Receive funding towards your dream study abroad or away program with scholarships designed for Global Learning opportunities. Explore scholarships available to you and review the steps to apply below.
Keep in mind
- Planning ahead is key
- Deadlines are 6-8 months in advance
- Mark your calendar with application deadlines
- Apply to all scholarships you qualify for
“As a first generation Asian American and a student in the STEM field, I was able to study abroad in Hong Kong and Taiwan through the financial help of the Freeman Asia Scholarship. I experienced a new academic culture and collaborated with exchange students from all over Asia. Whether I was cheering at city festivals, having late-night adventures after studying, or learning about the brain, every moment was nothing short of amazing.”
– Beagan Nguy
Featured Scholarships
These scholarships are relevant to a broad population of UCSC students and study abroad/away programs. They are most frequently applied to and have a high rate of awardees.
UCDC Washington Program
Alan Church Environmental Law and Policy UCDC Internship Award
The Alan Church Award provides scholarship funding for UCSC undergraduate students who meet one of the following criteria:
- Intends to seek a Juris Doctorate to practice environmental law
- Intends to seek a degree to either manage or scientifically study ecosystems or natural resources for protection, conservation, and habitat improvement
- Intends to seek a degree in environmental public policy (with an emphasis on natural sciences)
To apply, please submit a 500-word statement of purpose to globallearning@ucsc.edu answering the following:
- Please indicate how you meet the scholarship criteria (listed above).
- How will receiving this scholarship impact your experience in the UCDC program?
- Please describe your academic and/or professional plans after graduating from UCSC.
Deadline: Winter – November 1
UCDC Fiat Lux Scholars Program
The University of California Washington Program is pleased to announce a new scholarship to support students participating in UCDC. These scholarships aim to make UCDC more affordable and to build and diversify the pipeline into the financial services sector.
Deadline: Winter – November 1
For more information, and to apply, see the UCSC UCDC Fiat Lux Scholars Program Application Form.
Sergio Klor De Alva Scholarship
The Sergio Klor De Alva Endowed Scholarship provides one $1,000 need-based scholarship during fall, winter, and spring for UCSC undergraduate students who wish to explore public service. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist with the full cost of participating in the UCDC Washington program. Preference shall be given to students with financial need and students who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Students who meet these criteria are automatically considered for the scholarship. Financial aid determines the final awardee. No application is necessary.
Subsidizing Unpaid Interns Program (SUIP)
Through SUIP, UCDC will allocate funding to subsidize unpaid internships. Any UCDC student who secures an unpaid internship and completes their work plan by the deadline will qualify for the $1,000 stipend. Those students who secure internships that pay less than $1,000 will be provided with the difference between what their internship pays and $1,000. Students who secure internships that pay $1,000 or more for the term will not receive funding through this mechanism. For more information, visit the UCDC SUIP webpage.
The Cynthia Mathews Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students in any UC Santa Cruz department or program who are pursuing studies or internships related to reproductive rights, health policy, healthcare professions, or public health. It was established in 2007 through the generous donations of friends, family, and colleagues of Cynthia Mathews to honor her 40 years of outstanding service in the area of reproductive health.
Guidelines, deadlines, and the application form are published every Winter Quarter; applications are due every Spring Quarter. For the application due date, check the Program Calendar.
Learn more here.
The Nancy Pascal Field Study Scholarship
Awarded annually to students who participate in field study programs. The scholarship is intended to encourage and support real-world experiences that complement formal academic requirements. Nancy Pascal established the scholarship in honor of her retirement after 32 years of dedicated service to UC Santa Cruz in the Registrar’s Office.
Guidelines, deadlines, and the application form are published every Winter Quarter; applications are due every Spring Quarter. For the application due date, check the Program Calendar.
Learn more here.
UCSC Provider Partner Programs
Partner Programs with API
Students participating on a UCSC Provider Partner Program with API are able to apply for the following API Scholarships:
- API Opportunity Scholarship: The API Opportunity Scholarship is designed to support students who identify with groups that are underrepresented in experiential learning. The award is up to $1,000.
- API Academic Excellence Scholarship: API’s Academic Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship, and students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 to apply. The award is up to $1,000.
- API Financial Aid Boost Scholarship: The API Financial Aid Boost Scholarship is designed to support students with greater financial needs and requires submission of the Financial Aid Verification Form. The award is up to $1,000.
- API Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship: Students participating in an API program who have been awarded a Gilman scholarship will be eligible to receive up to $1,000 in matching contributions from API for a semester program, or up to $500 in matching contributions from API shorter term programs, such as summer.
For specific deadlines and eligibility criteria, please check the API Scholarship webpage.
