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Scholarships


Scholarships are an excellent way to decrease your study abroad costs. Earning scholarship money requires time and energy to research opportunities and to write and revise winning applications. 
 

When to Apply for Scholarships

Typically, you should begin applying for funding at least six months before your program begins. This means that you should begin researching scholarship opportunities, drafting your application, and requesting letters of recommendation at least 12-18 months before your intended program start date.
 

CSU & CSUSB Awards

You can search for CSUSB-specific funding opportunities using Scholarship Search. Scholarships with a study abroad emphasis or focus include:

  • Asian Faculty Staff and Student Association (AFFSA) Scholarship: For students demonstrate academic excellence and participate in on- and off-campus events and community service that support/promote Asian cultures and traditions. $400
  • Dr. Fred Baker & Dr. Rosalie Giacchino-Baker Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship: For active Phi Beta Delta members accepted into any valid study abroad program six months in length or longer. 
  • PBD Feierstein Expendable Scholarship:  For active Phi Beta Delta members.
  • Yin Family Endowment: For active Phi Beta Delta members with an interest in education abroad in Taiwan.
  • Ochoa and Fernandez Family Study Abroad Scholarship Endowment: For Spanish majors with an interest in education abroad.
  • Park Hospitality Endowment Fund: For PDC students in the Hospitality Management Program with an interest in study abroad.

Additional campus funding opportunities include:
  • World Language & Literatures scholarships: Multiple awards are available. See the full listing.
  • Phi Beta Delta Scholarships: The campus chapter of Phi Beta Delta provides funds for CSUSB students to participate in education abroad program. Eligibility requires membership (induction fee $25, national organization fee $15, local chapter fee $10).
  • ASI Student Research and Travel Award: Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) provides funding for eligible CSUSB students to conduct research. Learn more about the Student Research and Travel  Award.

Students studying abroad through CSU IP are eligible for additional scholarship opportunities.


External Scholarships and Grants

There are many scholarship opportunities outside of the university that provide funds for students with an interest in education abroad. The US Department of State's USA Study Abroad website maintains a robust list. A few of the scholarships CSUSB students regularly apply for (and win!) include:
     
  • Diversity Abroad Ambassador Scholarship: Students with demonstrated financial need and underrepresented groups (ethnicity, race, first generation, students with disabilities) are encouraged to apply and must share experiences via blogs, pictures, and videos. Application requires a video essay/ Up to $500. Deadlines: June (for summer and fall) and November (for spring). 
 
  • Fund for Education Abroad: Awards to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with demonstrated financial need participating in an education abroad program for a minimum of 4 weeks (28 days). Up to $5,000 (summer) or $10,000 (academic year). Requires one letter of recommendation. Deadline: January (summer, fall, and academic year programs) and September (spring programs).
   
  • Fulbright U.S. Student Program: This is a competitive program that provides full funding to U.S. citizens who wish to study or conduct research (Master's or doctorate), create music or art, or teach English abroad in more than 160 countries. Applicants must have a strong record of academic achievement and write a project proposal or statement of purpose. The application and placement process takes approximately one year and includes a campus application, national application, and an interview. Deadline: August (CSUSB) and October (national).
 
  • Gilman Scholarship: U.S. Department of State-administered scholarship for Pell Grant-eligible undergraduate students to participate in education and internship programs abroad for a minimum of 3 weeks. Program must take place in a Level 1 or 2 travel advisory country. Up to $8000. See the Gilman YouTube channel for additional information. Deadline: March (summer, fall, winter intersession, and academic year programs) and October (spring and summer programs). Summer applicants can apply first in October and then again in March if they do not receive funding after their first application.
 
  • ​​​​​​​Gilman-McCain Scholarship: For child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Program must take place in a Level 1 or 2 travel advisory country. Up to $5000. Deadline: March (for summer, fall, January term, and academic year) and October (for spring and summer).
 
  • Scott's Cheap Flight Study Abroad Scholarship: Submit a 500 to 1000 word essay about why travel is important to you. First-time international travelers are prioritized. Deadline: March (for summer and fall) and October (for spring)
 
  • Tortuga Backpack Scholarships: Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students in the U.S. that are currently-enrolled undergraduate students at US institutions. Up to $1000. Deadline: April (for fall) and November (for spring).