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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 a winning application. 

When to Apply for Scholarships

Typically, students begin to research scholarship opportunities and drafting applications 12-18 months before their study abroad program begins. 

The Gilman Scholarship

Perhaps the most popular and attainable scholarship for many CSUSB students is the Gilman Scholarship, a U.S. Department of State-administered scholarship for Pell Grant-eligible undergraduate students to participate in education and internship programs abroad. Up to $5000 is awarded per student, with an additional $3000 available where your program includes study of foreign languages of interest to the US government. See the Gilman YouTube channel for additional information and tips for Gilman Scholarship essay writing. 
Deadline: March and October.
* Apply up to one year before your program begins (you can apply twice if you time it right, in case you do not receive an award the first time!). 

Internal Scholarships

CSUSB students who study abroad can apply for several internal scholarships administered by our home campus:

CSUSB Scholarship Opportunities | 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.

World Languages and Literatures Scholarships | The World Languages and Literatures (WLL) Department at CSUSB has multiple scholarships available to support students who will study abroad in particular destinations or to learn particular languages. 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.

CSUIP Scholarships

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 and the Institute of International Education (IIE) maintain robust lists. A few of the more popular scholarships for study abroad 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).
 
  • Freeman-Asia Award | Undergraduate students with financial need studying at one of 15 East and Southeast Asian locations for a minimum of 8 weeks (summer) or 12 weeks (semester or year). Up to $7,000.
    Deadline: April. 
 
  • 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-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).