Diversity Grant-in-Aid Scholarship

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.