Penn State Education Abroad Scholarships

Penn State Global is pleased to announce the Student Access and Success grants for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. This initiative is intended to increase global engagement among students across the Commonwealth through enhanced funding and targeted scholarships. Students from any campus participating in any type of approved Penn State education abroad program will have increased access to funding for their experience. With the exception of the Sustainability Scholars Award, there is no specific application required for students to be considered for the Education Abroad Student Access and Success grants.

Student Access and Success funding opportunities include:

• Student Access and Success General Award
  • Awards range from $500-$2,000 depending on length of program.  
• Passport Award ($200 to help cover the cost of a passport)
  • Students indicate on their Penn State education abroad application or embedded course registration forms that they need financial support to cover the cost of a U.S. passport. Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. passport to receive this award.
• Strategic Partner Mobility Initiative Award (effective Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Academic Year 2024-25, and Spring 2025 terms) 
  • All students committed to participating in any of the three eligible exchange programs only (Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Kuala Lumpur: Monash University Malaysia, Melbourne: Monash University) will receive a $3,000 scholarship per semester from Penn State Global. For students committed to participating in this exchange program for the full academic year 2024-25 term (i.e., fall 2024 and spring 2025 terms), a $3,000 scholarship would be awarded for each term (a total of $6,000).  There is no application required.
• Education Abroad Fair Award
  • Twenty (20) students who attend the annual Education Abroad Fair at University Park or the virtual education abroad session held in conjunction with the Education Abroad Fair in fall 2023 or fall 2024 will be randomly selected to receive a $500 scholarship to be used toward an approved education abroad program.
• Sustainability Scholars Program
  • In keeping with its commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through education abroad, this award will be presented to 10 students who have demonstrated how they will incorporate sustainability into their global learning experience and future academic and professional life.  More details are forthcoming.

Effective spring 2024 through at least the end of summer 2025, Penn State Global and Education Abroad will guarantee a minimum $1,000 scholarship for every Federal Pell Grant recipient that is approved to study abroad through any Penn State-approved education abroad program. Federal Pell Grant recipients who submit a completed application for the national Gilman Scholarship Program and meet eligibility requirements for the Gilman Scholarship Program (including but not limited to eligible locations) will automatically increase their Penn State Global guaranteed scholarship amount another $500, to a minimum of $1,500.

The Federal Pell Grant and Gilman Scholarship guarantee is applicable for all program types and lengths (academic year, fall or spring, summer and embedded courses). Support in applying for the Gilman Scholarship Program is available through Penn State’s Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring Office and Penn State Education Abroad.

There is no special application required to be considered for these guaranteed scholarships.  Eligible students will be awarded from existing scholarship funds.

The Embedded Programs Scholarship is issued through Penn State Global Education Abroad 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 programs leaders and is, at minimum, one week in duration.  This scholarship is not guaranteed and is competitive; the number of students participating in embedded programs far exceeds the number of embedded programs scholarships available.

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 Process

Effective for the fall 2023 semester and beyond, there is no application required to be considered for this scholarship.  The Education Abroad scholarship selection team will utilize course rosters submitted by the embedded course leaders and will determine eligible scholarship recipients based on the criteria for this award.  Students must confirm their travel participation with the course leader and students must enroll in the credit-bearing academic course(s) associated with the travel in order to be eligible to receive this award.  Program leaders who submit their embedded course travel roster after the official roster deadline may prevent their students from being considered for this scholarship.

Award Recipient Criteria and 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 Penn State education abroad experience. 

Award Amount

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

Award Notification & Distribution

Applicants will be notified via email 2-4 weeks after the embedded course roster submission deadline. Awards will be distributed to the student’s account via the Office of the Bursar and according to financial guidelines and timelines established by the University.  An award may result in an adjustment of student aid eligibility or loan disbursement.  Please consult with the 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 explore additional scholarships and funding sources.

