Finance Your Study Abroad

Students can use diverse funding resources to invest in their study abroad experience. The following resources are a starting point to help students identify different funding sources for their study abroad experience.  

Study Abroad scholarships will vary based on the program type, destination, academic subject. They also can vary based on the student’s identity, merit, or needs. 

This page has resources regarding scholarship search engines, open scholarships, programs with scholarships.

Open Scholarships

Community College Access Scholarship (CCAS)

• The Community College Access Scholarship (CCAS) is designed to expand access to education abroad opportunities for community college students with financial need during the 2026–27 academic year. Supported by a financial commitment from the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)—a leading provider of international education and cultural exchange programs—CCAS seeks to reduce financial and structural barriers that limit access to high-impact global experiences for one of the most diverse student populations in U.S. higher education.
• The CCAS is open to community college students enrolled in at least six credit hours in a degree-seeking program at an accredited U.S. institution during the 2026-2027 academic year, with education abroad programs occurring between June 1, 2026, and August 1, 2027.
• The scholarship programs aims to support 10-15 students in its first year, with awards ranging from $2,000-$5,000 depending on need and program cost. Funds may be used for program fees, travel, tuition, passport and visa costs, lodging, meals, and required materials.

Boren Awards for International Study

• The Boren Award provides unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. In exchange for funding, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.

Freeman Asia Scholarship for Study in East or Southeast Asia

• Scholarship for up to $5000 towards a quarter-long study abroad program in East or Southeast Asia for those with demonstrated financial need.
• The WCCCSA program to Japan program has previously been eligible for this scholarship.

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) 

• Scholarships to underrepresented U.S. students, helping minority, community college, and first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need. 
• Multiple scholarship opportunities available.
• Learn more about FEA eligibility.

Gilman Scholarship Programs

• Scholarships for up to $5,000 for study abroad or internships for undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant.
• There are multipleGilman scholarship programs:
  • Gilman Scholarship: This scholarship is open for any undergraduate student receiving a Federal Pell Grant.  
  • Gilman-McCain: The Gilman-McCain scholarship is for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel.
  • Gilman Skills for America Scholarship:  This is a new scholarship, as of August 2026,  for Community and Technical College Students. This scholarship is designed to help two-year college students access career-enhancing international education opportunities.
• The application opens twice a year. The fall application cycle is historically due on October 1. The spring application cycle is due in late February. For this year’s specific deadlines, please visit Gilman's Deadlines & Timelines page.
• For full eligibility details, please visit Gilman's Eligibility page.

Scholarship Search Engines

• Fastweb
• International Education Financial Aid
• NAFSA
• The College Board

Financial Aid

There are a few study abroad programs for which you can use your federal or state financial aid. Please talk to the International Programs Office by emailing international@lowercolumbia.edu for more information.

Programs with Scholarships

Programs with scholarships have partial or full funding support from an organization, company, or government. These programs are known as Exchange Programs and Sponsor Programs. Visit the Find Your Program page for more information and examples of Exchange and Sponsor Programs.