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Search for a Program
To use any scholarships, grants, or aid, you must participate in an approved UK EA program. Program prices and other estimated costs are detailed on the program brochure page - click here to learn how to find your program costs. If you want to learn more about program options and figure out which one is right for you, chat with your UK EA Advisor.
Connect with Financial Aid
If you have scholarships, grants, aid, etc. from the University of Kentucky, US Government, or other entities who give money through your myUK portal, chat with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn how to use those awards abroad. Tuition-based scholarships are best used on semester-long exchange programs, but your Financial Aid Counselor can guide you on the best way to use your award package.
Explore funding opportunities from UK Education Abroad & Exchanges, the University of Kentucky, partners, and organizations outside of UK.
The scholarships listed below highlight opportunities from a variety of sources. All scholarships available from the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Office are described here and it is your responsibility to do creative searches online, fundraise through your network of family and friends, and make a plan to pay for the cost of your program. If you need help finding a program in your budget, chat with a UK EA Advisor.
Remember...
- Don't rely solely on scholarships to pay for your program.
- Scholarships stack, so apply for as many as you're eligible for!
- Don't overwhelm yourself with searching. Set time limits and take breaks.
UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarships
These scholarships are managed by the UK EA Office. For details, contact the UK EA Scholarships Coordinator.UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship
Deadlines to apply: April 1 for fall programs | October 1 for winter and spring programs | February 1 & March 1 for summer programs
To be eligible to apply, applicants must be:
- A University of Kentucky degree-seeking student
- Applying for an eligible education abroad program for academic credit
- In good academic standing with the University of Kentucky
- Additional eligibility requirements are listed on the scholarship information page
Applicants are ineligible to apply if the student is any of the following:
- A non-UK student
- A non-degree-seeking student
- Applying for a non-credit program, embedded program, and/or an international rotation
- Not in good academic standing with the University of Kentucky
- Additional eligibility requirements are listed on the scholarship information page
Eligible applicants to the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship are automatically considered for these four additional UK EA awards: the Duysen Scholarship, Collins Endowment, Buscher Scholarship, and Pell Grant Top-Up Scholarship.
Henry and Josephine Dusyen Scholarship Fund for Education Abroad
Applicable to fall programs only.
This scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate first-generation college students currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky who maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher at the time of application, have completed 30 or more credit hours, and are participating in a fall term semester-length program. Consideration for this specific scholarship will take place as part of the UK Education Abroad Scholarship process.
All applicants to the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship who are eligible for this donor award will be automatically considered.
Click to be directed to the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship page.
Kevin & Sheri Collins Endowment for Education Abroad
Applicable to spring programs only.
This scholarship is available for first generation full-time college students currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky who maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher at the time of application and are participating in a spring semester program in any country. Consideration for this specific scholarship will take place as part of the UK Education Abroad Scholarship process.
All applicants to the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship who are eligible for this donor award will be automatically considered.
Click to be directed to the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship page.
Meredith Leigh Buscher Memorial Scholarship
Applicable to fall and spring programs.
This scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate students of any major or discipline currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky participating in credit bearing, semester-long Spanish language and culture Education Abroad program in South or Central America. Preference will be given to those students studying Spanish language. Consideration for this specific scholarship will take place as part of the UK Education Abroad Scholarship process.
All applicants to the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship who are eligible for this donor award will be automatically considered.
Click to be directed to the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship page.
UK EA Pell Grant Top Up
Applicable to fall, winter, spring, and summer programs.
The UK EA Pell Grant Scholarship is awarded to all UK students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant at the time of application for the UK EA Scholarship, regardless of application score, as long as funds allow. If funds become limited, awards will be disbursed to Pell Grant recipients based on UK EA Scholarship scores, from highest to lowest. This scholarship award amount is $500. Students must complete the UK EA Scholarship and meet UK EA Scholarship eligibility to be considered for this award. This scholarship is not available for embedded programs.
All applicants to the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship who are eligible for this award will be automatically considered.
Click to be directed to the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship page.
Additional UK EA Scholarships requiring a separate application, and with additional eligibility requirements:
New Horizons Scholarship
Deadlines to apply: April 1 for fall-embedded programs | December 1 for spring-embedded programs
The UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Office offers competitive need and merit-based scholarships to students (undergraduate and graduate) currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky and participating in UK Faculty-Directed programs. Embedded Education Abroad programs are international programs that include an experience abroad as a component of a course for which most of the content is provided in the United States during a typical academic semester.