With the generous support of Alvin de Levie, a Penn State graduate in the class of 1973 and Penn State Board of Trustees member, Penn State Global has launched the Dagobert and Elsie de Levie Student Study Abroad Fund. This fund honors the founder of education abroad programming at Penn State, Dr. Dagobert de Levie, and his wife Elsie.  Dr. de Levie established Penn State's first international exchange programs in the 1960s and coordinated the academic, cultural, and logistical elements of all Penn State education abroad programs into the 1980s.

Scholarships deriving from the Dagobert and Elsie de Levie Student Study Abroad Fund will support Penn State students studying abroad on a semester or summer program who have demonstrated financial need and have achieved academic success in their time at Penn State.  Students who complete the standard scholarship application will be eligible for consideration of this award that typically ranges from $1,000-$3,000.

In partnership with Alvin de Levie, Penn State Global seeks to promote this fund to alumni, friends, and stakeholders of the University who wish to support access to world-class education abroad experiences for Penn State students.  Those who wish to contribute to the Dagobert and Elsie de Levie Student Study Abroad Fund may do so on Penn State's development and giving site for the fund.

CIEE has generously provided scholarships for students that participate in CIEE programs. Eligibility requirements may vary but are based on program location and semester, as well as being a full-time degree-seeking Penn State undergraduate student and financial need. Applicants must also be United States citizens/permanent residents and have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Office of Student Aid. 

Special Discount Guarantee: January 2024 to December 2024

CIEE has generously agreed to guarantee the following minimum discounts to Penn State students participating in any Penn State approved CIEE program from January 2024-December 2024.

• $2500 program discount for students participating in traditional semester program or three (3) block Open Campus program (fall/spring)
• $1,250 program discount for students participating in any two (2) block Open Campus program (fall/spring)
• $500 discount for students participating in any one (1) block Open Campus program (fall/spring)
• $500 discount on any CIEE summer program*

Note about summer programs: Consecutive summer sessions receive a 20% discount in the 2nd and 3rd session. Only the 1st session will be discounted at the discount rate listed here.

Application Deadlines

All students participating in the designated programs will receive the discount; there is no separate scholarship application.  The deadlines listed here reflect the program application deadline for admission. Only those with applications on file by the deadline will be considered for this funding source.

How to Apply

There is no application for these program discounts. 

IES Abroad has generously provided scholarships for students who participate in IES Abroad programs. Eligibility requirements may vary but are based on program location and semester, as well as being a full-time degree-seeking Penn State undergraduate student and financial need. Applicants must also be United States citizens/permanent residents and have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Office of Student Aid.

Scholarship Description

The IES Abroad High-Impact Aid Commitment is designed to take the guessing out of education abroad financial aid and make it more equitable for all. With IES Abroad’s financial aid, students can:

• Apply for all IES Abroad financial aid with one single application and will know your total IES Abroad aid amount within five days of applying.
• Receive up to $7,000 in scholarships and aid for an IES Abroad program, which includes an automatic $1,000 public university grant if participating in a semester-long program.

Award Amount

Awards range from $500 to $7,000, depending on the selected program, term, and eligibility.

Eligibility, How to Apply, & Deadlines

Students should visit the IES Abroad scholarships and aid website to learn more about their eligibility, how to apply, and review the application deadlines. Students who submit their IES Abroad financial aid aplication will receive a response within 5 business days. Students should contact IES Abroad directly with any questions about their eligibility and applying for financial aid: https://www.iesabroad.org/contact.

Award Recipient Selection

IES Abroad determines the amount of theaward based on expected family contribution (via FAFSA).

Award Notification

Applicants will be notified of their total IES Abroad aid amount by email within five business days of applying.

Eligible Programs

Students going abroad on any Penn State-approved IES Abroad program (not customized program) are eligible to apply.

The Grant-in-Aid Scholarship is issued 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 to apply. This scholarship is not guaranteed and is competitive.

Scholarship Description

Penn State Education Abroad offers named scholarships and trustee awards to qualified Penn State undergraduate students participating in semester Education Abroad (EA) programs. Based on specific donor requirements, merit, and/or financial need, awards are made during each of the three semesters (summer, fall, spring) during the academic year.

