Africa and Latin America Grant-in-Aid Scholarship

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.