Scholarships
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“One of the things that holds people back is monetary fear, there are plenty of scholarships out there for you to be able to go abroad and sometimes pay less than you would at UIC.”
| Neuroscience, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
Browse UIC Study Abroad Scholarship Options
There are a variety of nationally competitive, regionally focused, UIC housed, and program sponsor scholarship opportunities for study abroad.
Additionally, in order to help make study abroad financially accessible to as many students as possible, we have negotiated with our academic partners to create automatic grants for every UIC student accepted into their program. These grants are deducted from the program cost. For a complete list of these click here.
Fall 2021 scholarship applications are now open! Deadline for all UIC study abroad related scholarships for Fall 2021 has been extended to April 15, 2021!
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UIC SnaP Scholarships
The following scholarships can be applied for through UIC SnaP, UIC’s internal scholarship information system.
If you are a UIC student, you can log in using your UIC netid and password and search Study Abroad or the name of the specific scholarship listed below.
Fall 2021 scholarship applications are now open! Deadline for all UIC study abroad related scholarships for Fall 2021 has been extended to April 15, 2021!
Please log into SnaP at that time to access the online application.
Nina Shepherd Scholarship
The Nina T. Shepherd Scholarship honors the memory of the founding director of the UIC Study Abroad Office and is made possible by the generosity of her friends and family. The scholarship offers one award of up to $500 for the fall or spring semester and one award of up to $250 for a summer program. Preference given to Pell grant recipients and students with a demonstrated financial need. Program choice and students’ academic and professional goals are taken into consideration by the selection committee.
Judy Curry [China] Scholarship Award
One award of up to $900 for a UIC undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a fall semester program in China. Preference is given to students studying in China; however, students studying in other locations are welcome to apply.
Stanley Ikenberry Award
One award of up to $700 for an undergraduate student going on a fall semester program.
Virtual Global Experiences Scholarship [Study Abroad Office]
Students pursuing a virtual global experience affiliated with the Study Abroad Office in Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 can apply for this scholarship. Virtual global experiences include, but are not limited to, internships, research, team challenges/case studies, classes, and workshops. Awards of up to $500.
Honors College Scholarships
Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship Fund
Available to members of the UIC Honors College in good standing. Awards are offered on a competitive basis for summer, fall, and spring programs. Amounts vary based on strength of application, financial need, merit, and program details. Awards of up to $2,500.
Honors College Virtual Global Experiences Fund
Honors College students pursuing a virtual global experience in summer 2021 including, but not limited to, internships, research, team challenges/case studies, classes, and workshops. Awards ranging from $500 to $750.
LAS Study Abroad Scholarships
Students majoring in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences can apply for the following LAS sponsored scholarships. Applicants must be currently enrolled full-time and have completed at least 30 hours at the end of spring term in the current academic year.
Professor Richard M. Johnson and Karen A. Egerer Scholarship Award
The Professor Richard M. Johnson and Karen A. Egerer Award is a scholarship awarded annually to LAS undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Award(s) of up to $700 towards a spring, summer, or fall study abroad program.
James McNulty Scholarship Award
The James McNulty Scholarship is a scholarship awarded annually to LAS undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Award(s) of up to $2,000 (summer) and up to $5,000 (semester) must be used to pursue a UIC Study Abroad Office approved study abroad program during fall, spring, or summer sessions. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or above.
James D. Compton LAS Study Abroad in Spain Scholarship
The James D. Compton LAS Study Abroad in Spain Scholarship is a study abroad scholarship for undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences enrolled in academic-year-long study abroad in Spain. Preference shall be given to students studying in Barcelona, Spain.
Max Kade Scholarship Fund [Germany]
Awards of up to $1,000 for summer or fall study abroad in Germany. This award is co-sponsored by the Department of Germanic Studies and a generous donation from the Max Kade Foundation. Preference is given to students pursuing Germanic Studies while abroad.
Additional UIC Scholarships
Please visit these scholarship and foundation websites to apply
Office of International Affairs Scholarships
The Office of International Affairs offers several scholarships for international experiences of up to $1,000.
Doe Thornburg Scholarship
The Doe Thornburg Scholarship offers one award of $1,000 sponsored by International Women Associates (IWA) of Chicago and open only to UIC and Northwestern University students. Those eligible to apply must be current undergraduate females who are US citizens or US permanent residents with a minimum 3,0 GPA. Applicants must be accepted into an approved study abroad program. Apply directly through the IWA website. Application deadline is May 1st.