Named scholarships are made available to regularly enrolled undergraduate students, who have been accepted into an Education Abroad program and meet the eligibility requirements of the scholarship.

• Whitney Frankenberry Scholarship in International Programs
• Charles and Lillian Binder Foreign Studies Grant-in-Aid
• Graham B. and Sandra K. Spanier International Education Endowment
• Janis Jacobs Study Abroad Fund
• Judy Shepherd Education Abroad Award
• Mel and Nancy Brown Family Endowment for Education Abroad
• Michael and Grace Adewumi Trustee Scholarship in Global Programs
• Michael J. and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Study Abroad Trustee Scholarship
• Middle East Foreign Studies Grant
• Semmer Scholarship for Education Abroad in Memory of Geoff Blatt
• Sung and Fumi Lee Scholarship

Grant-in-Aid awards are made available to regularly enrolled undergraduate students, who have been accepted into an Education Abroad program and have demonstrated unmet financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).

• Alumni Association Undergraduate International Education Endowment
• Study Abroad Grant-in-Aid
• Penn State Alumni Association Education Abroad Scholarship

Eligibility

Full-time undergraduate Penn State students who are enrolled or planning to enroll in an officially recognized semester Education Abroad program are eligible. Applicants 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 need-based aid.

Application Deadlines

• February 1 – summer programs
• March 1 – academic year and fall programs
• September 10 – spring programs

Award Amount

Awarded amounts will vary based on scholarship availability, scholarship requirements, and demonstrated unmet need.

• Academic Year: $1,000-$2,000
• Fall: $500-$1,500  
• Spring: $500-$1,500
• Summer: $500

How to Apply

Scholarship applications are available through your program application. After you have chosen a study abroad program, you should click "Apply Now" on the program page which will open a program application. The scholarship applications will be available in the questionnaire section of your program application. Please carefully read the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before completing the scholarship application questionnaire.

Award Recipient Selection

Recipients shall be selected by the Education Abroad Scholarship Committee. Factors considered, in consultation with the Office of Student Aid, are: financial need, demonstrated academic success (merit), duration of program of study, etc. Awards are made during each of the three semesters during the academic year. Awards are made one time only and are not negotiable.

Award Notification & Distribution

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. An award may result in a decrease in the student’s loan amount. 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.

The Diversity Grant-in-Aid Scholarship is issued 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 to apply.  This scholarship is not guaranteed and is competitive.

Scholarship Description

Penn State Education Abroad offers Diversity Grant-in-Aid awards to qualified Penn State undergraduate students participating in semester Education Abroad programs. Diversity Grant-in-Aid awards are available to individuals with disabilities and/or members of ethnic minority groups. Awards are made during each of the three semesters (summer, fall, spring) during the academic year.  Funding for this award is available in part from the University’s Equal Opportunity Planning Committee.

Eligibility

Full-time, undergraduate Penn State students who have enrolled in an officially recognized semester Education Abroad program and are a member of a traditionally underrepresented group in the Penn State system of higher education (please visit the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity website for more information) and/or has a documented disability (covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990). Applicants must also be a United States citizen/permanent resident and 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 need-based aid. To be considered for an award from the Diversity Grant-in-Aid fund, the student must also complete the Education Abroad Grant-in-Aid application. Individuals who wish to be considered for a DGIA award based on a documented disability must be registered with the Penn State Office for Disability Services and must submit an Academic Adjustment letter to the Education Abroad office by the application deadline. 

Application Deadlines

• February 1 – summer programs
• March 1 – academic year and fall programs
• September 10 – spring programs

Award Amount

Awarded amounts will vary based on scholarship availability, scholarship requirements, and demonstrated unmet need.

• Academic Year: $1,000-$2,000
• Fall: $500-$1,500  
• Spring: $500-$1,500
• Summer: $500

How to Apply

Scholarship applications are available through your program application. After you have chosen a study abroad program, you should click "Apply Now" on the program page which will open a program application. The scholarship applications will be available in the questionnaire section of your program application. Please carefully read the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before completing the scholarship application questionnaire.

