Funding and Scholarships

Funding is many students' main concern when considering studying abroad. Most UNM students utilize a combination of financial aid, scholarships, and their own money to study abroad. In almost all cases, you can use your financial aid (Pell Grant, New Mexico Lottery Success Scholarship, The Opportunity Scholarship, loans, etc.) to study abroad!

Studying abroad is considered a high-impact practice with numerous benefits for student development. As a result, many organizations are willing to help fund your time abroad - including UNM.

Start your research into scholarship opportunities early. Many national scholarship deadlines will happen up to a year in advance of your planned departure. Use the tabs below to explore different scholarship opportunities. 

Remember, not all programs carry the same costs. If finances are of particular concern to you, speak with your study abroad advisor at GEO to discuss your options. Some opportunities can be less expensive than being at UNM for the semester.

Check out any of our presentations below:

    

 

Gabriella, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Fall 2022

UNM Based Study Abroad Scholarships

Review each scholarship opportunity below for specifics regarding eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements. There may be more scholarships available from different departments and colleges across UNM!

Undergraduate Education Abroad Grant

  • For UNM undergraduate students participating in a UNM approved study abroad program.

UNM Study Abroad Application Fee Grant

  • For UNM undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant.

GEO Passport Grant

  • For UNM students to cover the cost of their new U.S. Passport. 

Graduate International Travel Grant

  • For UNM graduate students panticipating in a UNM approved study abroad program or travel opportunity.

UNM Benjamin Sacks Endowment Fund

  • For UNM students studying history in Europe or Africa.

Joseph C. Gallagher Scholarship for Study in Ireland and Europe

  • For UNM students studying at an institution in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, or to study an Irish subject at any European university.

Jane E. Thomas-Frey Study Abroad Scholarship

  • For students who studied abroad in High School and are participating in a semester long study abroad program. 

International Study Institute Scholarships

  • Various scholarships offered by the International Study Institute.

Spanish and Portuguese Department Scholarships 

  • Various scholarships offered by the Spanish & Portugese Department. 

UNM Scholarship Search

  • Various scholarships offered by the UNM Scholarship Office.

LAII Funding

  • Various scholarships offered by the Latin American and Iberian Institute. 

College of Arts and Sciences Scholarships

  • Various scholarships offered by theCollege of Arts and Sciences. 

National Study Abroad Scholarships

U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

  • To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be a citizen or national of the United States; an undergraduate student in good standing; receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application; in the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2. Scholarship awards may be up to $5,000.
  • Critical Need Language AwardApplicants who are studying a critical need language while abroad in a country or location in which the language is predominantly spoken can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000, for a combined total of up to $8,000.

U.S. Department of State’s Gilman-McCain Scholarship

  • To be eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, applicants must be a citizen or national of the United States; an undergraduate student in good standing; a dependent (child or spouse) of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps); 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; in the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2. Scholarship awards for $5,000.

Boren Awards: Scholarships and Fellowships

  • Scholarships: up to $25,000 to fund study abroad by U.S. undergraduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
  • Fellowships: up to $25,000 to fund research and language study proposals by U.S. graduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
  • Study in Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are ineligible.
  • UNM contact: Todd Karr (tmkarr@unm.edu)

Fund for Education Abroad

  • For students that are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S.; study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s home institution.
  • Looking at financial need, academic prepardness, and demographic factors (minority backgrounds, first-generation college students, community college experience).

Critical Language Scholarship

  • The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an immersive summer opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America's engagement with the world. Applications due in mid-late fall for summer study abroad.
  • UNM contact: Todd Karr (tmkarr@unm.edu)

Diverse International Women of Color Study Abroad Scholarship (DIWC)

  • The Diverse International Women Of Color 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 $500 scholarships to women of color who have been accepted to a In-Person Study Abroad Program.

The Voyager Scholarship

  • The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-founder, and CEO, to help shape the next generation of public service leaders. This scholarship is for college juniors working towards a career in the public service sector who will be studying abroad during their junior year.

Project GO Scholarship

  • A scholarship search engine for ROTC students.

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants

  • Funds $1000 for undergraduate study abroad.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

  • For undergraduate study leading to careers in STEM areas. Must 1) be a sophomore or junior at the time of application (majoring in STEM fields), 2) be a US citizen or a permanent resident, 3) have a highly competitive GPA, 4) have research experience in the fields, and 5) plan to pursue a Ph.D. in STEM. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

  • For undergraduates who intend to pursue careers related to (1) the environment, (2) tribal public policy, or (3) Native health care. Must be a Native American to apply for (2) and (3). Must 1) be a sophomore or junior at the time of application, 2) be a US citizen or permanent resident. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Killiam Fellowship Program

  • Scholarships are available for US undergraduate students studying abroad in Canada.