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Chancellor's FirstGen Flames Abroad Scholarship
Chancellor Michael Amiridis has graciously supported the launch of a new scholarship to encourage first-generation, first-year undergraduate students to study abroad. The Chancellor’s FirstGen Flames Abroad Scholarship is designed to award first-year students with high potential, whose parent(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree, with a scholarship to study abroad. Students will find out during their first year at UIC if they have earned the scholarship and will have the remainder of their time at UIC to use the scholarship towards the costs of an approved UIC faculty-directed or exchange program. In addition to receiving a scholarship, FirstGen Flames Scholars will participate in a series of workshops as a cohort to learn about selecting a study abroad program, opportunities for additional funding, integrating study abroad into their academic major, and using international education to advance their career.
Scholarship amounts:
10 students will be selected to receive a scholarship to study abroad. Scholarship amounts will vary depending upon the length of program the recipients choose:
- Less than 3 weeks: $1,600
- 3-6 weeks: $2,100
- Semester: $2,600
Eligibility criteria:
- Preference given to first-generation college students with a demonstrated financial need
- Be a degree-seeking undergraduate UIC student in their first or second semester at UIC
- Complete 12 UIC credits by the end of the spring semester
- Demonstrate financial need and have a current FAFSA OR Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid on file with UIC Financial Aid Office at the time of application
- Be in good academic standing and have no outstanding sanctions with the University
- The student may only apply the scholarship to a UIC faculty-directed or exchange program. Students will not be able to use it for partnership and direct enroll programs.
Scholarship Recipient Responsibilities
If selected to receive a FirstGen Flames scholarship, students will be expected to:
- Attend an induction ceremony in the fall semester
- Participate in First Gen Flames Abroad workshops to prepare for and reflect upon study abroad and promote the scholarship and mentor new cohorts
- Participate in in a campus-wide event promoting study abroad and celebrating first-generation college students for National First-Generation College Student day
- Assist the Study Abroad Office in promoting study abroad by sharing photos and testimonials about studying abroad
Application Process
Spring 2021 application deadline: April 15th, 2021
Students who meet the above eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for the scholarship via SnAP. The application will consist of responding to the following prompts in either a written essay or creative video format submitted via the SnAP application.
- In what ways do you anticipate this program will challenge you? As a first-generation college student, what strengths do you have that have helped you achieve your goals so far? How do you envision these strengths might help you be successful while studying abroad? Please be specific in addressing any challenges you have overcome and the skills you used to do so.
- Why do you think studying abroad will be beneficial for your personal, professional, and academic goals? How do you envision your study abroad program contributing to your academic program at UIC and your anticipated career afterward?
View a recording of the information session we held on March 17th here!
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UIC-Partner Scholarships
The following scholarships are for UIC students only studying abroad on these specific partner programs affiliated with UIC. Students can apply for these opportunities through UIC SnaP, UIC’s internal scholarship information system.
If you are a UIC student, you can log in using your UIC netid and password and search Study Abroad or the name of the specific scholarship listed below.
All UIC scholarship deadlines are the same as the SAO application deadline.
Note: Fall 2021 and Summer 2021 scholarship applications will open at the start of the spring semester. Please log into SnaP at that time to access the online application.
UIC-IES Scholarship Fund
Awards of up to $1,000 for fall, spring, and summer programs for students participating in an IES Abroad program. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need, diversity, and/or an intentional goal in selecting their study abroad program.
UIC-SIT Diversity Fund
Awards of up to $2,000 for a summer program and up to $4,000 for a semester program. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need, diversity, and/or an intentional goal in selecting their study abroad program.
UIC-CEA Gilman Applicant Scholarship
CEA will provide a dedicated Gilman Grant for Pell eligible students who apply for the Gilman. UIC students enrolling in a semester CEA program will be eligible for a $1500 Gilman Grant, and UIC students enrolling in a short-term or summer CEA program will be eligible for a $500 Gilman Grant. CEA will award up to three Gilman grants per semester, and up to three Gilman grants per summer.
*CEA’s Virtual Programs are not eligible for the Gilman Grant.
UIC-DIS Diversity Fund
Awards of up to $500-$1,000 for a semester or summer program to study at DIS Copenhagen or Stockholm. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need, diversity, and/or an intentional goal in selecting their study abroad program.
UIC-SFS Diversity Fund
Awards of up to $2,000 for a summer program and up to $5,000 for a semester program. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need, diversity, and/or an intentional goal in selecting their study abroad program.
UIC-Arcadia Scholarship Fund
Awards of up to $750 for summer programs and $2,500 for semester programs. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need, diversity, and/or an intentional goal in selecting their study abroad program.