Partner Programs with ISA
Students participating on a UCSC Provider Partner Program with ISA are able to apply for the following recommended ISA Scholarships:
- GO (Global Opportunity) Full-Ride Scholarship: Covers the full list price of an ISA program (only one awarded/year)
- Diversity Scholarship: Intended for historically underserved students in education abroad
- Semester Partnership Scholarship: For semester students at affiliated universities
For specific eligibility criteria, please check the ISA Scholarship webpage. Students can apply for multiple scholarships; however, students are only eligible to be awarded one ISA scholarship. Students accepted to an ISA program will have access to the scholarship application through their Student Portal. Once you have been accepted, review the eligibility requirements on the Scholarship Application for further information. When you’re ready to apply, complete the application and supporting documents from the link in your student portal by the deadline. For more information, check the ISA Scholarship FAQ webpage.
Partner Programs with TEAN
Students participating on a UCSC Provider Partner Program with TEAN are able to apply for the following recommended TEAN Scholarships:
- Global Opportunity (GO) Full-Ride Scholarship: Covers tuition, program fees, and orientation of TEAN programs up to $15,000
- Diversity Scholarship: Intended for historically underserved students in education abroad
- Semester Partnership Scholarship: For semester students at affiliated universities
For specific eligibility criteria, please check the TEAN Scholarship webpage. Students can apply for multiple scholarships; however, students are only eligible to be awarded one TEAN scholarship. After being accepted to a TEAN program and after completing Steps 1-3 of the TEAN application process for a program, students will have access to the scholarship application through their Student Portal. Review the eligibility requirements on the Scholarship Application for further information. When you’re ready to apply, complete the scholarship application and supporting documents from the link in your student portal by the deadline.
The TEAN Scholarship deadlines are as follows:
- Fall: April 30
- Winter/Spring: October 30
UCEAP Global Scholarship
The UCEAP Global Scholarship offers funding for students of all backgrounds and majors, and for all kinds of study abroad programs. All UC students participating on a UCEAP program are eligible to apply for a UCEAP Global Scholarship. Apply Here
UCEAP Paul Duttenhaver Scholarship (For year programs only)
The Duttenhaver Scholars Program provides over 25 awards of $5,000 each to students who participate in year-long UCEAP programs.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
If you are a Pell Grant recipient and a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to apply to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which offers awards of up to $5,000 to help fund study abroad. Learn more about How to Apply.
For more information about the scholarship essays, please refer to our Gilman Scholarship Application Guide.
Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population, including students from a minority background, first-generation college students, and students with community college experience. FEA awards up to $10,000 for an academic year abroad, $5,000 for a fall or spring semester abroad, and a prorated award for summer programs. In order to be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, DACA recipient, or permanent resident; currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. (graduate students are not eligible); your study abroad program must be eligible for credit at your home institution. Learn more about How to Apply.
Freeman-ASIA
The Freeman-ASIA program is designed to support U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Learn more about how to apply.
Other Scholarships
While these scholarships are not the most popular, they are still available to UCSC students. These might be ideal, depending on your area of study or global learning program choice.
UCSC Scholarships
Foreign Language Education Abroad Fund
This scholarship is open to all students who are studying in a non-English-speaking country.
Apply directly in Global Learning Portal under “Scholarships.”
Nancy Pascal Field Study Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any UCSC students participating in a field study program. Scholarships may range from $100 to $1000 depending upon the number and quality of applications received. Guidelines, deadlines, and the application form are published every Winter Quarter; applications are due every Spring Quarter. For this year’s application due date, check the Program Calendar.
This scholarship is open to Community Studies majors pursuing their full-time field study in Santa Cruz. Guidelines, deadlines, and the application form are published every Winter Quarter; applications are due every Spring Quarter. For this year’s application due date, check the Program Calendar.
The Community Studies Field Study Scholarship
This scholarship is open to Community Studies students going on field study. Guidelines, deadlines, and the application form are published every Winter Quarter; applications are due every Spring Quarter. For this year’s application due date, check the Program Calendar.
The Cynthia Mathews Scholarship
This scholarship is open to students in any UC Santa Cruz department or program who are pursuing studies or internships related to reproductive rights, health policy, healthcare professions, or public health. Guidelines, deadlines, and the application form are published every Winter Quarter; applications are due every Spring Quarter. For this year’s application due date, check the Program Calendar.
UCSC Blum Scholar Grant Awards
This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who complete a community-based research project either domestically or abroad that addresses poverty, social enterprise, or participatory governance. Student grants are limited to a maximum of $2,000 for community-based work completed in the summer months (June – September).