UK EA International Rotations Scholarship
Click to view deadlines posted in the scholarship information page.
UK Education Abroad & Exchanges offers a competitive scholarship for professional medical rotation students participating on for-credit education abroad programs throughout the academic year. The UK Education Abroad Rotation Scholarship is awarded one time per year for each college based on college-specific deadlines.
Click to be directed to the International Rotations Scholarship page.
Heidelberg Scholarship
Click the scholarship title for deadline information.
UK Education Abroad & Exchanges offers two scholarships per year for students studying at the Heidelberg University in Germany. The recipients of this scholarship will exhibit academic excellence, maturity, adaptability, a readiness to learn and the ability to communicate in German.
Click to be directed to the scholarship's detailed information page.
University of Caen Scholarship
This scholarship is available for students proficient in French language, who have demonstrated academic achievement, and plan to continue French study. UK Education Abroad, in partnership with the Lexington-Deauville Sister City commission, offers two semesters (one fall and one spring) tuition and housing paid scholarships to attend the University of Caen in France. Contact Exchanges Coordinator Laurence Tuccori – Laurence.tuccori@uky.edu – for a copy of the scholarship application form.
Click to be directed to the scholarship's detailed information page.
UK Education Abroad & ISA Diversity Scholarship
Note: This scholarship is currently unavailable.
The UK EA & ISA Diversity Scholarship is targeted at incoming first-year students at the University of Kentucky to help them plan an international experience into their degree plan.
University of Kentucky, College, and Departmental Awards
These awards are from various colleges and departments at the University of Kentucky. UK EA does not manage these awards. Contact the college or department listed for more information.FAFSA - Federal Student Aid and Pell Grant Application
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. Completing a FAFSA gives you more opportunities for federal aid and university funding. FAFSA is also required to determine your eligibility for a Pell Grant.
Click this tile to be directed to the FAFSA website to learn more and apply now.
University of Kentucky Financial Aid & Scholarships
UK's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is a great resource for all students looking to go abroad. Your Financial Aid counselor can help discuss your options for using scholarship funding, financial aid, and/or loans to help offset your education abroad expenses.
Click this tile to be directed to the Financial Aid and Scholarship's Office website to learn more.
A&S Undergraduate Travel Grants
The College of Arts & Sciences offers awards for international travel. These awards are for independent travel abroad to specified cities and sites. Some are available ONLY to International Studies Majors!
Click this tile to be directed to the A&S travel grant website to learn more and apply now.
College of Health Sciences Travel Grant
All College of Health Sciences students who complete a study abroad academic and/or clinical experience approved by the student’s professional program and by UK Education Abroad and for which they receive academic credit will be eligible for a College of Health Sciences Student International Study Grant. Students seeking a grant must follow established timelines and procedures for approval by their professional program and complete the application process required by both the CHS Office of Student Affairs and UK Education Abroad. To receive the grant, students must complete the attached CHS Student International Study Grant Reimbursement Request and provide it to the Business Office along with original receipts up to the amount for which they qualify within 30 days of their return from the study abroad experience. Students receiving grants remain eligible for additional scholarships and awards through UK Education Abroad and other agencies.
Click this tile to be directed to the College of Health Sciences detailed information page to learn more and apply now.
Lewis Honors College
The Lewis Honors College partners with the Education Abroad Office to offer additional funding to Honors students that have submitted a UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship. The Honors Grant Review committee will consider the merit of the proposal submitted to the EA Scholarship when making award decisions. Students only need to submit the application to the EA office to be considered and all students that do so will be considered. For additional award information, please click anywhere in this box.
Click this tile to be directed to the Lewis Honors College detailed information page to learn more and apply now.
Undergraduate Research Abroad Scholarships
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Education Abroad are proud to co-sponsor undergraduate research abroad. Undergraduates must be conducting research for a minimum of 8 weeks and be nominated by a faculty member to be eligible. This scholarship pays up to $5,000 to a University of Kentucky full-time undergraduate student to cover the costs of a well-defined research project abroad during the summer term for approximately 8 weeks. The student applying for the scholarship must be highly recommended by a UK faculty mentor with whom they have already done research. It is assumed the UK faculty mentor will recommend the abroad faculty mentor to the student and help broker the arrangement. Please send questions to ugresearch@uky.edu.
