Finances, Scholarships & Special Initiatives

Affordability is a factor in selecting a study abroad program. In some cases, the cost to study abroad can be less than or equal to a semester here at Rutgers University. Each program page has a breakdown of the costs associated with it.

You are encouraged to either watch a webinar to understand the basics of the costs associated with studying abroad with Rutgers University and different methods to fund it or attend a live online finance session. 

Paying for Study Abroad webinar

Early financial planning is important when considering an abroad program. It is important to know how much you may spend to go abroad and when those expenses will need to be paid. The worksheet will guide you to understand all the costs associated with studying abroad, how financial aid can be used, how to cover the expenses, and the timeline of expenses. 

Semester Financial Planning Worksheet
Winter Financial Planning Worksheet
Summer Financial Planning Worksheet

Rutgers Global Scholarships
Rutgers Global offers scholarships for the semester, summer, winter, and embedded programs. Rutgers Global scholarship awards are competitive; students are not guaranteed a scholarship. 

Applications can be found inside your study abroad program application. As an applicant, you are automatically considered for all applicable scholarships based on the answers you provide on your application. Scholarship awards may only be used for Rutgers Global–Study Abroad administered study abroad programs. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY:
- Spring (semester) & Winter programs: October 1 
- Embedded Spring programs: December 1
- Fall (semester) & Academic Year & Summer programs: March 1
- Embedded Fall programs: August 1

Byrne Scholarship
If you have participated in a global-themed Byrne First-Year Seminar and plan to participate in a summer course study abroad program, you will be considered for funding as long as you submit the scholarship application inside your study abroad application. If awarded, a scholarship will be applied to your Rutgers term bill. If you have any questions about this scholarship and to see if you meet the eligibility requirements, please email at byrneseminars@echo.rutgers.edu.

Eligibility requirements:
- Must be a first-generation
- Completed a Byrne First-Year Seminar
- Participating in a service-learning study abroad program with Rutgers Global-Study Abroad

Rutgers Global–China Office Study Abroad Scholarship: China 
Rutgers Global–China Office Study Abroad Scholarship will be given on a competitive basis to qualified students whose financial needs are not being met by other funding. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of the overall strength of the application (especially the cover letter), academic record, and financial need. The award can be used to defray eligible study or intern abroad costs. These costs include program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, and international airfare. 

Rutgers School of Biological and Environmental Sciences (SEBS) Scholarships
The SEBS Office of Global Engagement offers a SEBS Going Global Scholarship, which is available to SEBS students only. For more information on criteria and award amounts, please visit the SEBS international programs scholarship page, or reach out to sebsglobal@sebs.rutgers.edu for more information

Rutgers School of Engineering (SOE) Scholarship ($500–$1,000)
This study abroad scholarship is for engineering students studying abroad in the fall or spring semesters who wish to defray travel costs. For more information, contact assistant dean Robert Ciervo at robert.ciervo@rutgers.edu.
Typical award amount: $500–$1,000 for semester programs.

Rutgers Department of Italian Scholarships ($500–$2,000)
Coccia Foundation Italian Studies Scholarship - The Coccia Foundation Italian Studies Scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellent academic performance and plans to study abroad.

RU in Rome Scholarships - Requirements and amounts vary.

Rutgers Art History Scholarship: Summer Art History in Paris ($2,000)
This scholarship is available to all Rutgers students attending the six-credit summer program, Art History in Paris. Priority is given to you if you are an art history major. There is no application necessary for this award. Contact us at ru_abroad@global.rutgers.edu for more information.
Typical award amount: $2,000 for the summer Art History in Paris program.

Rutgers Art History Scholarship: Summer Art History in Rome ($2,000)
This scholarship is available to all Rutgers students attending the summer Art History in Rome program. Priority is given to you if you are an art history major. There is no application necessary for this award. Contact us at ru_abroad@global.rutgers.edu for more information.
Typical award amount: $2,000 for the summer Art History in Rome program.

Max Kade Foundation Scholarship ($1,500)
In coordination with the Department of Germanic, Russian and East European Languages and Literatures and Rutgers Global–Study Abroad, the Max Kade Foundation is typically able to offer $1,500 in support to each of approximately 23 students enrolled in the summer study abroad program in Berlin. More information can be found here.

Max Kade Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
In coordination with the Department of Germanic, Russian and East European Languages and Literatures and Rutgers Global–Study Abroad, the Max Kade Foundation offers up to two scholarships per year of $5,000.00 each to undergraduate students enrolled in Fall or Fall-Spring study abroad programs in Berlin. More information can be found here.