Website: https://blumcenter.ucsc.edu
Administered through the Division of Social Sciences, this scholarship is open to undergraduate student(s) for any of the following purposes:
- increasing understanding of the Arabic language or the Arabic-speaking or Muslim world
- study at a college or university in an Arabic-speaking or Muslim-majority country
- an internship in peace and conflict resolution or human rights
- study or work in Palestinian human rights issues
To apply, please submit a 500-word proposal and a copy of your unofficial academic transcript via e-mail to the Social Sciences Dean’s office at pamdewey@ucsc.edu. The proposal must concisely explain your experience, preparation, and concrete goals related to the above topics.
Kathryn D. Sullivan Scholarship Award in Earth & Marine Sciences
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in disciplines related to Earth and marine sciences from a variety of perspectives: biological, physical, chemical, etc. The award amount is $3,000, and should be used to gain real-world experience that builds scientific knowledge while shaping a broad understanding of environmental stewardship and policy issues. The application deadline is typically in early May, but please consult the scholarship webpage for specific dates.
The Joel Frankel Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students participating in field study projects in Latin America or in Spanish-speaking communities within the United States. While any UCSC undergraduate may apply, priority is given to Merrill College students, Latin American & Latino Studies majors, and Politics majors focusing on Latin American and Latina/o issues. Funds are typically awarded in the amount of $500.
Contact the Department of Latin American and Latino Studies for more information.
Cowell College Education Abroad Scholarship
This scholarship is open to Cowell students with at least a 3.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need, who plan to study abroad through a UCEAP program. Please reach out to the Cowell College Academic Manager for more information. The Cowell College Academic Manager can be reached at cwprvsta@ucsc.edu.
Foley-Mendelssohn Travel Scholarship
This scholarship is open to Porter undergraduates who want or need to travel abroad in conjunction with coursework, creative and scholarly projects, or internships. Up to $5000 will be awarded annually.
Application deadline: First day of spring quarter
HAVC/Porter College Scholarship
This scholarship is open to Porter College students majoring or minoring in History of Art & Visual Culture. Grants can be used to support research, travel, and other disciplinary-related projects. Awards typically range from $200 to $1,000. Please refer to the scholarship webpage for deadlines.
For more information, please contact havc@ucsc.edu.
Peter Rushton Endowed Memorial Fund
This scholarship is open to students who have attained junior status and have completed two years of Chinese language study at UCSC to study Chinese in an academic setting. Scholarships are awarded between $500 and $1200.00 and student(s) must enroll in at least two or three courses at an accredited college or university in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.
The mission of the Smith Society is to create a cross-generational community that provides academic, personal, social, and financial support to UCSC students who lack the traditional family support afforded to most of their peers.
For more information, please contact smithsociety@ucsc.edu.
STARS Re-entry Scholarship
This scholarship is open to anyone who identifies as ‘re-entry’ (through either one of the following): undergrad 25 or older, student veteran, student parent, graduate 29 or older. Scholarships provide up to $1,500 towards any proposal of their liking that ties into their academic mission at UCSC. Study abroad programs are some of the most frequently submitted proposals!
For more information, please contact jrceja@ucsc.edu.
UCEAP Scholarships
UCSC Frausto Scholarship for UCEAP
Apply directly in Global Learning Portal under “Scholarships”
Open to UCSC students who have been selected or have officially applied to study abroad on summer, fall, and Academic Year UCEAP program in Mexico or Latin America.
Applicants must be Merrill College students majoring in Anthropology, Business Management Economics, Education, Cognitive Science, Community Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Global Economics, Latin American and Latino Studies, Politics, Legal Studies, Psychology, and Sociology.
The award is $750.00
UC Education Abroad Program Scholarships
UCEAP offers over $1.5 million in scholarships for all categories of participants and for a comprehensive range of programs.
Scholarships for CIEE UCEAP Programs
Students who are participating in a CIEE program offered through UCEAP can apply for any CIEE scholarship, except the Minority Serving Institution Grant.
Independent Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
If you are a Pell Grant recipient and a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to apply to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which offers awards of up to $5,000 to help fund study abroad. Learn more about How to Apply.
Boren Awards for International Study
Provides scholarships and fellowships for U.S. undergraduate and graduate 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.
For information about the Boren Award, please see this Boren Awards for International Study video produced by UC Riverside.
Three different available scholarships of varying amounts up to $2,000. Awards are made based on personal statements from student applicants and financial needs, based on economic profile and estimated family contribution (EFC).
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a summer study abroad opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world.
For more information about the Critical Language Scholarship, please visit the Critical Language Scholarship video produced by UC Merced.
This one-time award is intended for Sophomore and junior Delta Phi Alpha Members who are planning to study abroad on an accredited program in a German-speaking country during the spring/summer semester of the coming year.
Denmark International Studies Scholarship (DIS)
DIS offers need and merit-based awards and is committed to supporting students with limited financial resources, from diverse backgrounds, and/or underrepresented populations in study abroad.