Click this tile to be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Research website for more information and additional awards.
UK LGBTQ* Resources Scholarships
The University of Kentucky Office of LGBTQ* Resources, a unit of the Office of Institutional Diversity, has scholarships available to currently enrolled full-time students. Award requirements, deadlines, and details vary, but more information is available by clicking the scholarship title.
Click this tile to be directed to the LGBTQ* detailed information page to learn more and apply now.
John R. Bell International Studies Scholarship
The John R. Bell International Studies Scholarship supports International Studies Majors studying abroad. This competitive award is available for IS students studying abroad on fall semester, spring semester, and summer study abroad programs. To be considered, IS students must apply for the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarship.
Click this tile to be directed to the International Studies Scholarships page for detailed information and the link to apply.
Partner Scholarships
These awards are offered by our partner providers and partner universities abroad. To learn more about these scholarships, contact the partner or host university listed with the award.AIFS Abroad/Global Experiences Grants and Scholarships
AIFS Abroad and Global Experiences have established several grants and scholarships available to applicants on their programs. AIFS/GE grants do not require an extra application - students will know before applying to their program if they are eligible. Grants include $500 for students who are Pell Grant eligible, a Gilman recipient, FEA recipient, Boren recipient, receiving benefits from the GI Bill, and who go abroad a second time with AIFS/GE. In addition to these grants, students can apply for scholarship funding from AIFS/GE.
Click this tile to be redirected to the AIFS/GE website for more information.
Barcelona SAE Scholarships
The TODOS (The Outcomes-Based Diversity Outreach Strategy) Scholarships are focused on removing the barriers that often keep underrepresented groups with high financial need from studying abroad. This group includes, but is not limited to, students with diverse race, ethnicity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or veteran status. University of Kentucky students on any BSAE program are encouraged to apply for funding.
Click this tile to be redirected to the BSAE website for more information.
CCSA Storyteller Scholarship
The CCSA Storyteller Scholarship is designed to encourage student participation in CCSA programs by offering a means for students to tell their own CCSA stories. The maximum award is $1,000. Awardees are expected to provide CCSA quality writing and/or imagery. The deliverable product must be appropriate for the CCSA website, although the student may propose multiple formats such as a blog or a YouTube project. Students are encouraged to be creative with the medium they choose for sharing their CCSA story.
Click this tile to be redirected to the CCSA website for more details.
DIS Scholarships
These scholarships are available to students of any major or discipline currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky participating in a DIS program. DIS offers need-based scholarships allocated from various funds including the Mary Dau Foundation to study abroad with DIS. Please visit the DIS website for more information on scholarship opportunities. DIS Automatic Program Fee Reductions UK students will receive $3,000 off academic year and semester programs, $300 off 3-credit summer programs, $400 off 4-credit summer programs, and $700 off a summer architecture and design programs. UK students will not normally be considered for additional individual DIS scholarships except in extraordinary cases.
Click this tile to be redirected to the DIS website for more details.
Global Semesters - University of Nicosia Scholarships
These scholarships are available to students of any major or discipline currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky participating in a Global Semesters program. All UK students participating on a Global Semesters Fall or Spring program will receive a $500 discount off the program price. Early Deposit Scholarships: University of Nicosia In addition to the automatic program fee reduction, semester students can take advantage of the following Early Deposit Scholarships once they are admitted to a semester program with the University of Nicosia Global Semesters: Spring Deposit by: Aug 15th - $500 Scholarship Deposit by: Sept 15th - $250 Scholarship Fall Deposit by: Jan 15th - $500 Scholarship Deposit by: March 15th - $250 Scholarship
Click this tile to be redirected to the Global Semesters website for more details.
ISA Scholarships
These scholarships are available for students of any major or discipline currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky participating in an ISA program. Please see each scholarship description for eligibility requirements, application materials and required documents. Students selected for awards will be notified approximately six weeks after the scholarship application deadline, and a list of awardees will be posted on the ISA website.
Click this tile to be redirected to the ISA website for more details.
KIIS Scholarships
These scholarships are available to students of any major or discipline currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky participating in an KIIS program. KIIS provides the funds for two $750 scholarships for students participating on KIIS Winter programs. These scholarship recipients are chosen by UK Education Abroad. Eligible students should apply by completing the application for the UK Education Abroad Scholarship. In addition, KIIS offers scholarships through their own application portal.