Rutgers Phi Sigma Iota Merit Scholarship
This scholarship is to be awarded to Phi Sigma Iota undergraduate members based on merit (overall cumulative average, average in foreign languages taken at Rutgers, and level of study achieved). For more information, please visit the Phi Sigma Iota website.

Rutgers Study in Israel: Jewish Studies Majors/Minor
The Department of Jewish Studies offers scholarships to Jewish studies majors and minors who wish to study abroad at an accredited Israeli university. For more information on criteria or how to apply, visit the Study in Israel website.

Benjamin A. Gilman Awards
If you are a student who receives a Pell Grant and are a U.S. citizen, you can apply to receive up to $5,000 towards the costs associated with study abroad. This award is extremely competitive and requires an essay and a proposal. The deadline varies based on semester and early applications are available as well. For more information please visit http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program.
Typical award amount: Up to $5,000

Fund for Education Abroad
Available to all U.S. citizen and permanent residents. Often, students must apply more than a year in advance. There are different types of scholarships available, such as the Rainbow Scholarship and the Hiliary Echo Douglas Memorial Scholarship. The application typically opens in November. More information is available at https://fundforeducationabroad.org/scholarships/

IIE Travel Grants
Available to Rutgers U.S. citizens or permanent residents participating in spring, summer, or fall study abroad programs. Students must demonstrate financial need. More information is available at https://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Generation-Study-Abroad/UtilityNav/Funding/Travel-Grants#Eligibility.
Typical award amount: Up to $2,000

#StudyAbroadGoals Flight and Scholarship
This opportunity is open to students looking to study abroad in 2019. The winner will receive a $2,000 flight voucher, a $3,000 scholarship, and a copy of the Lonely Planet Guide to studying abroad. Learn more and apply at https://www.goabroad.com/contests/studyabroadgoals.

David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarship
Available to all students studying abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. In exchange for funding, all Boren Scholars must agree to the Boren Scholarships Selection Criteria. Applications are needed almost a year before the actual start of the study abroad program. For more information please visit https://www.borenawards.org/. Applications are submitted through the Office of Distinguished Fellowships.
Typical award amount: $8,000–$20,000 for summer, semester, or year-long programs

Go Overseas Scholarships
Go Overseas offers two types of scholarships: Study Abroad Scholarships and Volunteer/Intern Abroad Scholarships! The deadlines change based on semester. For a list of FAQ's and to apply, visit https://www.gooverseas.com/.

Study Abroad Journal Scholarship (Europe)
This opportunity is open to U.S. and international students. Winner is awarded $500, a journal, and a guide book for Europe. The deadline varies; for more information visit https://www.thestudyabroadjournal.com/study-abroad-scholarship.
Typical award amount: $500 (and a journal and a guidebook!)

Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Available to all undergraduate study abroad students who are U.S. citizens. Recipients will be rewarded with $1000 as well as a Tortuga Travel Backpack. The deadlines change based on semester. For more information, and to apply, please visit http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pages/study-abroad-scholarship.
Typical award amount: $1,000 (and a backpack!)

Good College Study Abroad Award
Applications are open to U.S. or Canadian citizens enrolled in an accredited college or university. Award amount is $2,000. The scholarship usually closes around November 1st. For more information visit https://goodcolleges.online/study-abroad-award/.
Typical award amount: $2,000

ScholarTrips Scholarships
Open to legal U.S. residents. If you want to create a video or essay about your study abroad experience, the ScholarTrips Scholarship is right for you!  Six winners will receive $2,500 and 30 runner-ups will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. Applications are typically open from October 10th to November 10th. For more information visit http://www.scholartrips.org/details.
Typical award amount: $2,500 (six prizes); $50 Amazon gift cards (30 runner-ups)

ASIA

The Blakemore Foundation
Offers grants for graduates and professionals studying an Asian language at an advanced level. The application typically opens in July and closes in December. For more information please visit here.

Freeman-ASIA Scholarship 
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. Must receive need-based financial aid and have a minimum GPA of 2.8. Award amount earned can be up to $7,000 varying by program. More information is available here.

AUSTRIA

Marshall Plan Scholarships
Available to students studying at the Graz University of Technology. For more information, please visit here.

AUSTRALIA

Australian Education Office
This is a database of scholarships in most disciplines for most universities in Australia. Application deadline varies. More information is available at https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/scholarships.

CHINA

Rutgers Global–China Office Study Abroad Scholarship
This scholarship will be given on a competitive basis to qualified students whose financial needs are not being met by other funding. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of the overall strength of the application (especially the cover letter), academic record, and financial need. The award can be used to defray eligible study or intern abroad costs. These costs include program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, and international airfare. More information can be found here.

