Funding Opportunities
Financial Support for Study Abroad
If you're considering studying abroad, financial support is available to help make your international experience a reality. Here are some funding resources and opportunities to consider:
1. College of Engineering Travel Grant:
The Center for Global Engineering Engagement awards international travel grants to students in the College of Engineering each semester to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. These awards range from $300-$5,000 and are meant to enhance equal access to participation in an international experience. Travel grants are awarded to applicants with thoughtful, well-written essays regardless of financial need.
Details: These grants provide financial assistance to engineering students for their study abroad experiences. All Penn State engineers traveling on approved programs are eligible.
2. Penn State Education Abroad Scholarships
Penn State Global is committed to providing global learning experiences to students across the Commonwealth. As part of a broader effort to increase student access and success in education abroad programs, Penn State Global announces new and increased scholarship opportunities, guaranteed scholarships to students receiving Federal Pell Grants, and a suite of events to kick off fall semester.
Students interested in studying abroad in spring 2024 have over 100 semester-long programs available for application by September 10 and can be the very first students to benefit from the scholarship programs announced here
Global Engineering Engagement Leadership Scholarship
The Global Engineering Engagement Leadership Scholarship is awarded through the Center for Global Engineering Engagement to students participating in COE approved Penn State abroad programs.
Scholarship Description
This award supports students who demonstrate leadership aspirations and participate in a COE global program. This award aims to increase accessibility by supporting undergraduate students in engineering who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints.
Eligibility
Students must be a full-time undergraduate Penn State student enrolled in the College of Engineering who have been accepted into a COE study abroad program. Applicants for this scholarship must exhibit significant financial need and must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Office of Student Aid, at the time of the application deadline, to be considered for this scholarship. Awardees are encouraged but not required to apply to the Global Engineering Fellows Program upon completion of their international program.
Recipients must complete an online non-credit pre-departure learning orientation.
Application Deadlines
- January 24 — Summer programs
- November 10 — Spring embedded programs
Award Amount
Awardees are eligible to receive up to $2,000.
How to Apply
Before applying, read all the instructions and eligibility requirements. Then, complete the application linked below.
For any questions, contact International@engr.psu.edu.
Award Recipient Selection
Recipients shall be selected by the Center for Global Engineering Engagement Scholarship Committee. Factors considered are financial need, demonstrated academic success, and essay submission.
Award Notification and Distribution
The scholarship application and supporting documents must be submitted by the dates above. Scholarship application deadlines are evaluated independently of program application deadlines and will not be extended.
Notification of scholarship decision will be by email. Notification will occur before a student is expected to commit to their Education Abroad program. Awards will be distributed to the student’s account via the Office of the Bursar. The award will be removed from the student's bursar account if the student changes program locations, withdraws from the program, does not participate in the program, or the program is canceled. Awards are made one time only and are not negotiable.
Additional Scholarships:
- Gilman Scholarship:
- Eligibility: Undergraduate U.S. citizens with limited financial means
- Details: The Gilman Scholarship supports study and internships abroad, helping students gain skills crucial for national security and economic prosperity.
- Penn State Global List:
Find all opportunities through Global Penn State's Easy Guide to Study Abroad Scholarships.
Funding Opportunities:
The cost of housing, meals, and daily living abroad is comparable and, in some cases, less expensive than residential study at Penn State. In fact, for all summer programs and some semester programs, out-of-state students pay in-state tuition rates for participation in study abroad. As you prepare for your study abroad experience, we encourage you to read these tips to keep the experience affordable.
There are many opportunities to find funding for study abroad, but it requires advance planning and some work on the part of the student.
Getting Started/How Do I Fund Study Abroad?
No two programs are the same, and our program costs reflect these differences. Our programs vary widely in cost, so it is likely that we have a program for every budget. Sometimes studying abroad is no more expensive than studying on-campus and other times the cost can be higher.
We encourage all students to:
- First determine your budget
- Fill out the Study Abroad Budget Worksheet, comparing the cost of attendance at University Park to studying abroad.
- Schedule an appointment with a financial adviser at Penn State’s Sokolov-Miller Financial and Life Skills Center.
- Research programs and identify those that meet your budget, as well as your personal and academic goals.
- Be sure to check which items are included in the program fee. Sometimes amenities, such as housing, are included.
- Consider other potential costs, such as airfare and cost of living, which may not be reflected in the program fee.
- Complete a FAFSA application and meet with the Office of Student Financial Aid.
- A comprehensive list of available funding options is provided on our website. Review those options early to apply.
How can I write a competitive essay?
The best essays will give specific answers to the questions provided. Tell your story in a way that will answer the question “what sets me apart?” Be able to demonstrate how study abroad fits into a greater plan for your academic career, your co-curricular and leadership engagement on campus, and your professional career. The Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring Office can help you to identify opportunities and to go through the process of applying, including writing a competitive essay.
Remember, with careful planning and the right resources, your study abroad experience can be both enriching and financially feasible. Explore the various funding options and start your journey towards a transformative international education.