Diversity Abroad Consortium Summer Scholarship
Offers scholarships for full-time students attending a Diversity Network member institution (including UC Santa Cruz). Economically disadvantaged students, African-American/Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, multiracial/ethnic or Indigenous/Native-American, students with disabilities, and first-generation college undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Scholarship
This opportunity offers $500 scholarships for fall and spring semesters as well as summer terms. Economically disadvantaged students, first-generation, students with disabilities, and ethnic and racially diverse students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships
FEA awards up to $10,000 for an academic year abroad, $5,000 for a fall or spring semester abroad, and a prorated award for summer programs. In order to be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, DACA recipient, or permanent resident; currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. (graduate students are not eligible); your study abroad program must be eligible for credit at your home institution. Learn more about How to Apply.
Limited to Hispanic students attending U.S. universities. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Scholarship award amounts range from $500-$5,000. The average award amount is $2,500. These funds may be used to study abroad if the student remains enrolled in a U.S. university, the program occurs during the normal academic year, and the student will be receiving U.S. college credit towards his/her degree.
Make Your Mark Scholarship Video Contest
Open to all U.S. students currently enrolled in a Study Abroad program in an institution of higher education.
National Security Educational Scholarships (NSEP)
Scholarships to support U.S. undergraduate students participating in study abroad programs in world regions critical to US interests (including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America & the Caribbean, and the Middle East), in exchange for a commitment to seek work in the federal government. Deadline: February
National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) Scholarships
Various scholarships are awarded to help students attain their goals and commend them for their outstanding academic excellence as well as their leadership and service achievements. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Must be an NSCS member to apply.
Seventy-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year to help support undergraduates from low-income, first-generation families, and/or those who are from ethnic backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in graduate education as they seek to study abroad. Applicants must attend an institution with an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter. Funded through the Department of Education.
Region-specific Scholarships
Asia
This scholarship is designed to support U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Learn more about how to apply.
The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers scholarships to international students from around the world the opportunity to live and study in Japan. Unlike most other scholarships, MEXT scholarships are full scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and roundtrip airfare.
Brazil
Brazilian Initiation Scholarship
This scholarship supports from graduate and undergraduate students for a one-time $1,500 travel scholarship to do exploratory research in Brazil. This scholarship targets aspiring Brazilianists with relatively little or no experience in Brazil.
Canada
This scholarship provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in the United States to spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in Canada. The program offers a cash award of $10,000 ($5,000 per semester) as well as an allowance of $500 to offset health insurance costs. In addition, all Fellows are eligible to apply for a mobility grant in an amount not to exceed $800.
Denmark
FEA’s A. Rewari Family Scholarship for Study Abroad in Denmark
This scholarship is awarded to a deserving student planning to study abroad in Denmark. All U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. and who are planning to study abroad in Denmark are eligible to apply.
Germany
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships
Highly qualified undergraduates are invited to apply for scholarships funding study, senior thesis research, and/or internships in Germany for four to ten months.
For information about DAAD scholarships, please see this DAAD Undergrad Funding Opportunities in Germany video produced by UC Merced.
Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarship
The Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarship is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship Program and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). DAAD Germany will provide 40 additional scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students per year to study and/or intern for academic credit in Germany through the Gilman Program.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. Citizen
- Undergraduate student in good academic standing
- Federal Pell Grant recipient
- In the process of applying for, or being accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program in Germany
Steps to Apply to Scholarships
- Find scholarship opportunities that fit your needs and that you are eligible for.
- Start your application. Carefully follow the criteria for each scholarship and be sure to collect all application materials before the deadline. Most scholarships require you to submit one essay or more. In your essay(s), be sure to emphasize why you’ve selected your program and destination, how your program relates to your academic and professional goals, how you’ve academically prepared for the program, how you think you’ll learn and grow from the experience, how the scholarship will help you realize your global learning goals, etc.
- Need assistance writing your essay? Start by using our Guide to writing a scholarship application. If you need support writing your essay(s), contact the UCSC Writing Center. The Writing Center works with all students at all stages of the writing process, including prewriting, writing, and revising.
- Want a final review of your essay(s)? Our global learning advisors are here to help. Once you’ve visited the writing center, our global learning advisors can provide a final review of your scholarship essay(s) before submission. Simply copy your essay into a Google Doc and share it with globallearning@ucsc.edu. Be sure you grant us “editing” access. Give your UCSC Global Learning Advisor at least 1 week prior to the scholarship deadline. Please note: we can only review your essays for content to ensure you are answering the essay prompts and are not able to spend more than 30 minutes on a review. The writing center can provide more detailed feedback.
- Submit your application by the deadline.