Financial aid, scholarships, and awards are available for study abroad and may be available for virtual opportunities. Use the information below to help you create a financial plan for your program.
A key to financial success is to plan well in advance of your program. Some initial steps you can take:
- Research your funding options – financial aid, scholarships and awards, and personal or outside contributions.
- Make sure you have a valid FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application on file (review the filing deadlines in advance), not only for financial aid eligibility, but some scholarships may require this information.
- Work with a financial aid advisor to understand the options and limits of your financial aid.
- Use the information on the program webpage to understand the cost of your program – what's included and what’s not included.
Check out recorded info sessions in our Video Library for Scholarships, Funding, and Funded Programs.
- Funding Your Program
- Using Financial Aid
UC Davis students can use financial aid if they plan to participate in a program that provides a minimum of six (6) UC or UC Davis units. Non-UC Davis students need to check with their home campus about financial aid.
Your aid may be adjusted according to the cost of the program. If you do not normally qualify for financial aid, you might qualify for aid for study abroad, depending on program costs and your particular situation. It is recommended to consult with your home campus’ Financial Aid Office on aid eligibility before committing to a program.
Review UC Davis Financial Aid & Scholarships for Study Abroad.
Scholarships and Awards
Scholarships and awards are a funding opportunity to help offset the overall cost and contribute to your financial aid and personal funds. Some initial steps you can take:
o Start researching scholarships early to increase your chances of obtaining funding:
• Scholarships & Funding
• Funding Search Tool
o Expand your search outside of traditional study abroad scholarships.
o Join upcoming funding workshops/info sessions to learn about options to help finance your global learning experience.
o Be prepared to identify additional funding mechanisms (e.g., taking out loans, working an extra job, additional fundraising) in the event you aren’t awarded a scholarship.
o Email globallearning@ucdavis.edu to make an appointment with a Global Learning Hub advisor for additional guidance.
Resource highlight: UCSB’s How to Find and Apply to Scholarships for Study Abroad (YouTube video).
Personal Funds
Start saving as early as possible. If you can, pick up an extra job or shifts to maximize your funds. Ask those in your network if they are able to help support your educational goals. Consider asking for items you might need for your program for birthday or holiday gifts. A passport makes a great gift and an investment that lasts for 10 years!
Creative Fundraising
Think about the personal networks, clubs, organizations, and groups you’re connected to. Ask if they are able to support you financially in meeting your educational goals. Be specific on how you would spend their contribution, such as use for airfare, program fees, or tuition. In exchange for their financial support, consider offering something in return. Here are some ideas to start:
o Share your experience digitally – a video, photos, PowerPoint presentation.
o Share your experience in writing – write an article, create or add to a website or blog.
o Share your experience out loud – present to a group, lead a discussion, help with outreach.
If social networking is of interest, consider crowdfunding resources and set up a campaign explaining your plans and goals for your program.
For an in-depth look at cost considerations and tips, check out this Developing Your Side Hustle for Study Abroad presentation. - How to Receive a Financial Aid Estimate
The Financial Aid office provides estimates so you know how much financial aid you are eligible for and what type of aid you may receive. In order to receive an aid estimate you must 1) be a UC Davis student, and 2) have a valid FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application on file.
Prior to requesting an estimate, identify your preferred program. Obtain a copy of your selected program budget, one that covers both program fees and estimated personal expenses. These can be found on the “Cost” tab on your program page. If the budget for the year you are considering is not available, you may use a prior year’s budget for the same program to be given an estimate.
Select one of the following ways to receive an aid estimate:
1. Summer Abroad Financial Aid Estimator: NOW AVAILABLE for students participating in a UC Davis Summer Abroad, Summer Abroad Internships or Virtual Summer Internships program.
2. Study Abroad Estimator: If you are participating in a UC Davis Quarter Abroad or UCEAP program, use the Study Abroad Estimator to receive an immediate aid estimate. Be sure to watch the “How To” Video.
3. Appointments: To schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with a financial aid advisor, call the Global Learning Hub at (530) 752-5763. Have a copy of your study abroad estimate (from step 1 or 2 above) and your program cost with you at the time of your appointment.- Budgeting for Your Program
Research Programs with Cost in Mind
When researching and selecting a program, carefully consider the program fees to understand what is included in the cost and what you’ll be paying out-of-pocket. A program cost breakdown is provided on the program webpage for UC Davis and UCEAP programs. Contact the Global Learning Hub if you need assistance in understanding the costs of your program.
