Scholarships

Just as there are not one-size-fits-all education abroad programs, there is also not just one scholarship for everyone to apply. As with any scholarship, education abroad scholarships will have their own individual requirements and deadlines. The list provided below is far from exhaustive and is just a small sampling of all that is available for students. Use this page as a starting point as you start the process of applying for education abroad scholarships, but do your own research, as well.

Upcoming Scholarship Events

  • Funding Education Abroad Information Session
    • Overview of various scholarship opportunities, tips on finding other scholarships, and application advice.
      • In-Person: Thursday 8/29, 3 - 4 p.m. Senate Gallery Room (Corbett Center Student Union)
      • Virtual: Friday, 9/20, 10 - 11 a.m., Zoom

 

  • Gilman Scholarship Information Session
    • Overview of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship application requirements and process 
      • In-Person: Tuesday, 9/3, 3 - 4 p.m., Dona Ana Room (Corbett Center Student Union) 
      • Virtual: Friday, 9/13, 10 - 11 a.m., Zoom

NMSU Scholarships

  • NMSU Scholar Dollar$ - Scholar Dollar$ is the singular application used by students and staff at New Mexico State University for processing, awarding, and applying for scholarships. To apply for the Education Abroad Scholarships listed below, students must complete the NMSU Scholar Dollar$ online application in addition to the scholarship application that is available in the questionnaire section of each program application.
  • NMSU Private Scholarship Opportunities - New Mexico State University students often qualify for private or external scholarships based on various criteria, including need, academic performance, interests, and background. Please keep in mind, these awards are developed and funded by public and private organizations, and not the university.

 Scholarships

Name Amount Eligibility Deadline
Education Abroad & National Student Exchange Scholarships Varies Open to all NMSU Las Cruces students who complete all Education Abroad or NSE requirements. September 15th for Spring/Winter Break programs; March 15th for Fall/Academic Year/Summer programs
Colin Williamson Scholarship Varies Undergraduates only, sophomore classification or higher with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Must demonstrate financial need as determined by FAFSA results. Must be a U.S. citizen. Preference given to applicants accepted into ISEP or other NMSU sponsored Education Abroad programs. September 15th for Spring/Winter Break programs; March 15th for Fall/Academic Year/Summer programs
Bunford S. Pelton Education Abroad Scholarship Varies Junior or senior level students. Preference is given to Hispanic students studying abroad in Asia. September 15th for Spring/Winter Break programs; March 15th for Fall/Academic Year/Summer programs
Elisa M. Sanchez Education Abroad Scholarship Varies Junior or senior level students. Preference is given to Hispanic students. September 15th for Spring/Winter Break programs; March 15th for Fall/Academic Year/Summer programs
Angelina G. Sanchez ENLACE Education Abroad Scholarship Varies U.S. citizens who are junior or senior level students with financial need as demonstrated by official FAFSA results. Preference is given to participants in the NMSU ENLACE program or past participants of a high school ENLACE program, residents of New Mexico, students who have a track record of social justice activism in service to communities of color, as demonstrated by active leadership through volunteerism, work experiences, and community organizing, and Hispanic students. September 15th for Spring/Winter Break programs; March 15th for Fall/Academic Year/Summer programs
Michael Ray Vega Education Abroad Scholarship Varies Junior or senior level first-generation students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to students with financial need as demonstrated by official FAFSA results who study abroad in Japan.  September 15th for Spring/Winter Break programs; March 15th for Fall/Academic Year/Summer programs

 

Name Amount Eligibility Application Requirements Deadline Notes
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Up to $5,000
  • U.S. Citizens
  • Undergraduate
  • Pell Grant recipient
 Submit three essays focused on your Education Abroad intentions October 10th, 2024 (for programs starting between 12/1/24 and 10/31/25) Recipients will be notified in December 2024. All program types and lengths are valid.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship Up to $5,000
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Undergraduate
  • Child or spousal dependent of active duty service member
  • Receiving Title IV federal financial aid
 Same as above Same as above If you receive the Pell grant, you may also apply for the regular Gilman scholarship, but you will only receive one.
Fund for Education Abroad Varies
  • U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident/DACA recipient
  • Undergraduate
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Preferences:
    • First-generation
    • Students of color
      • First-time travelers
 Submit two essays focused on your reasons for choosing your program and examples of your open-mindedness and perseverance September 18th for Spring 2025 programs With just one application to FEA, you are considered for all of the scholarships you meet the criteria for
Boren Awards for International Study $12,500 for 12 – 24 weeks abroad (STEM majors can complete a 8+ week summer program); $25,000 for 25 – 52 weeks
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Undergraduate
  • Program takes place outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
  • Program focuses on long-term linguistic & cultural immersion
  • Most coursework should be intensive language study
  • Preferred applicants:
    • Program length 25 weeks +
    • Intensive language study
    • Preferred language in a preferred country
 Submit two comprehensive essays, study plan summary, employment history, letters of recommendation 2024-2025 application cycleclosed 1/31/24 This is a major scholarship and students should work closely with the Fellowship Advisor in the NMSU Honors College
Critical Language Scholarship Varies - fully funds a summer program of language study at a specific program site
  • Undergraduate/graduate
  • Studying language considered essential for U.S. engagement with the world
  • Preferred applicants:
    • Veterans
    • Diversity of country/institution/field of study
    • Candidates with limited experience abroad
 Submit four essays focused on (1) citizen diplomacy and mutual understanding (2) preparation for CLS (3) commitment to language study (4) personal statement Mid-November
  • CLS Spark offers a virtual study option for campuses that don't offer certain languages
Fulbright Awards Varies
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Conferred Bachelor's degree (graduate student or recent college)
  • Meet language requirements of award
  • Most awards focused on either English-language teaching or study/research
 Varies October 8th for 2025-2026 Award Cycle This is a major award and students should work closely with the Fellowship Advisor in the NMSU Honors College

