Funding and Scholarships

How to pay for study abroad?

Funding is every student's number one 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, loans, etc.) to study abroad!!

Study abroad is considered a High Impact Practice that has numerous benefits in student development, so there are many organizations out there willing to help fund your time abroad - including UNM. Start your research into scholarship opportunities early - you can begin with the tabs, below!

Remember, not all programs carry the same costs, so if finances are of particular concern to you, speak with your study abroad advisor at GEO to discuss some options that may be less costly. Some opportunities are even less expensive than being at UNM for the semester!!

Don't forget to check out our Funding Your Study Abroad Powerpoint!

 

Gilman Scholarship

Important Information: Applicant must receive a federal Pell Grant either the semester of application or the semester of study abroad. The scholarship will fund up to $5,000 for a program of 28 days to one year in duration, with an additional $3,000 possible for students studying a critical language. May not be applied to study in areas under a State Department Travel Warning.

Boren Scholarship and Fellowship

Funds up to $20,000 for undergraduate applicants ($30,000 for graduate students) wishing to study a critical language (Chinese, Arabic, Russian, etc.). May not be applied to study in Western Europe, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Primarily funds full-year programs, but a number of shorter-term options exist. UNM contact: Ken Carpenter (carpenk@unm.edu).

Fund for Education Abroad

FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting minority and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs. Important Information: Funds up to $10,000 for those studying abroad for at least four weeks.

Generation Study Abroad Scholarship (ITESO)

The Generation Study Abroad scholarship is awarded based on academic and social merit. Students must be nominated by their home study abroad office to ITESO. There is no language requirement. 

GRIT Scholarship

The GRIT Scholars receive a $2,000 scholarship ($1,500 while abroad and $500 after scholars have completed project deliverables) for their international experience. Scholars must participate in a program for no less than 28 days.These experiences include studying, teaching, interning, skilled volunteering, and research abroad.

Critical Language Scholarship

Important Information: Fully-funded eight-week summer programs for those wishing to learn a critical language. UNM contact: Ken Carpenter (carpenk@unm.edu).

Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship

Funds up to $10,000 for study abroad. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.75.

Project GO Scholarship

A scholarship search engine for ROTC students.

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).

Morris & Stewart Udall 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) have a college GPA of at least "B"/3.0, and 3) be a US citizen or permanent resident. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Killiam Fellowship Program

Scholarships available for US undergraduate students studying abroad in Canada.

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).

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. 

Austrian Ernst Mach Grant

This grant is a small view of the aid the Austria 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. 

BUTEX Scholarship

Funds 500 pounds for exchange students going to the United Kingdom.

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-Asia)

As its name implies, this need-based scholarship will fund study-abroad experiences in Asia, specifically East or Southeast Asia. The Freeman Institute provides undergraduate students with a 2.8 GPA or higher up to $7,000 to study abroad. Applicants must plan to study abroad for a minimum of eight weeks. The “need-based” requirement for the scholarship does not have to be based on financial aid forms like the FAFSA, and funds from this program can go toward any costs associated with the trip, not just tuition

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 financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.

Academy of International Business Southeast and the Asia Institute Joint Scholarships

Offers up to $1000 for students participating in an international experience in Asia, related to international business.

George J. Mitchell Scholarship

For one year of study at institutions in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Must 1) be a US citizen, 2) have a record of intellectual distinction, leadership activity and extra-curricular activity, and 3) demonstrate potential for future leadership and contribution to society. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons (ksimmons@unm.edu).

Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays fellowships are available to undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students, and US K-12 teachers pursuing advanced overseas Russian or Persian language study on American Councils' Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program in Moscow or Eurasian Regional Language Program in Dushanbe. Granted on the basis of financial need and academic merit, awards are made in the amount of $7,000 for semester programs.

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 area or international studies. 

 

 

If you decide to study abroad through a Direct Enrollment program, many of the provider organizations will offer special scholarships for qualified students enrolled on their programs. The following organizations offer scholarships directly for UNM students. Some programs from each of the providers, below, are featured on our website, but please be aware that many other programs are offerd by these organizations - and the following scholarships will likely apply. 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.

CIEE

  • UNM students travelling with CIEE qualify for an immediate $2,000 Minority Serving Institutions grant. Additional grants and scholarships are avaialble, 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-wk, all expense paid study abroad seminar for 10 accepted students from Minority Serving Institutions (like UNM!) See more details here.

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 progrm. 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. Examples of the positions are Computer Lab, Library, Administrative Assistants, etc. 

 

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 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 first undergraduate degree within the last 2.5 years, and 4) present an academic plan and demonstrate 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).

 

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. 

Depending on the program you choose, budgeting information may be found on your program site, on the GEO study abroad page, or through other online resources. Numbeo.com provides helpful cost of living information for many world cities.

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

To calculated your estimated expenses, as well as your available resources, we suggest using this prepared Study Abroad Budget template. Check in with your study abroad advisor if you have questions!

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

 

In almost all cases, you can use your financial aid to study abroad! This includes the Lottery 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. 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 enroll 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 enroll 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

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.