Click this tile to be redirected to the KIIS website for more details.
Semester at Sea Scholarships
These scholarships are available to students of any major or discipline currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky participating in a SAS program. Semester at Sea awards $4 million in financial aid annually. To be eligible, students do not necessarily need to qualify for standard forms of financial aid (such as Pell Grants) on their home campuses. Semester at Sea/Institute for Shipboard Education will provide a $400 grant for each UK student enrolling in a fall or spring semester program.
Click this tile to be redirected to the Semester at Sea website for more details.
External Scholarships and Grants
These awards are managed by parties apart from UK and UK EA. For more details, contact the entity sponsoring the award - listed in the scholarship description.Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Deadlines are typically March 1 and October 1, however, the Gilman website will have updated deadlines for each round.
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship.
Click this tile to be directed to the Gilman Scholarship website to learn more and apply now.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
The deadline to apply is typically March 1.
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Applicants must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship.
Click this tile to be directed to the Gilman-McCain Scholarship website to learn more and apply now.
Gilman Partners Scholarships
The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman International Scholarship Program partners with governments, organizations, corporations, institutions as well as donors to offer scholarships and experiences to future and current Gilman Scholars in addition to alumni of the Gilman Program.
For details on which countries, schools, and businesses have partnered with Gilman for these awards, click this tile.
Critical Language Scholarship
NOTE: This scholarship requires students to complete a program that is not currently approved in UK EA's program list. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship/program, please contact your UK EA Advisor before applying. There is no guarantee that UK EA will approve your participation in a non-preapproved UK EA program.
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. With the goal of broadening the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages and building relationships between the people of the United States and other countries, CLS provides opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the United States at every level of language learning.
Click this tile to be directed to the Critical Language Scholarship website to learn more.
DAAD Scholarships
NOTE: This scholarship requires students complete a program that is not currently approved in UK EA's program list. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship/program, please contact your UK EA Advisor before applying. There is no guarantee that UK EA will approve your participation in a non-preapproved UK EA program.
Highly qualified undergraduate students are invited to apply for scholarships funding study, senior thesis research and/or internships in Germany. The goal of this program is to support study abroad in Germany and at German universities. Preference will be given to students whose projects or programs are based at and organized by a German university. Scholarships are available either as part of an organized study abroad program or an independent study abroad semester or year.
Click this tile to be directed to the DAAD Scholarship website to learn more.
The David Hershberg Scholarship
Click the scholarship name for deadline and contact information.
The David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad was established in memory of David Hershberg, a Louisville educator, mentor, and guiding force in the creation and development of the Louisville International Cultural Center (now the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana).This annual scholarship awards recipients funds of at least $1,500 to be used to help defray the costs of international travel, lodging, and maintenance for a period of at least 21 days of study or research outside the United States. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic merit and by the importance of their proposed study/research abroad experience for their personal, intellectual, and professional career goals.
Click this tile to be directed to the David Hershberg Scholarship website to learn more and apply now.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) increases opportunities for dedicated American undergraduates to study abroad through the provision of game-changing scholarships. Applicants may participate in any study abroad program of four weeks or more (in country) that conveys academic credit towards degree completion. As part of our commitment to increasing access to study abroad for Americans, first-generation college students and minority students in financial need are encouraged to apply. FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships. In addition to its general scholarships, FEA offers dedicated awards such as the Rainbow Scholarship, the Athletes Abroad Scholarship, and the Jane Gluckmann and Carol Rausch “Go Global” Scholarship.
Click this tile to be directed to the FEA website to learn more and apply now.
Japan Student Services Organization Scholarship (JASSO)
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) is an independent administrative institution established under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (Monbukagakusho). JASSO comprehensively administers scholarship loan programs, support programs for international students, and student support programs. The purpose of these programs is to foster the development of creative individuals who, rich in humanism, will become the leaders of society in the next generation, while at the same time promoting international understanding and exchange.
Click this tile to be directed to the JASSO website to learn more and apply now.
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants
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. Seventy-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year.
Click this tile to be directed to the Phi Kappa Phi website to learn more and apply now.