 

Name Amount Eligibility Application Requirements Deadline Notes
Freeman-ASIA Up to $3,000 for summer, $5,000 for semester, $7,000 for academic year
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Receiving need-based financial aid
  • Applying to program in East or SE Asia
  • Preferences
    • Language study
    • Classes taught by host country faculty
 Applications evaluated on 1) Financial Need 2) Commitment/Interest in East or Southeast Asian Studies, 3) Quality of service project proposal TBD - applications for 2025-2026 will open in early 2025
Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program Varies - supports cost of attendance and depends on financial need
  • U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident
  • Exchange or credit-bearing program in Japan (no language schools)
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Semester or year-long program
  • Preferences
    • Undergraduates
    • Raised by single parent
    • First-generation
    • First-time travelers
 Applicants must submit an online application form, essay(s), resume, recommendation letter, and certification forms 2024-2025 application cycle is closed Scholarship paid in a lump sum to the school (scholarship administrators will determine whether host or home university)
Bridging Scholarships Up to $2,500 for a semester or $4,500 for academic year
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Undergraduate
  • Study in Japan at least 3 months
  • Any field of study
 Applications for 2025-2026 will open Spring 2025
DAAD - Germany Varies Study in Germany   Scholarship database for students studying abroad in Germany
Country-Specific Gilman Scholarships Up to $5,000
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Undergraduate
  • Pell Grant recipient
  • Studying in: Germany, France, Wales, Taiwan, or New Zealand
 Submit three essays focused on your Education Abroad intentions October 10th, 2024 (for programs starting between 12/1/24 and 10/31/25)

Different governments and NGOs have made additional Gilman scholarships available for students studying in Germany, France, Wales, Taiwan, or New Zealand. 

All application requirements are the same as the Gilman requirements.
BUTEX: Sustainability Abroad Scholarship 500 pounds
  • Undergraduate
  • Study abroad must take place in the calendar year that students applied
  • Studying abroad at BUTEX-affiliated university (Swansea, Roehampton, or Birmingham)
  • Students focused on sustainability
 Apply online Application cycle for 2024 is closed
  • Scholarship funds are disbursed to students once they arrive and register at their host university
  • Winners must provide a photo and statement about benefits of study abroad.
Study UK Varies Study in the United Kingdom

     Scholarship database for students studying in the UK

 

Name Amount Eligibility Application Requirements Deadline Notes
Diversity Abroad Global Ambassador $1,000 stipend
  • Semester-long program
  • On-campus/community leader
  • Promoting positive social change
  • Strong writer and good with social media
  • Preferred backgrounds:
    • Economically disadvantaged
    • Ethnically & racially diverse
    • First-generation
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Students with disabilities
 Application form, video essay response TBD
Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship $1,000 scholarship + 1 travel backpack
  • U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or studying on student visa
  • Full-time undergraduate
 Online application form and essay about studying abroad November 15th for Spring 2025 Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the university or study abroad program. Funds can be used for tuition, room and board, books, or travel
Diverse International Women of Color Study Abroad Scholarship $500
  • Woman of color
  • Exceptional in studies
  • Needs financial assistance to study abroad
  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • Reference letters
  • Essay response
 July 15th for Fall 2024, November 18th for Spring 2025
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants $1,000
  • Undergraduate at university with Phi Kappa Phi chapter (NMSU has this)
  • 3.75 GPA
  • Not Phi Kappa Phi board member
  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • Two  letters of recommendation
  Application cycle for programs between May 2025 and June 2026 will open 12/15/24 with a deadline of 3/15/25

 

Direct Providers

For those of you considering programs with one of NMSU’s affiliate Provider Programs, please see their individual websites for scholarships, funding options, and payment plans.

Other Funding Sources

In addition to scholarships listed above, there are search engines, specifically designed to help students find funding for education abroad. While a bit unconventional, crowdfunding has also become an option, though with mixed results.


Search Engines

Crowdfunding Sources