Prepare a comprehensive and realistic budget before enrolling in your program so that you know your financial outlook before making the commitment. Considering the total cost of participation, plus your personal expenses, will help you determine a budget that works for you.Below is a budget worksheet you can use to create an estimated budget to determine the total costs for your program as well as funding sources. Amounts for out-of-pocket expenses on program cost pages are intended to provide a reasonable minimum estimate and can fluctuate depending on personal spending habits. This estimate does not include funds for optional independent travel, emergencies, personal entertainment, shopping/souvenirs, or currency fluctuations.
o UC Davis Quarter Abroad Budget Worksheet (PDF)
o UC Davis Summer Abroad and Summer Internships Budget Worksheet (PDF)
o UC Davis Virtual Internships Budget Worksheet (PDF)
o UCEAP Budget Worksheet (PDF)Tips for Staying Within Your Budget
o Prior to departure, consider tracking your spending for 1-2 months at home to understand your habits in order to better plan for your time away. This helps you set realistic budget goals, and helps you know where you can start saving a little extra cash here and there.
o Consider the cost of living in the location you plan to study. Use websites like Numbeo.com that compare the cost of living in places around the world.
o Consider setting your budget in the local currency to know your spending power with the exchange rate.
o Research airfares and set up price alerts ahead of when you actually plan to purchase so you know what to expect in terms of average costs out of your home airport. Your program cost sheet also provides a general average.
o Do you plan to travel before, during, or after your program? Program cost pages do not include estimates for personal travel. If additional travel is part of your plan, you’ll want to include it in your budget.
o You will likely use a debit or credit card while abroad. Be sure to know if your bank or card charges a foreign transaction fee for each purchase or use of ATM, and how much that will be. If you’d like to avoid fees, consider a card with 0% foreign transaction fees.
o Get connected with students who’ve traveled or studied abroad. Ask for their tips on saving money with food, entertainment, and travel, typically the top expenses. There are many ways to save and past participants often have savvy tips.
Articles
o Crunching the Numbers: 6 Tips to Create (& Stick to) Your Study Abroad Budget (GoAbroad.com)
o How to Budget for Study Abroad (GoOverseas.com)
o A 6-step plan for seeing the world on a student's budget (StudyAbroad.com)- UC Davis Study Abroad Awards
UC Davis Study Abroad Awards
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, UC Davis is able to offer financial awards to selected UC Davis student participants in UC Davis Summer Abroad, Summer Abroad Internships, and Quarter Abroad programs.
Learn more about our UC Davis Study Abroad Awards.- Program/Major Specific Scholarships and Awards
Eivind Lange and Mary Puma Engagement and Research in Italy Support Fund (NEW)
Up to $1,000
Deadline: Sunday, January 12, 2025
The Eivind Lange and Mary Puma Engagement and Research in Italy Support Fund wishes to provide support to UC Davis undergraduate students, with demonstrated financial need, who are studying abroad in Italy through UCEAP and UC Davis Study Abroad. The Global Learning Award application will house the Eivind Lange and Mary Puma award application for UCEAP participants. If you wish to apply for this award for a UC Davis Study Abroad program, you will need to apply through the UC Davis Study Abroad Awards application.
Learn more about the UC Davis Global Learning Awards.Global Grad Grants (NEW)
Up to $2,500
Deadline: Friday, March 16, 2025
The Global Grad Grants, supported this year by the Pitzer Family Foundation, provide funding opportunities for UC Davis graduate or professional students seeking to participate in a globally-focused social impact program or in a globally-focused research opportunity or program during the summer. Students will be able to choose between two funding tracks: the Social Impact Track or the Research Track.
o The Social Impact Track is ideal for students who want to deepen their knowledge of the complexities of striving for justice across differences of culture and power and examine their own location within global flows of power and resources.
o The Research Track is ideal for students who have identified a global research opportunity or program that relates to their academic and/or professional goals and want to explore how concepts of culture, identity, power, global systems, and conflict relate to their work.