German Academic Exchange Services (DAAD)

  • This grant is a small view of the aid the German government will distribute, please visit their website for more information. 

US-Japan Bridging Scholarship

  • Funds $4,000 for study in Japan.

Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship

  • Funding for Study in Japan. 

IIE Freeman Awards for Study in Asia

  • Freeman-ASIA accepts applications from U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying at the undergraduate level at a two-year or four-year college or university who demonstrate a financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.

Study Abroad Scholarships for American Students of Minority and Heritage Communities

  • These scholarships are awarded to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who have been accepted to a language program or university study abroad program in Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), or Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program 

  • This program provides grants to colleges and universities to fund undergraduate students and graduate students undergoing training in modern foreign languages and related areas of international studies. 

 

Provider Program Study Abroad Scholarships

If you decide to study abroad through a third-party program, look out for additional scholarships offered through the provider. Many organizations will offer special scholarships for qualified students enrolled in their programs.

The organizations listed below offer scholarships specifically for UNM students. Some programs from each of these providers are featured on our website, but please be aware that these companies offer many other study abroad programs as well. If you do not see a program of interest on our site, feel free to research each provider's website and meet with a UNM Study Abroad advisor for more information on applying through UNM.

Note: These scholarships are exclusively for students attending a program organized by the respective study abroad organization. They cannot be applied to an exchange program or any other type of study abroad experience.

API

  • APIConnect Scholarships: As an APIConnect member, all UNM students will receive an automatic APIConnect "First Award" Scholarship of $1,000 for semester and $500 for internship or summer programs. These awards will be deducted from the student's invoice, and they will receive notification of the award within 5 days of acceptance.
  • API Financial Aid Boost Scholarship: Students with additional unmet financial needs, can complete the API Financial Aid Boost Scholarship application (which includes their Financial Aid Verification Form).
  • Please, note individual scholarship deadlines and view more API Scholarship listings here!

CIEE

  • UNM students traveling with CIEE qualify for an immediate $2,000 Minority Serving Institutions Grant.
  • Additional grants and scholarships are available, particularly for students receiving Pell Grant funding. See more details, here. Contact your advisor for additional details.
  • The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship provides a 4-week, all-expense paid study abroad seminar for 10 accepted students from Minority Serving Institutions (like UNM!) See more details here.

CRCC Asia- Vietnam 

  • 2024 HCMC Scholarship ProgramThe program provides a fully-funded internship for one month in HCMC, Vietnam. The internship will start on June 27, 2024, and end on July 24, 2024

IFSA-Butler

  • UNM students qualify for an IFSA-Butler State School Scholarship, between $500-$2000 per program (Engage and Alliance programs, excluded).
  • IFSA-Butler also offers a First Generation scholarship program, as well as additional funding options. One popular scholarship is the Upfront Auckland Scholarship, which offers up to $7,500 for students attending the IFSA-Butler Auckland program. Contact your advisor for additional details. 

KEI

USAC

Semester at Sea

  • DiversityAbroad.com Scholarship - awarded to four students per voyage, covers airfare and a $5,000 tuition reduction

    HACU Scholarship - $10,000 award for one student per voyage

    Alumni Support Scholarships - a group of about 40 donor-funded awards ranging from $500-$10,000

    Pell Grant Match - SAS will match one semester of a student's Pell Grant if they can provide an award letter

    Student Assistant Grants - $4,000 tuition reduction in return for working in a position on board the ship for two hours each day the ship is at sea. The positions include Computer Lab, Library, Administrative Assistants, etc. 

 

Graduate Scholarships

Chateaubriand Scholarship

For doctoral students 4-9 months fully funded. STEM and Humanities.

Fulbright-Hays--Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad 

This program provides grants to colleges and universities to fund individual doctoral students who conduct research in other countries, in modern foreign languages and area studies for periods of six to 12 months.