Award Recipient Selection

Recipients shall be selected by the Education Abroad Scholarship Committee. Factors considered, in consultation with the Office of Student Aid, are: financial need, demonstrated academic success (merit), duration of program of study, etc. Awards are made during each of the three semesters during the academic year. Awards are made one time only and are not negotiable.

Award Notification & Distribution

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. An award may result in a decrease in the student’s loan amount. The award will be removed from the student's bursar account if the student 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.

The Africa and Latin America Grant-in-Aid Scholarship is issued 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 to apply. This scholarship is not guaranteed and is competitive.

Scholarship Description

Penn State Education Abroad offers Africa and Latin America Grant-in-Aid to provide recognition and financial incentive to Penn State undergraduate students who are participating in semester Education Abroad programs in an African or Latin American country. Awards are made during each of the three semesters (summer, fall, spring) during the academic year. Funding for this award is available in part from the University’s Equal Opportunity Planning Committee and the University Office of Global Programs.

Eligibility

Full-time, undergraduate Penn State students who are enrolled in an officially recognized semester Education Abroad program in a Sub-Saharan African or Latin American country. Applicants must also be a United States citizen/permanent resident and 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 need-based aid. 

Application Deadlines

• February 1 – summer programs
• March 1 – academic year and fall programs
• September 10 – spring programs

Award Amount

Awarded amounts will vary based on scholarship availability, scholarship requirements, and demonstrated unmet need.

• Academic Year: $2,000
• Fall: $1,000-$1,500
• Spring: $1,000-$1,500
• Summer: $500-$1,500

How to Apply

Scholarship applications are available through your program application. After you have chosen a study abroad program, you should click "Apply Now" on the program page which will open a program application. The scholarship applications will be available in the questionnaire section of your program application. Please carefully read the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before completing the scholarship application questionnaire.

Award Recipient Selection

Recipients shall be selected by the Education Abroad Scholarship Committee. Factors considered, in consultation with the Office of Student Aid, are: financial need, demonstrated academic success (merit), duration of program of study, etc. Awards are made during each of the three semesters during the academic year. Awards are made one time only and are not negotiable.

Award Notification & Distribution

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. An award may result in a decrease in the student’s loan amount. 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.

The Whole World Scholarship is issued 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 to apply.  This scholarship is not guaranteed and is competitive.

Scholarship Description

Penn State Education Abroad offers the Whole World Scholarship to provide recognition and financial incentive to Penn State undergraduate students who are participating in select semester Education Abroad (EA) programs. Programs are in non-traditional locations such as East Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Awards are made during each of the three semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring) during the academic year.

A list of eligible Education Abroad programs is available.

Eligibility

Full-time undergraduate Penn State students who are enrolled in an officially recognized semester Education Abroad (EA) program in non-traditional locations (list of eligible Education Abroad programs) are eligible. Applicants must also be United States citizens/permanent residents and have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Office of Student Aid. 

Application Deadlines

• February 1 – summer programs
• March 1 – academic year and fall programs
• September 10 – spring programs

Award Amount

• Academic Year: $2,000
• Fall: $1,000  
• Spring: $1,000
• Summer: $500

How to Apply

Scholarship applications are available through your program application. After you have chosen a study abroad program, you should click "Apply Now" on the program page which will open a program application. The scholarship applications will be available in the questionnaire section of your program application. Please carefully read the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before completing the scholarship application questionnaire.

Award Recipient Selection

Recipients shall be selected by the Education Abroad Scholarship Committee. Factors considered, in consultation with the Office of Student Aid, are: financial need, demonstrated academic success (merit), duration of program of study, etc. Awards are made during each of the three semesters during the academic year. Awards are made one time only and are not negotiable.

Award Notification & Distribution

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. An award may result in a decrease in the student’s loan amount. The award will be removed from the student's bursar account if the student 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.