Scholarships and funded opportunities abroad
If you are looking for study abroad funding, review this list for opportunities, eligibility and deadlines.
Benter Initiative for Global Citizenship scholarship
Up to $5,000 funding for Chatham undergraduates to study abroad on semester long Chatham exchange or partner programs
Requirements – GPA of 2.5 or higher, 24+credits completed at Chatham, statement of purpose, resume, rec letter. Must return to Chatham for at least one semester after study abroad, serve as Study Abroad Ambassador and share experience through events.
Applications due 9/30 for spring, 3/15 for fall study abroad.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
National scholarship for US citizen students who receive a Pell grant. Up to $8,000. Funded by BECA at US Dept of State.
Can use toward study/ intern abroad program of your choosing. No program length requirement.
Application has 3 essays, requires follow on service project.
2 cycles per year:
Cycle 1: SP 26, SU26, FA26 -Apply by 10/3/25.
Cycle 2: SU26, FA26, SP27 – Apply by 3/5/26.
Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership
•Up to 3 Chatham students receive $5,000+ toward summer global experience of your choosing.
Eligibility:
No previous international experience
Undergraduate women, non-binary, transgender students of sophomore or junior status at one of the VIH institutions
U.S. Citizen, Full-time student status for at least two terms with a Baccalaureate degree in progress
GPA of not less than 3.0
Will return to your university/college as a full-time student during the fall semester following the study abroad experience
Summer global experience must take place in one country (no multi-country experiences); it must be accredited and last for at least 28 days
Commit to attend all activities during two mandatory weekend conferences & to meeting all of the requirements of the VIH Program, including, but not limited to: a) submitting an Experience Report; b) completing a CEE & submitting a CEE report ; c) completing all assignments for the two retreats; d) assisting with marketing the VIH Program on your campus.
Application for SU 2026 due 11/3/2025.
The CLS Program provides opportunities for American college and university students to study languages and cultures essential to America's engagement with the world. Funded by the US Dept of State. Program is in country during 8-10 week summer program or virtual during 8 weeks in summer (CLS Spark)
Fully funded opportunity. Must be a student at time of application, you don’t have to participate for credit (but you can).
You choose a language not a destination. Apply to study one of 12 languages (in country). Languages have different levels of required prior study (none to 2 years). Spark offers 5 languages with no prior formal study.
4 essays plus transcript required. Be sure to answer the prompts.
CLS holds virtual sessions for students to learn more about the opportunity and with application information.
2026 program application will open in October. Applications are due mid-late November.
Fulbright UK Summer Institutes
The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are three to four week programs for US undergraduate students, who have no or very little travel experience outside North America. Participants can explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK while experiencing higher education at a UK university.
Funding includes round-trip airfare, airport transfer, tuition and fees at host institution, accommodation and some meals, and social and cultural program.
Eligibility: US citizen with US passport, no or very little study/travel experience outside North America, 18 years+ at start of program, must participate in entire program, must have at least 2 years of undergraduate study remaining after the institute finishes, must not participate in any other study abroad programs in the summer of 2026.
Application requires - Personal statement, official transcript, two references.
Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview in March, finalists announced in April.
2026 program application will open in November. Applications are due in early February.
Chatham Experiential learning scholarships - summer
Apply by 2/28/26 for summer 2026 study/intern abroad, Chatham summer field experiences.
Multiple scholarships funded by Chatham alumni.
Check your eligibility - each has its own criteria.
Study Abroad Voucher
This is a one-time $1,200 voucher for eligible undergraduate students (must have earned 30 credits, 15 must have been earned at Chatham). No additional application needed, will be added to your student account for the term in which you study abroad – will reduce amount you owe for your program.
MORE SCHOLARSHIPS:
Boren Awards are for study abroad and language study in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests. Awardees commit to seek work in the federal government for a specified period. Campus Deadline November 1.
Bridging Scholarships for study in Japan. Will open spring 2026.
DAAD Rise RISE stands for Research Internships in Science and Engineering. RISE Germany offers undergraduate students the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions. Application Deadline: November 30
FreemanASIA Freeman-ASIA provides scholarships for US undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. See website for upcoming deadlines.
Fund for Education Abroad Funds students underrepresented in study abroad. To be eligible, must undergraduate student with demonstrated financial need. The Summer, Fall, and Academic Year 2026-2027 cycle will open in November.
Fulbright Grants for US citizens to Research, study or teach English in 140+ countries. Must have minimum of Bachelor’s degree at start of grant. Annual cycle opens in May, closes in October.
•Provider scholarships
Most study abroad providers have scholarships for students participating in their programs. Always ask, always apply.
QUESTIONS? Please reach out to globalengagement@chatham.edu.