CZECH REPUBLIC

CET Scholarships
A scholarship application is available inside each student’s online CET study abroad application. For more information please visit http://cetacademicprograms.com/.

GERMANY

DAAD Undergraduate Awards
Available to undergraduate and graduate students studying in Germany. For more information, please visit https://www.daad.org/en/.

Technical University of Munich
Different types of scholarships are available for students attending Munich. More information: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/scholarships/.

GREECE

Hellenic American Scholarship
Available to students studying at the American College of Thessaloniki. For more information please visit http://www.act.edu/index.jsp?CMRCode=15I1THH4L&extLang=LG. 

IRELAND

Go Overseas and Education Ireland Scholarships
Go Overseas has partnered up with Education Ireland to award 15 full-tuition scholarships to undergraduate students. More information on the scholarships can be found at https://www.gooverseas.com/scholarships. 

ISRAEL

MASA Grants for Jewish Undergraduates
MASA enables Jewish youth to spend a semester or a year of study in Israel to help them build a life-long relationship with the country and a firm commitment to Jewish life. For more information, please visit https://www.masaisrael.org/funding/grants-scholarships/

ITALY

Columbus Guarini Scholarship
Available to students who are U.S. citizens planning to attend John Cabot University. Applicants must be at least 25 percent Italian descent, maintain at least an 85 percent or 3.0 overall academic average, and demonstrate financial need. For more information, visit https://columbuscitizens.org/studyabroad

ItaliaRail Scholarship
If you’ve been accepted and confirmed for a fall study abroad program in Italy, are receiving financial aid, and have at least a 3.0 GPA, you may eligible to receive this scholarship. Applications typically open in November. For more information, visit https://www.italiarail.com/scholarship.

National Italian American Foundation Scholarships
Several scholarships are available with various application criteria.  For more information, please visit https://www.niaf.org/programs/scholarships/

JAPAN

Bridging Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan
Available to undergraduate students majoring in any field of study. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. Application deadlines vary by semester. For more information, please visit http://www.aatj.org/studyabroad/japan-bridging-scholarships.

Japanese Consulate in New York Scholarships
Several scholarships available for undergraduates and graduates studying or conducting research in Japan. For more information please visit http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/h/01.html.

MIDDLE EAST

AMIDEAST Education Abroad Scholarships
Available to all students participating in a Rutgers Global–Study Abroad/AMIDEAST program. For more information and application instructions please visit https://www.amideast.org/our-work/education-abroad-in-the-mena/abroad-scholarships

NEW ZEALAND

Go Overseas Study in New Zealand Scholarship
This is a full scholarship ($15,000) for US or European undergraduate students to study abroad in New Zealand for either the Spring or Fall semesters. In addition to the $15,000 scholarship, there are three $10,000 scholarships for graduate students. For more information please visit https://www.gooverseas.com/scholarships.

University of Auckland Generation Study Abroad Scholarship
As a Generation Study Abroad commitment partner, the University of Auckland is giving 100 Study Abroad scholarships of NZ$1,275 per year through our US partner institutions for fee-paying study abroad students. Check with the study abroad office to see if you are eligible.

NORWAY

King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund
Applicant must have a keen interest in Norwegian heritage or is a Norwegian who demonstrates an interest in American heritage. Awards range from $1,000-$5,000. More information: https://www.sofn.com/foundation/scholarships/.

SWEDEN

Swedish Women's Educational Association NJ Scholarship
The SWEA chapter of NJ scholarship amounts to a total of $6,000 per year. The scholarship can be awarded in whole or in part, to qualified individuals, preferably with current residence in New Jersey or the Tri-State area pursuing academic or professional studies or artistic endeavors pertaining to Sweden. The application typically closes in May and the recipient is awarded in June. To apply, please visit http://newjersey.swea.org/apply-for-scholarship.

TURKEY

Study Abroad Turkey Scholarship for Minority Students
The Turkish Coalition of America in cooperation with Diversity Abroad offers a grant program to encourage African American, Hispanic/Latino and Native American undergraduate students in the United States to participate in a study abroad program in Turkey. For more information, please visit http://www.tc-america.org/scholarship/scholar_minority.html.

Study Abroad Turkey Scholarship for US. Citizens of Multiple Ethnicities
The Turkish Coalition of America offers a scholarship for American students of Armenian, Bosnian-American, and Macedonian-American descent to participate in a study abroad program in Turkey. For more information, please visit http://www.tc-america.org/scholarship/scholar_armenian.html.