Learn more about the Global Grad Grants.UC Davis American Studies Program Study Abroad Award
Undergraduate American Studies Majors
$500-$1,000, multiple scholarships available
Deadline: March 2025
The American Studies Program is pleased to announce its scholarship program for international study. Awards are available to be used in conjunction with UC Davis Summer Abroad, Summer Abroad Internships, Quarter Abroad Fall, or UC Education Abroad Programs in the 2022/23 Academic year. Award winners will be announced in April 2022, and the funds will be made available once the student has enrolled in a study-abroad program (typical use of the award includes air travel, or program fees). Winners will be judged on the basis of their responses to the prompt below. All applications must be emailed to the Student Advisor by Friday, March 18, 2022 at 5pm. Winners will be judged on the basis of their responses to the prompt in the application, found on the American Studies homepage.John Wasson Study Abroad Fellowship
Undergraduates enrolled in the College of Engineering
Preference given to Chemical Engineering Majors
Deadline Varies
UC Davis students in the Department of Chemical Engineering & the UC Davis College of Engineering are eligible to apply. The Fellowship will distribute award money to participate on a program with UC Davis Study Abroad Program: UC Davis Summer Abroad, Quarter Abroad Fall, Summer Abroad Internships, or UCEAP programs during the 2024 calendar year. Reach out via email to ech-advising@ucdavis.edu for further application and deadline information.CFHI Scholarships - UC Davis Global Health Internships
Undergraduate participants in the UC Davis Global Health Internships
$1,000
Deadline: March 28, 2025
The UC Davis Global Health Internships Scholarship offers financial assistance. This is for any student who intends to participate in any UC Davis Global Health Internship program. Applicants must be in good standing and have a GPA of 2.0 or above.
Scholarships are awarded to those who demonstrate a commitment to their communities and a genuine interest in global health. Preference may be given to:
o Applicants of ethnicities underrepresented in CFHI programs.
o Applicants who demonstrate financial need.
o Applicants who have had limited opportunity to travel abroad.CFHI Scholarships – UC Davis Quarter Abroad Mexico
Undergraduate participants in the Quarter Abroad Oaxaca Program
$1,000
Deadline: April 25, 2025
The UC Davis Study Abroad Latinx Health Internship Scholarship offers financial assistance. This is for any student who intends to participate in the UC Davis Quarter Latinx Health Internship Program in Oaxaca, Mexico. Applicants must be in good standing and have a GPA of 2.0 or above.ISA Scholarships – Summer Computer Science Internships in South Korea
Undergraduate participants in the Summer Abroad Internship program in Computer Science
Amount varies
Deadline: See website
Students enrolled in ISA Internship and Service-Learning Programs are eligible to apply for ISA scholarships for which they meet the scholarship’s specific eligibility requirements. Scholarship-specific eligibility requirements and application process are outlined on the ISA website. Accepted participants must adhere to the scholarship deadlines and follow all instructions as listed on the ISA website in order to apply. UC Davis will communicate with ISA those students confirmed through UC Davis study abroad programs.Marc Blanchard Comparative Literature Undergraduate Travel Award
UC Davis Undergraduate Students
$500 to a maximum of $1000
Deadline: January 12, 2025
Learn More
The Marc Blanchard Comparative Literature Undergraduate Travel Award aids undergraduate students who wish to study abroad and have demonstrated financial need. The award supports student who have expressed interest in one or more of the following areas: Art History, Comparative Literature, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.Marion I. Froehlich Education Abroad Award
UC Davis Undergraduate Students
$500 to a maximum of $1000
Deadline: January 12, 2025
Learn More
The Ms. Marion I. Froehlich Education Abroad Award Support Fund aids undergraduate students studying abroad in programs offered through the UC Davis Global Learning Hub. The award supports student who have demonstrated financial need, transferred from a community college, and wish to study in a non-English speaking country and/or a developing country.Guardian Scholar Study Abroad Award
UC Davis Undergraduate Guardian Scholars
Up to $1000
Deadline: January 12, 2025
Learn More
The Guardian Scholars Study Abroad Award wishes to provide support to UC Davis undergraduate students who are studying abroad in programs offered by the Global Learning Hub. Award recipients must be a registered Guardian Scholar and demonstrate unmet financial need.Susan Toulson Study Abroad Award
UC Davis Undergraduate Students
$500 to a maximum of $1000
Deadline: January 12, 2025
Learn More
The Susan Toulson Study Abroad Award provides support to undergraduate students studying abroad through the UC Davis Global Learning Hub. The award gives preference to undergraduate students in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Letters and Science who plan to study or work in international business, international relations, history, or design.Steven A. Reignier Global Learning Scholarship
UC Davis Undergraduate Students
$500 to a maximum of $1000
Deadline: January 12, 2025
Learn More
The Steven A. Reignier Global Learning Scholarship provides support to undergraduate students studying abroad through the UC Davis Global Learning Hub. The award gives preference to undergraduate students who are a student employee, have not participated in study abroad, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum 3.5 GPA.- UC Education Abroad Program Scholarships & Awards (UCEAP)
Visit the UCEAP Scholarship’s page for full funding details.