Harry S. Truman Scholarship

For students who plan to pursue a career in public service. Awards up to $30,000 for graduate study. Must 1) be an undergraduate junior or a senior in the 3rd year, 2) be a US citizen, 3) have a highly competitive GPA, 4) plan to work in public service (government, education, a nonprofit org., etc.), and 5) plan to pursue a graduate degree in law, public administration, public health, social work, education, public policy, international affairs, etc. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Yenching Academy of Peking University

For a one-year Master's degree in Chinese Studies at Peking University. Must 1) have a conferred bachelor's degree before the start of the grant, and 2) have an outstanding academic record and leadership potential. Preference is given to candidates age 25 or younger. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Schwarzman Scholars Program

For one year of study in Public Policy, Economics & Business, and International Studies at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. Must 1) have a conferred bachelor's degree before the start of the grant. Must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years old as of June 30 of the program year. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Churchill Scholarship

For graduating seniors or recent graduates who are pursuing a one-year Master's degree in a STEM field at the University of Cambridge. Must 1) be a US citizen, 2) be a senior enrolled in UNM or one of the participating institutions of the Churchill Scholarship or recent graduate within the past 12 months, and 3) have outstanding academic achievement, proven talent in STEM research, and outstanding personal qualities. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

An international scholarship program to enable outstanding graduate students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge. Must 1) be citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom, and 2) apply to pursue one of the full-time residential courses of study. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Marshall Scholarship

For full-time graduate study in any UK graduate program for two years. Must 1) be a US citizen, 2) have a minimum GPA of 3.7, 3) have earned an undergraduate degree within the last 2.5 years, and 4) present an academic plan and demonstrate the potential to make a significant contribution to society. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Rhodes Scholarship

For study towards a master's degree at Oxford for two years. Must 1) be between 18 and 23 years of age on 10/1 of your application year, 2) be a US citizen or permanent resident, 3) have a competitive GPA, and 4) have demonstrated record of academic achievement, leadership, and concern for others. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Philipp Schwartz Initiative for Threatened Foreign Researchers

Important Information: This scholarship provides German universities and research institutions with means to host threatened foreign researchers for 24 months.

Fulbright Program

Important Information: Funds a wide variety of potential programs. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree at the time of application. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Budgeting and Fundraising Resources

One of the most important steps in preparing to study abroad is creating an accurate budget and gathering funds based on the information you collect. 

To calculate your estimated expenses, as well as your available resources, use this prepared Study Abroad Budget Template. Check in with your study abroad advisor if you have questions!

Students should account for the following budget categories:

  • Tuition (may be the same as a semester at UNM if on an exchange program)
  • Airfare and additional travel
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • Visa fees
  • International health insurance
  • Entertainment and personal expenses

Once you have reviewed your budget, you might find you still need additional funds to make your study abroad dream a reality. In addition to the scholarships listed on the other tabs on this page, we invite you to think creatively about other funding opportunities! We've collected examples from previous students in our Student Funding Resources document. 

Additional resources:

NY Times - How to Travel Cheaply

 

Using Financial Aid

In almost all cases, you can use your financial aid to study abroad! This includes the Lottery Scholarship, Opportunity Scholarship, Federal Pell Grants, and many other scholarships you may receive at UNM.

  • For students studying abroad for a Fall and/or Spring semester:

    • If you choose an Exchange program, you will pay UNM tuition as normal. This means that your financial aid and scholarships will automatically apply to your tuition at UNM. There will be no change in your tuition fee if you normally pay for 15 credits (12 credits for graduate students). You will register for the study abroad placeholder class ISEP 888 to notify financial aid and the bursar that you are studying abroad on exchange.

    • If you choose a Direct Enroll/Non-UNM program, you will be able to have your financial aid and scholarships disbursed to you. If you have direct deposit set up with the Bursar’s office, the money will come directly to your checking account. You can use this money to pay your tuition and/or travel costs for your program! Pell grants, Lottery Scholarships, Presidential and Woodward scholarships, and most student loans CAN be used for direct enrollment study abroad, however, the Amigo Scholarship cannot be used. You will register for the study abroad placeholder class ISEP 999 to notify financial aid and the bursar that you are studying abroad on a direct enrollment program.

  • For students studying abroad on a summer program: Pell grant recipients can receive funding for summer study abroad!

    • Tuition scholarships may not be available for use in summer if they do not typically include summer enrollment.

    • You will register for the study abroad placeholder class ISEP 999, to notify financial aid and the bursar that you are studying abroad.

Maintaining Aid and Scholarships While Abroad

It is your responsibility to know the requirements for you scholarships (GPA, credit hours, etc.) and maintain these while you are abroad. International schools may have different grading scales, modes of instruction, and expectations for students. Your study abroad advisor can help you choose the best program and courses to maintain your scholarships - please ask!

In the case that you do not achieve the appropriate grades or credits to maintain your scholarships, you can work with Scholarships office to Petition for Scholarship Reinstatement: https://scholarship.unm.edu/Resources/petition-process.html. Please contact the Scholarships office for questions, and let your GEO advisor know if you have issues.