Scholarships, Grants and Loans for International Exchange: Where to Search
Many scholarships, grants and loans can be used towards international exchange-related expenses. Learn what they are, who awards them and where you can find them!
“I am a person with a disability who wants to study in another country. What scholarships are out there for me?”
If you have wondered this, you are not alone! Remember that although there are some scholarships, grants and other types of funding designed for people with disabilities, people with disabilities can apply for ANY scholarship or grant if they meet the other requirements.
On this page, you will learn how to begin a search for scholarships, grants and loans available to people who want to participate in international exchange. When you are done, browse Examples of Scholarships to launch your search!
Contents
What are Scholarships, Grants and Loans?
Who Awards Scholarships, Grants and Loans?
Online Scholarship Search Engines and Websites
Books and Publications for Finding More Scholarships
Grants
Loans
What are Scholarships, Grants and Loans?
A scholarship is money that you do NOT need to pay back. Federal programs, organizations, and donors award scholarships on the basis of financial need, merit and achievement, or other criteria.
A grant is money that you do NOT need to pay back. Federal programs, colleges and universities usually award grants to individuals based on financial need. The words “scholarship” and “grant” are often used in place of each other.
A loan is money that you MUST pay back, usually after completing an academic program. People often receive loans based on financial need.
Who Awards Scholarships, Grants and Loans?
The university you plan to attend in the host country. The financial aid office at the university can provide information about financial aid opportunities for foreign students. The international student office and your department of study at the university are also good resources.
Higher education and governmental institutions in your country, including the Department or Ministry of Education, may provide scholarships for study or professional exchanges at home or abroad. American citizens and eligible non-citizens living in the U.S. might qualify for financial assistance from their state.
Contact your state higher education agency for more information.
Contact the EducationUSA advising center nearest you about studying in the United States.
International organizations and their local chapters. Many international organizations provide scholarships through their local chapters. Some chapters encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. Others award scholarships to people who share a common religious, ethnic, or other type of identity. Examples of such international organizations are:
Some disability organizations award scholarships to people with disabilities. Disability organizations in the host country might provide other kinds of assistance to help you save costs, such as housing or transportation in the host country.
Search our database to contact disabled people’s organizations in your home country or host country.
Exchange organizations and programs. If you have not already chosen an exchange program, consider applying for one that offers generous scholarships or full funding. Visit our main Financial Aid and Funding for International Exchange page to learn more about Funded Programs and Fellowships.
Home country and host country embassies. Embassies in the United States and in other countries may provide scholarships, fellowships and grants for exchange. For example, the embassies of France and Japan offer teaching scholarships for American citizens.
Online Scholarship Search Engines and Websites
Use these search engines and websites to locate scholarships. Some of the websites require free registration, but avoid any website or scholarship that asks for a fee. Before you apply, make sure you may use the funds towards your international exchange experience.
General Scholarships
College-Scholarships.com is an all-purpose college and scholarship information site that provides links for colleges, online applications, and free internet scholarship search databases.
CollegeScholarships.org lists country-specific study abroad scholarships.
Fastweb.com is a comprehensive scholarship search engine that will personalize your results based on your interests and abilities.
FinAid provides free, detailed information on student financial aid.
Foundation Center is a directory of foundations that offer grants. Many of these grants can be used for working abroad or internationally.
Great Schools provides several helpful articles on funding for college.
InternationalScholarships has a free, searchable database of scholarships, awards, and grants for students of all nationalities.
Institute of International Education has a directory of scholarships, grants and fellowship information.
NAFSA is an international exchange organization whose website provides information on funding and tips for U.S. citizens studying abroad.
National Science Foundation has a searchable database that allows you to find funding. It also provides several pages that explain the process of applying for a grant or funding.
Sallie Mae College Answer offers general financial aid information and a searchable scholarship database.
ScholarshipPortal.eu is a database of scholarships and grants for studying abroad in Europe.
Student Loan Network offers a free scholarship, loan and financial aid website.
StudyAbroad.com provides links for several sources of financial aid for study abroad.
Disability-Related Scholarships
Disability.gov allows you to search for U.S. national or state scholarships related to disability.
Disability Scholarships lists college scholarships for students with disabilities.
Disabled World posts general disability scholarships.
Disaboom Scholarship Engine is a good starting place to look for scholarships related to a specific disability.
Proyecto Visión lists a number of scholarships. Many of these are specifically for Latino students with disabilities.
Books and Publications for Finding More Scholarships
Students interested in financial aid for study abroad may consult reference books at their local libraries or the U.S. Embassy Educational Advising Center. We recommend the following books, which may be available at your local library or from an online retailer:
The College Board Scholarship Handbook, 2011
Publisher: College Board
Financial Aid for the Disabled and their Families, 2010-2012
Author: Gail Ann Schlachter & R. David Weber
Financial Aid for Research and Creative Activities Abroad, 2008-2010
Author: Gail Ann Schlachter & R. David Weber
Financial Aid for Study and Training Abroad, 2008-2010
Author: Gail Ann Schlachter & R. David Weber
Funding for Persons with Visual Impairments, Large Print Edition 2011
Author: Gail Ann Schlachter & R. David Weber
The Grants Register 2011: The Complete Guide to Postgraduate Funding Worldwide
Editor: Palgrave MacMillan
Financial Aid Resource Publications
Publisher: U.S. Department of Education
Grants
Some students are eligible to receive grants if they are pursuing a post secondary education and demonstrate financial need. Students do not have to pay back grant money, and most grants can help pay for education abroad expenses, such as tuition.
Federal grant programs are available to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens can learn more about U.S. federal grants here.
State grant programs are available to eligible U.S. residents by state. If you are a U.S. resident, learn about grant opportunities in your state.
Institutional grants are available from many colleges and universities. Contact the financial aid office of your school, or the school which you plan to attend.
Loans
A loan is a form of financial aid. Unlike scholarships and grants, people who borrow loan money must repay the money. Apply for scholarships and grants, which you do not need to pay back, before you consider applying for loans.
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Applying for Loans
The U.S. Department of Education's Direct Loan program provides federal loans to help students pay for college in the United States. Before you can apply for federal student aid, you must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If federal loans, grants and other forms of financial aid cannot cover the full cost of your education, consider applying for a private loan. For more information about federal student loans:
- Contact your school's financial aid office.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Education's website about funding education beyond high school.
- Fill out the FAFSA.
Loan Programs for Non-U.S. Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible for certain kinds of financial aid from the U.S. federal government. Contact the financial aid office of the university you plan to attend or contact the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid Information Center. This office can also provide a Student Aid Guide in an audio version upon request.
Many U.S. schools will ask international students to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to assess students’ financial need. Before filing a FAFSA, contact the U.S. school where you wish to study and ask how to apply for institutional aid.
Use private loans only when federal loans, grants and other forms of financial aid do not cover the full cost of attendance.
The Rowe Fund is an educational loan program of the Organization of American States. The fund provides interest-free loans to citizens from Latin America and Caribbean to finance their studies or research in American universities. The money helps students cover a portion of their tuition fees, living expenses, or emergencies.
Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund
1889 F St NW (619)
Washington DC, 20006
Telephone: 1-202-458-6208
Fax: 1-202-458-3897
Email: rowefund@oas.org
Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE.