UCEAP Global Scholarships
Undergraduate UCEAP participants
$1,000-$2,000
Deadline: Varies by program term
In line with its promise to make study abroad accessible to all UC students, UCEAP offers $1 million annually through the Global Scholarship. The scholarships range from $1,000 for summer to $2,000 for fall, spring, or academic year programs. You could be one of over 500 students selected for a Global Scholarship.UCEAP offers many other scholarship options. Go to the UCEAP Scholarship page for more details about this and other Scholarships.
St. Andrews Study Abroad Award
UC Davis Undergraduate Students
Up to $7,000
Deadlines: Fall 2025/Academic Year 26-26: January 14, 2025; Spring 2026: June 2, 2025
Apply Now
The St. Andrews Study Abroad Award was gifted by David Traill in effort to foster an ongoing student exchange relationship between UC Davis and the University of St. Andrews. The award aids undergraduate students, with demonstrated financial need, who wish to study abroad at St. Andrews through UCEAP.- UC Davis Prestigious Scholarships
The Undergraduate and Prestigious Scholarships office provides information, resources, and support services to students for highly competitive, merit-based scholarships and fellowships. There are many prestigious scholarship programs that fund studying abroad, all of which require extensive applications, excellent academics, clear purpose for studying abroad, and strong letters of recommendation. For more information, please visit their website, contact Scott Palmer, the UC Davis Prestigious Scholarship Advisor, or watch his workshop video.
Some of these scholarships include:Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad on programs for academic credit, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. Applicants must study in countries with a Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2.
Learn more about the Gilman Scholarship including upcoming information session dates, application opening and closing dates, the list of UC Davis certifying advisors, and more.The Gilman/McCain Scholarship
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Applicants must be recipients 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.
Learn more about the Gilman-McCain Scholarship including upcoming information session dates, application opening and closing dates the list of UC Davis certifying advisors, and more.Critical Language Scholarship
Undergraduates, Master’s and PhD Students, Professional Students
Money to cover program costs
Application Opening: Fall
Deadline: NovemberThe Critical Language Scholarship Program is an intensive, structured eight week summer study abroad program for American students to earn the equivalent of 1-year worth of language. The following languages are eligible: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are 18 years of age or older. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply.
David L. Boren Scholarship
U.S. Undergraduates
Up to $8,000-25,000
Application Opens: September 2024
Application Deadline: Late January 2025
The David L. Boren Scholarship funds study abroad programs up to 1-year that incorporate language study and are outside of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Western Europe. Recipients commit to 1 year of post-graduate employment with the federal government in a security related capacity. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who will earn undergraduate academic credit on their programs.The Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Graduating seniors, recent alumni, or current graduate and professional students
Funding toward participation in an eligible program
National Deadline: October 8, 2024, 5 p.m. ET
Recipients of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program receive roundtrip airfare, limited health insurance, and a monthly stipend for an academic year in one of 150 participating countries to teach English, conduct an independent research project, or study for a Master’s degree abroad. Study candidates may also have tuition covered. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.The Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship
U.S. graduating seniors or college graduates pursuing grad school
Up to $52,000 annually for a two-year program for tuition, internships, and professional development
Deadline: October 24, 2024
The USAID Donald M. Payne Fellowship seeks to attract outstanding individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the foreign service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Fellows receive up to $104,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities, before joining the foreign service. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have GPA’s of 3.2 or greater, and be applying to enter graduate programs in international affairs or related subjects in the year after applying to the Payne Fellowship.Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
U.S. graduating seniors or college graduates pursuing graduate school
45 Fellowships of up to $42,000 annually for a two-year Master’s program
Deadline: September 21, 2023
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship is a U.S. Department of State program that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding individuals who represent ethnic, gender, social, and geographic diversity and have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. Fellows receive up to $24,000/year in tuition and fees along with $18,000/year in stipend funds towards a 2-year degree in international affairs or a related subject. The program also includes 2 paid summer internships – 1 domestic and 1 overseas. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, with cumulative GPA’s of 3.2 or greater, and will commit to working in the foreign service.Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship
U.S. graduating seniors or college graduates pursuing graduate school
45 Fellowships of up to $42,000 annually for a two-year Master’s program
Deadline: September 26, 2024
The Rangel Program seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The Program seeks individuals interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy. Fellows receive up to $24,000/year in tuition and fees along with $18,000/year in stipend funds towards a 2-year degree in international affairs or a related subject. The program also includes 2 paid summer internships – 1 for members of Congress in Washington DC and 1 overseas in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, with cumulative GPA’s of 3.2 or greater, and will commit to working in the foreign service.Freeman Awards for Study in Asia
Summer Award: up to $3,000, Semester/Quarter Award, Academic/Calendar Year Award: up to $7,000
Deadline: April 1, 2025 (for the following terms: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Academic Year 2025-26, Spring 2026, and Calendar Year 2025)
A Freeman Award for Study in Asia provides need-based funding to assist the recipient with the cost of the study abroad program and related expenses, including airfare, basic living costs, local transportation, books, etc. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time of application, have demonstrated financial need through FAFSA, and have a minimum 2.8 GPA. Eligible locations include: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, or Vietnam. Study abroad program must be a minimum of 8 weeks for a summer term, 10 weeks for a quarter term, and 12 weeks for a semester term. Internship based programs are not eligible for this award. See additional eligibility requirements on the award webpage.- Additional Scholarships & Financial Resources
Additional Outside Scholarships and Resources
U.S. Passport Grant Program
UC Davis Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Covers all costs associated with acquiring or renewing an Adult U.S. Passport
Deadline: October 20, 2024
Learn moreThanks to the generosity of the Sullivan Family Global Affairs Passport Access Support Fund (endowed by Patrick & Cecelia Sullivan Family Foundation), Global Affairs, and the UC Davis Business Center, the UC Davis Global Learning Hub is continuing the U.S. Passport Grant program. In Fall 2024, the program will award 100 passports to UC Davis undergraduate and graduates with demonstrated financial need.
HI USA Explore the World Travel Scholarship
Undergraduates, Master’s and PhD Students, Professional Students
$2,000
Deadline: TBAThe Explore the World Travel Scholarship provides funding to help finance a trip outside of the United States that includes an educational or service component.
Fund for Education Abroad
U.S. Undergraduates
up to $5,000
Spring 2025 Application Open: July 24, 2024
Deadline: TBA
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) and their affiliates offers American undergraduate students an opportunity to apply for scholarships to study abroad. Students participating on any program that meets their requirements in Summer, Fall and Academic Year may be eligible to apply.To be eligible for an FEA scholarship, you must be:
o U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
o Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at U.S. institution of higher education (graduate students are not eligible).
o Receiving credit at your home institution for the study abroad program.UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Listing of external scholarships
Comprehensive Study Abroad Scholarship Listings
Student Testimonials
"I thought I was not able to travel because I did not have the money to do so. I realized that money should not be something to stop us from the goals we want to achieve in life. For that reason, I fundraised around $15,000 for my study abroad experience. I did everything that I could to raise that $15,000, mostly through creative fundraising efforts. I would like to say to other students that money is just a number and you should not let it get in the way of your goal and prevent you from achieving what you really want. It should not stop you from having any type of experience because there is always a way.”
Sophia Mares de Juan, Aggies Abroad
"To prospective study abroad students with financial concerns, I would say to be open to any program location and to perhaps look into locations with a lower cost-of-living, as that can help you minimize your expenses abroad. I would also suggest applying for scholarships and awards, because those can help cover a good portion of the program fees.”
Fionna Huang, Aggies Abroad
"Programs can be costly. The good news is that there are scholarships, grants, and even GoFundMe campaigns to help with that. Moreover, there’s many opportunities to save on discretionary spending while you’re abroad (dining, drinks, recreation, souvenirs, etc.). For me, I saved on food by alternating between grocery shopping and dining out. I saved on flights by booking with budget airlines and only traveling with a carry-on and personal item. I saved on purchases by using a credit card and debit card without foreign transaction fees. I’d also recommend crowdsourcing tips and tricks from family, friends, travel blogs and even Facebook travel groups (one of my favorite groups is Girls LOVE Travel).”
Christine DeLong, Aggies Abroad