UNITED KINGDOM

BUTEX Scholarships
Scholarships are available to US students who have been offered a place as a study abroad or exchange student at a UK University which is a member of BUTEX. The application typically closes in June. For more information, please visit http://www.butex.ac.uk/.

St. Andrews Society
Available to students interested in studying at St. Andrews University or Glasgow University. For more information, please contact us at ru_abroad@global.rutgers.edu.

AASAP/UK Lord Acton Memorial Scholarship
Scholarships available to full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The application opens in March and is due June 1 for the 2018-2019 term. For more information, please visit http://www.aasapuk.org/scholarships.php.

British Council
Search engine for scholarships and grants for students who wish to study in the UK. There are many different types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Some scholarships require more than a year in advance to apply. For more information, see http://www.educationuk.org/global/articles/scholarships-financial-support/.

VARIOUS

CIEE Scholarships
Available to students participating in CIEE study abroad programs. Academic excellence and access grants/scholarships are offered. For more information please visit http://www.ciee.org/study/scholarships/.

CIEE CIC-Partner Scholarships
Available to Rutgers students participating on eligible CIEE study abroad programs. Applications will be released to students upon acceptance.

American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) Scholarship Program 
Applicant must be enrolled as a full time in an undergraduate school or be enrolled part time or full time in a graduate school, and have a documented disability and provide documentation of their disability. Applicant must be a US citizen or legal resident living in the US. Preference will be given to students majoring in public health, disability studies, disability research, health promotion or a field related to disability and health. More information can be found at http://www.aahd.us/initiatives/scholarship-program/.

Fadel Educational Grant  
This is a need-based grant for Muslim U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The award amount varies. The application opens February of each year. Click here for more information.

Gates Millennium Scholarship 
Open to African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American who are citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States and receive the Pell Grant. For more information, please visit http://www.apiasf.org/scholarship_gms.html.

GoGrad 
Guide for Grad students on finances and scholarships for the LGBTQ student community. More information is available at http://www.gograd.org/financial-aid/scholarships/lgbtq/.

Hispanic College and Scholarship Fund (HCF/HSF) 
Scholarships are open to undergraduate and graduate students and community college students intending to transfer to a four-year college. Most of the scholarships were granted to students majoring in business, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Applicants must also be US citizens or permanent residents. For more information please visit https://www.hsf.net/.
Typical award amounts: $1,000–$20,000

Islamic Scholarship Fund
Open to US citizens or permanent residents who are undergraduate (junior/senior) or a graduate students by August. This scholarship favors media and journalism majors; for a list of approved majors that can apply, click here. The application consists of answering essay questions, a video introduction, and letters of recommendation. The deadline to submit an application is April 9. The award amount varies. Learn more at https://islamicscholarshipfund.org/

ISNA Scholarships 
The Islamic Society of North America hosts a list of scholarships on their site. These are open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are attending a U.S.-based accredited institution. Award amount, criteria, and deadlines vary. For more information, visit http://www.isna.net/scholarships/.

The Korean American Scholarship Foundation 
Scholarships for Korean Americans in a variety of majors. Please visit http://www.kasf.org/application for more information.

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) 
Applicants must have applied to or be enrolled in a college, university or graduate student (including two-year colleges and vocational school programs leading to an associate’s degree). A minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required for the National Scholastic Achievement Awards, and a minimum 3.25 GPA is required for the Honors Awards. More information is available at http://lulac.org/programs/education/scholarships/.

MIUSA 
Additional scholarships that can be used to study abroad. More information is available at http://www.miusa.org/ncde/financialaid/scholarshiplist/?searchterm=scholarship.

NAACP  
Scholarships for students of color who are members or would like to become a member of NAACP. Please visit https://naacp.org/find-resources/scholarships-awards-internships/scholarships for more information.

National Society of Black Engineers 
Scholarships for African-American students pursing engineering who are members or would like to become a member of NSBE. Please visit http://www.nsbe.org/Programs/Scholarships.aspx for more information.

Point Foundation – The National LGBT Scholarship Fund 
Point Foundation is a national, publicly supported, scholarship-granting organization focused on helping LGBTQ students. It seeks to empower promising LGBTQs to achieve their academic and leadership potential. More information is available at https://www.pointfoundation.org/point-apply/apply-now/.
Typical award amount:  $5,000–$28,000

UNCF 
Scholarships for students of color in variety of majors. Please visit https://www.uncf.org/ for more information.

