Whole World Scholarship

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.