of Wellington study abroad scholarship is available to study abroad students at the university for a semester or year.
Awards:
- Up to $575 toward study abroad fees
- 15 recipients selected each term
Deadlines:
- May 1 for Fall programs
- January 16 for Spring programs
To apply: Submit applications through the Victoria University of Wellington scholarship application page.
United Kingdom
University of St Andrews Scholarships
University of St Andrews offers scholarships of up to $5,000 per semester for study abroad students. Awards can be applied toward housing or education fees.
Awards:
- Up to $5,000 per semester
Deadlines:
- Spring 2027 deadline not yet released
To apply: The University of St. Andrews emails all accepted study abroad students once their scholarship period opens. You will need to follow their instructions.
Additional Scholarships
Students participating in IFSA programs can also apply for scholarships administered by other organizations. Please use the corresponding links to access the scholarship application website to apply. All applications must be submitted through the specified scholarship website.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Designed to: Help U.S. undergraduate students with Pell Grants participate in study abroad. This is a highly competitive scholarship, and multiple IFSA Fall 2026 applicants were selected as winners.
Awards:
- Up to $5,000
- See IFSA Gilman International Matching Scholarships above for information on additional awards of up to $2,500.
Deadlines:
- October 1, 2026, for January, Spring, and Summer 2027 programs.
To apply: Applicants must complete an essay explaining their study abroad goals and complete a follow-up service project encouraging other students to study abroad. To learn more about the award, please visit the Gilman Scholarship website.
Boren Scholarship
Designed to: Supports U.S. undergraduate students studying in regions critical to U.S. interests, particularly destinations outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Eligible students must be enrolled in language courses for the duration of their program, with preference given to those participating in intensive language-immersion programs.
Awards:
- Up to $8,000 for qualifying summer STEM programs
- Up to $12,500 for semester programs
- Up to $25,000 for academic or calendar year programs
Deadlines:
- January 27, 2027 for Summer 2027 programs to Spring 2028 programs
To apply: Visit the Boren Awards website to learn more and begin your application process.
Diverse International Women of Color Scholarship
Up to $500 scholarship designed to support women of color currently attending a U.S. college who plan to study abroad for at least one month.
Awards:
- Up to $500 each term
Deadlines:
- July 20, 2026, for Fall 2026 programs
- Nov 16, 2026, for Spring 2027 programs
- Mid-April 2027 for Summer 2027 programs
To apply: Visit the DIWC webpage to access the scholarship form. You will also need to provide an unofficial transcript, personal statement and one recommendation letter.
Study Abroad Scholarship FAQs
| Questions | Answers |
| Where and how do I apply for IFSA scholarships? | Scholarship applications are available through the IFSA Student Portal after you begin an application for an IFSA program. |
| What are IFSA scholarship deadlines? | General scholarship deadlines depend on the program term:
|
| Do I need to start my study abroad application before applying for scholarships? | Yes. Scholarship applications become available after you start an IFSA program application in the Student Portal. However, you can explore our Grants, and Financial Aid pages to see what you might qualify for in advance. |
| Do I need to complete my IFSA program application by the scholarship deadline? | Our IFSA program application might be different from the scholarship deadline, which is determined by the program term you will be studying abroad. While you do not need to have both completed at the same time, both would need to be completed by their respective deadlines. |
| What types of scholarships does IFSA offer? | IFSA offers several scholarship opportunities, including:
|
| Can I apply for multiple scholarships? | Students may be able to apply for multiple scholarship opportunities, depending on eligibility. |
| When will I find out about the scholarship application decision? | Scholarship decisions are usually shared a month after the deadline. |
| Can IFSA scholarships be combined with other financial aid? | In many cases, students may be able to use scholarships alongside financial aid or IFSA grants, depending on eligibility and program policies. |
| How will I receive the scholarship award? | IFSA grants are applied to program fees, meaning you’ll be responsible for the program fee, minus the amount of your award. Many scholarship awards are also applied to program fees, but this can vary depending on the program you select and your home school’s policy. Questions? Send an email to admissions@isfa-butler.org. |
| Can I apply for external scholarships for study abroad? | Yes. Many students apply for scholarships administered by external organizations, such as: |
| Do external scholarships require a separate application? | Yes. Scholarships administered by outside organizations—such as the Gilman, Boren and Diverse International Women of Color scholarships—have their own application processes and deadlines. |
| What is the IFSA First-Generation Scholarship? | The IFSA First-Generation Scholarship supports students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. Awards provide funding to help cover study abroad expenses such as airfare, visas, passports, and housing. |
| What is the Gilman International Matching Scholarship? | Students who apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship may be eligible for additional funding through the IFSA Gilman International Matching Scholarship, which provides up to $2,500 for a semester program. For eligibility, you must provide proof that you submitted a Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship application. |
| What is the IFSA Student Marketing Correspondent program? | The Student Marketing Correspondent program allows students to earn a stipend while documenting their study abroad experience through photography, video, and storytelling. Selected students receive a $1,000 stipend for semester programs and gain professional experience while participating in their program. |
| Are there scholarships tied to specific study abroad locations? | Yes. IFSA partners with universities around the world to offer location-specific scholarships tied to certain programs and schools. |
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.