Penn State Education Abroad Scholarships

The following scholarships are offered through the Education Abroad Office for students studying on approved Penn State programs. Penn State students participating in officially sponsored Education Abroad programs are eligible.

Embedded Programs Scholarship

The Embedded Programs Scholarship is issued through the Education Abroad Office for students studying on approved Penn State embedded programs.  An embedded program is a residentially-taught course with an international travel component included within the class. 

Scholarship Description

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support to full-time undergraduate and graduate students from the Pennsylvania State University who are currently enrolled in a course with an international travel component (an embedded program). Qualifying embedded programs must include a travel component that involves two Penn State faculty leaders and is, at minimum, one week in duration.  This scholarship is not guaranteed and is competitive.

Eligibility

Full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled in a course with an international travel component (an embedded program).  All applicants must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Office of Student Aid at Penn State.  Your FAFSA must already be on file for the semester of travel.  

Application Deadlines

All scholarship applications are to be submitted via online web form using the link associated with the proper date of travel as described in the deadlines table in this section.  No paper scholarship applications will be accepted.

Deadlines and links to embedded programs scholarship
Course Term Program Travel Dates Scholarship Application Due Date Apply Now
Fall Late August through December graduation October 1 Fall embedded programs scholarship application (opens in new tab)
Winter (Dec. - Feb.) December graduation through end of February October 1 Winter (Dec.-Feb.) embedded programs scholarship application (opens in new tab)
Spring (March - May) March through May graduation (most common travel time is spring break) January 15 Spring (March-May) embedded programs scholarship application (opens in new tab)
Summer May graduation through August graduation March 15 Summer embedded programs scholarship application (opens in new tab)

Award Amount

  • $1,000—undergraduate students
  • $500—graduate students

Award Recipient Selection

Recipients shall be selected by the Education Abroad Scholarship Committee. The primary factor considered, in consultation with the Office of Student Aid, is the applicant’s financial need.  Because of the volume of applications, awards usually go to students with the highest level of financial need as determined by the Office of Student Aid.  Among those with the highest need, preference may be given to students with higher cumulative grade point averages and/or to those with no prior international experience. Recipients who do not provide accurate information or do not apply for the scholarship associated with the correct term and dates of travel will not be considered. 

Award Notification & Distribution

Applicants will be notified via email one month after the application deadline. Awards will be distributed to the student’s account via the Office of the Bursar, and may not be disbursed to a student's account until at least two months after the application deadline.  An award may result in an adjustment of student aid eligibility or loan disbursement.  Please consult with Office of Student Aid for any questions relating to aid eligibility and loans. The award may be removed from your bursar account if you withdraw from the program, do not participate in the program or the program is cancelled. Awards are non-renewable. 

Please note: The number of applications for the scholarship far exceeds the availability of funds.  We encourage all students to apply, but applicants should be aware that the likelihood of being awarded is relatively low due to the volume of applications.