Scholarship Opportunities Offered by our Partners
These opportunities are partner/program specific and are only available to students with active applications with that partner. Students will need to visit their chosen study abroad partner’s website and complete the designated scholarship application. Each partner has a mixture of merit, diversity, and need-based scholarship opportunities.
- ACT [American College of Thessaloniki]
- Arcadia University, College of Global Studies
- CEA [Cultural Experiences Abroad]
- CIEE [Council on International Educational Exchange]
- DIS [Danish Institute for Study Abroad]
- IAU College [Institute for American Universities]
- IES [Institute for the International Education of Students]
- Loyola University – Rome
- LSE [London School of Economics]
- SFS [School for Field Studies]
- SIT [School for International Training]
- Temple University – Rome & Tokyo
- Temple University – Tokyo Freeman Foundation Internship Awards
- Temple University – Tokyo Tomodachi Internship Awards
- University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Centers
- UW-Platteville Education Abroad
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DAAD [German Academic Exchange Service]
Students can apply to the University Summer Course Grant if they are studying language or area studies at a German university and/or affiliated language schools.Delta Phi Alpha German Honorary Society
Up to one $1,500 and up to four $500 awards for a student studying in a German-speaking country during the fall semester. Application deadline is early March.FEA [Fund for Education Abroad]
Up to $10,000 (Academic Year); $5,000 (fall/spring semester); $1,230 (summer). Preference given to under-represented students and locations. Application deadline is early September for Spring and early January for Fall/Summer.Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-Asia)
This award provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Awards of up to $3,000 for a summer program (8 weeks minimum); $5,000 for a semester; $7,000 for a full academic year.Gilman International Scholarship
Awards of up to $5,000 and up to $8,000 for critical language award. Applicants must be US citizens and Pell eligible. Deadlines are early March for summer and fall awards; early October for spring awards. Due to special country partnerships, additional funding may be available for programs in France, Portugal, Israel, Whales, and New ZealandReview our recent Gilman Scholarship presentation here.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Awards of up to $5,000. Applicants must be US citizens, undergraduate child dependents of active duty service members, and a recipient of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship. Deadlines are early March for summer and fall awards; early October for spring awards.NSEP (Boren)
Awards of up to $8,000 for a summer program (special initiative for STEM students only; 8 weeks minimum); $10,000 for a semester; $20,000 for a full academic year. Application deadline is early February.Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant
Awards of up to $1,000. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale (3.74 does not qualify).Rainbow Scholarship
The Rainbow Scholarship awards deserving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students who aim to participate in high quality, rigorous education abroad programs. To be considered for the Rainbow Scholarship, applicants must self-identify on the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) scholarship application.US-Japan Bridging Foundation
Up to $2,500 [semester] – $4,000 [academic year] awarded to undergraduate students participating in a study abroad program in Japan for a semester or an academic year. Deadlines are early April and early October. -
More Scholarships
Diversity Abroad Scholarships
Searchable databaseStudents who are studying abroad in Ireland and identify as a BIPOC are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. For consideration students will need to submit a short essay and video testimonial. Awards of up to 3,000 Euros.
Diverse International Women of Color Scholarship
The Diverse International Women Of Color summer study abroad scholarship is intended to assist women of color who are exceptional in their studies and in need of financial assistance to study abroad. DIWC will award (5) $500 scholarships to women of color who have been accepted to a summer study abroad program.Butex Awards in the UK
Awards of £500 for students studying at select UK institutions.Hosteling International Explore the World Scholarship
Awards of up to $2,000Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship
The scholarship will support up to the full cost of attendance of a semester or full year program in JapanTortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
Award of up to $1,000LiveMás Taco Bell Foundation Scholarship
Students submit a 2-minute video entry describing their goals and passions. Not merit-based or need-based, but intended for students interested in impacting the world through innovation, creativity, and drive. Restricted to programs run by U.S. institutions only (no direct enrolls).Asher & Lyric Study Abroad Scholarship
This couple, whom was positively impacted by Study Abroad, is offering $1,800 and a $100 Amazon gift card to one lucky applicant.
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In addition to the Study Abroad Office scholarships on this page, the UIC Office of External Fellowships is a great resource for both internal and nationally competitive awards.
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“Financially, I wasn’t sure I would be able to study abroad, but thanks to the SAO I was able to find and apply to scholarships that helped me.”
| Sociology and Gender and Women Studies, CIEE, Paris, France
Get Study Abroad Scholarship Support
Do you need additional assistance identifying scholarships specific to you? Would you benefit from a brainstorm or essay review session with a study abroad advisor? Contact the Study Abroad Office for a one-on-one consultation or attend one of our regularly scheduled funding and scholarship workshops.