Race for Education
The Race for Education has scholarships available to students of any discipline who are interested in pursuing a career in the equine or agricultural industry. The Race for Education has many scholarship opportunities, including the Thoroughbred Scholarship and the Isaac Murphy Scholarship. Visit the Race for Education website to browse more funding opportunities.
Click this tile to be directed to the Race for Education website to learn more and apply now.
GoEuro European Scholarship
To make travel easier for students studying abroad in Europe, GoEuro is offering 10 individual scholarships of €2,000 each. To learn more and apply, click the scholarship title.
In order to also enter the Instagram competition, you must submit your Instagram account name in the application form. Then, post a unique video or image that represents the European country you’re hoping to study in. Tag @goeuro in your post and include #goabroad with a caption explaining why you dream of studying in that country. The 2 most inspiring videos or images will each win €500 and will be judged by EyeEm Photographer Samuel James Harries. Find GoEuro on Instagram @goeuro.
Click this tile to be directed to the GoEuro website to learn more and apply now.
Delta Phi Alpha - German Honorary Society Study Abroad Scholarship
This study abroad scholarship supports Delta Phi Alpha Members who are planning to study abroad on an accredited program in a German-speaking country.
While all DPA members are encouraged to apply, committee preference will be given to programs that:
- promote the advanced use of the German language.
- have a duration of six or more weeks
- incorporate the study abroad experience into their major / career goals
Click this tile to be directed to the Delta Phi Alpha website to learn more and apply now.
Inclusive Ireland Scholarship
Education in Ireland, in partnership with Diversity Abroad, has created the Inclusive Ireland Scholarship Programme. Ireland is committed to providing academically rigorous and culturally immersive study abroad experiences for students from all backgrounds and identities. Ireland believes that diversity among visiting students only serves to enrich Irish society and campuses. Students from the University of Kentucky are eligible to apply this scholarship to their participation in our Maynooth University exchange.
In order to be considered for the scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a college or university in the United States
- Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour)
- Intend to study abroad at one of the participating colleges or universities in Ireland during the Fall 2021 term (see list below)
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above
Click this tile to be directed to the Inclusive Ireland website to learn more and apply now.
BUTEX Scholarship
The British Universities Transnational Exchange Scholarship promotes mobility between universities and colleges in the UK and institutions overseas. Each scholarship is worth £500 (approx. US $700) and winners will be notified by the end of October. This scholarship is applicable to students participating in UK EA approved exchange programs with member universities, including Central Lancashire, Lancaster, Leeds, Manchester, Oxford Brookes, Sussex, and Swansea.
Click this tile to be directed to the BUTEX website to learn more and apply now.
Diverse International Women of Color Fund
Diverse International Women of Color’s mission is to inspire, encourage and promote opportunities for women of color to travel abroad, experience different cultures and broaden their horizons beyond the United States. DIWC’s charitable concern is to provide scholarships to women of color who need financial assistance to study abroad. Scholarships provide deserving students the ability to achieve success at their study abroad program of choice.
Click this tile to be directed to the Diverse International Women of Color Fund website to learn more and apply now.
US-Japan Council Toshizo Watanabe Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is for U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying in Japan and for Japanese studying in the U.S. for one academic year or for a semester.
Click this tile to learn more about the US-Japan Council Toshizo Watanabe Endowed Scholarship.
If you have any questions, please contact the U.S.-Japan Council directly.
Freeman-ASIA Scholarship
Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. A Freeman-ASIA award provides need-based funding to assist the recipient with the cost of the study abroad program and related expenses, including airfare, basic living costs, local transportation, books, etc. Freeman-ASIA accepts applications from U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying at the undergraduate level at a two-year or four-year college or university who demonstrate financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
Click this tile to be directed to the Diverse International Women of Color Fund website to learn more and apply now.
Additional Databases and Lists
These external databases and lists are additional resources to expand your scholarship search. These lists and scholarships within are not managed by UK EA.NAFSA Study Abroad Scholarships
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest and most diverse nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that ensure a more interconnected, peaceful world today and for generations to come. NAFSA has compiled a scholarships and grants list.
Click this tile to browse the NAFSA Study Abroad Scholarships database.
Go Overseas Scholarships
Go Overseas is a community reviews site that encourages international travel and academic success. Their website is regularly updated with scholarships and funding opportunities for a variety of program and experience types.
Click this tile to browse the Go Overseas Scholarships database.