IEFA International Education Financial Aid
International financial aid and college scholarship search engine.

International Student Scholarship
College and international scholarships resource for students.

IIE Passport
Scholarship search engine based on study abroad location or field of study.  

Scholarships.com
General scholarship search engine.

FastWeb
General scholarship search engine.  

College Board
General scholarship search engine.  

National Society of Collegiate Scholars Scholarships (NSCS)
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an honors organization that recognizes and elevates high achievers. NSCS offers a million dollars in scholarships each year to help their members attain their goals and commend them for their outstanding academic excellence as well their leadership and service achievements. Scholarships are only available to active members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

New Jersey Residents

Fall 2025/Spring 2026

Paris, France

Non-New Jersey Residents

Fall 2025/Spring 2026

Access the World Programs

This passport initiative will cover the cost of applying for a first-time U.S. passport at the Middlesex County Clerk's Office, Essex County Clerk's Office, Gloucester County Clerk's Office, Camden County Clerk's Office, or Burlington County Clerk's Office. Applicants can choose the location that is closest to their campus or home!

This initiative is open to all matriculated Rutgers U.S. citizens who have never received an adult U.S. passport. If a student is found ineligible at any point, Rutgers Global-Study Abroad reserves the right to revoke award funding.* 

*Funding is limited.

There is no obligation to complete a study abroad program through Rutgers Global. This initiative is NOT tied to any particular study abroad program or academic term. It is meant to serve our students and help them acquire their first-ever passports.

Please keep in mind: Passport processing times can take up to 5 - 6 months. If you are taking part in a study abroad program during the current or upcoming academic term, you will not receive your passport in time for the start of your program if you apply through this initiative. 

Submit an application by clicking the button below. The application includes the following core components:

• Learning Content on "Initiative Eligibility and Timeline"
• Learning Content on "Passport Appointment + DS-11"
• Virtual "Orientation" Session
• One (1) "Dreams and Barriers" Mini-Prompt
• One (1) "Citizenship" Mini-Prompt

• Application fee $130.00
• Post Office Photo fee $15.00  
• Execution fee $35.00 

Total cost covered by Rutgers Passport to the World Initiative up to $180.00 

Application Process:

The RGSA Committee will review the applications and issue award letters to selected students with instructions on a rolling basis so you can submit before the deadline.

Application Deadlines:

Application Submission Deadline (Graduating, Fall 2024): October 15, 2024

Application Submission Deadline (Graduating, Winter 2025): October 15, 2024

Application Submission Deadline (Graduating, Spring 2025): April 1, 2025

Application Submission Deadline (Graduating, Summer 2025): April 1, 2025

Application Submission Deadline (Returning / Non-Graduating): June 1, 2025

1. I had a passport as a child but not as an adult. Do I still qualify to apply?

Yes. Since your first passport was issued when you were a minor, you now need an adult version.

2. Should I apply for my passport before hearing that I've been awarded? 

No, you must wait until you've received your official award letter. We will be scheduling a day and time for you to pick up the checks. 

3. Do I have to study abroad in the future to apply or receive the award?

No, you are not required to study abroad to receive this award.

4. What is the time frame for acceptance?

Rutgers Global reviews completed applications weekly. 

5. Would I get a passport in time to go abroad for the Spring? 

It usually takes 10 to 13 weeks to process a passport (processing times start when the application is received at a passport agency or center). Depending upon your study abroad program, you may need your passport before applying for a visa (if applicable) and may be needed to purchase your flight. You will need to plan accordingly.

6. How will the U.S. Passport fees be covered?

Rutgers Global will notify students if they have received the award, and students will be given two money orders to pay for the passport application fee and the passport processing fee. Further information will be provided in the official award email.

7. What if I need the passport expedited? 

Expediting a passport requires additional fees, for which you will be responsible.

Additional details about the overall application and passport appointment process will be covered during the "Orientation" section. 

If you still have questions, please email: ruglobal.passport@gmail.com

Students do not need to apply for an Access Africa scholarship--funding will be automatically awarded to those enrolled in a semester or short-term study abroad program in Africa. In some cases, funds will be applied to cover the program costs, and in others funds will be applied to cover the airfare costs. Due to the generosity of the donors, there is significant support for all of the programs making Access Africa an appealing and affordable study abroad option for all Rutgers undergraduate students. 

Programs

The study abroad opportunities available through the Access Africa initiative include semester and short-term programs in:

• Benin
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Morocco
• Senegal
• South Africa

Please review our Program Search page for dates and application details.

To learn more about funding opportunities for Access Africa, visit the Center for African Studies website here.