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 FASFA 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. All students participating in a Quarter Abroad program, including students from other UCs, would receive financial aid from UC Davis.
  
  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 life 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, it’s recommended to 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 (or UC student participating on a UC Davis Quarter Abroad program) and 2) have a valid FASFA 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. Study Abroad Estimate Request:  Click on the “Study Abroad Estimate Request” button on the Financial Aid & Scholarships for Study Abroad page and follow the steps. You will need to upload a copy of your program cost as part of your request. You can expect a reply within 7-10 business days.
      2. Summer Abroad Financial Aid Estimator: If you are participating in a UC Davis Summer Abroad, Summer Abroad Internships or Virtual Summer Internships program, use the Summer Abroad Financial Aid Estimator to receive an immediate aid estimate.
      3. Appointments:  To schedule a 20-minute one-on-one appointment with a financial aid advisor, call the Global Learning Hub at 752-5763 or drop by between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Have a copy of 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 major 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

• Pitzer Family Foundation Global Challenge Internship Grants (NEW)

  Up to $10,000
  Deadline: Monday, January, 16, 2023
  
  The Pitzer Family Foundation is generously funding scholarships for students to participate in international internships through the UC Davis global internship programs, with the intent of fostering global engagement, preparing students to address global challenges through intercultural interactions and promoting meaningful work opportunities that will start students on the path to their future career.
  
  Learn more about the Pitzer Family Foundation Global Challenge Internship Grants.

  UC Davis International Relations (IR) Study Abroad Scholarship

  Undergraduates majoring in International Relations
  $500-$1,000, multiple scholarships available
  Deadline: Friday December 9, 2022 by 4pm
  
  In order to be eligible to receive a scholarship applicants must be full time UC Davis International Relations students, be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and plan to apply or have been selected to an eligible study abroad or unpaid internship abroad program. Please contact poladvising@ucdavis.edu with any questions.

  UC Davis American Studies Program Study Abroad Award

  Undergraduate American Studies Majors
  $500-$1,000, multiple scholarships available
  Deadline: March 18, 2022
  
  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.  

  UC Davis Guardian Scholar & UC Davis Study Abroad Ann E. Pitzer Scholarship in International Education

  Undergraduate Guardian Scholars
  Up to $1,000
  Deadline: March 15, 2023
  
  The Guardian Scholars Program and Study Abroad are pleased to announce the Ann E. Pitzer Scholarship for Guardian Scholar international study.  Applicant must be a Guardian Scholar to apply; you do not have to qualify for financial aid.  Selected applicants will receive up to $1,000 to be used toward any 2023-24 UC Davis or UCEAP study or intern abroad program. You do not have to be enrolled in a program yet to apply.
  Apply Now

  John Wasson Study Abroad Fellowship

  Undergraduates enrolled in the College of Engineering
  $7,000
  Deadline: April 1, 2023
  
  UC Davis students in the Department of Chemical Engineering & the UC Davis College of Engineering are eligible to apply. The Fellowship will distribute $6,700 in award money to participate on a program with UC Davis Study Abroad Program: UC Davis Summer 2023, Quarter, Internship, or UCEAP programs during the 2023-24 calendar year. The application is due by April 1, 2023 via email to ech-advising@ucdavis.edu. 

  CFHI Scholarships - UC Davis Global Health Internships

  Undergraduate participants in the UC Davis Global Health Internships
  $1,000
  Deadline: February 15, 2023
  
  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. 

  CFHI Scholarships – UC Davis Quarter Abroad Mexico

  Undergraduate participants in the Quarter Abroad Oaxaca Program
  $500-$1,000
  Deadline: March 15, 2023
  
  The UC Davis Study Abroad Latinx Health Internship Scholarship offers financial assistance. For more information, please see the CFHI Scholarship page. 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: February 28, 2023
   

  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.

• 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.

  University of St. Andrews Scholarship

  Participants in programs at St. Andrews's University in Scotland
  $3,000
  Deadline: Varies by program term
  
  UC Davis students who apply for and are placed at the prestigious University of St. Andrews in Scotland, are eligible to apply for a $3,000 University of St. Andrews award, made possible by a generous UC Davis faculty donor. Please contact UCEAP Advisor Tiffany Macias-Silva for more information on this award.

• 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, 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. 
  
  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: Deadline: November

  The Critical Language Scholarship Program is a summer study abroad opportunity for American college and university students to study and master the following foreign languages: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu.  Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply.

  David Boren Scholarship 

  U.S. Undergraduates
  Up to $8,000-25,000
  Deadline: February 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EST
  
  To be eligible for the David Boren Scholarship, students must be: a U.S. Citizen; working towards an undergraduate degree throughout the entirety of the scholarship; studying abroad in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, or the Middle East in a country that is critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad (see list of eligible countries on Boren website); study a foreign language during the study abroad.

  The Fulbright U.S. Student Program

  Graduating seniors, recent alumni, or current graduate and professional students
  Funding toward participation in an eligible program
  UC Davis campus application deadlines: September 8, 2022 (Study/Research) or September 12, 2022 (English Teaching Assistants)
  National deadline: October 11, 2022 at 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 140 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 pursuing grad school
  Up to $52,000 annually for a two-year program for tuition, internships, and professional development
  Deadline: November 4, 2022
  
  The Donald M. Payne Fellowship is for students entering graduate programs in international development or pursuing careers in the USAID Foreign Service, fellowships of up to $38,000 are available. Applications for 2023 due November 3, 2022.

• Additional Scholarships & Financial Resources

• Additional Outside Scholarships and Resources

  HI USA Explore the World Travel Scholarship

  Undergraduates, Master’s and PhD Students, Professional Students
  $2,000
  Deadline: Application period currently closed

  The 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
  $1,250-$5,000
  Deadline: September
  
  The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) 2020-2021 scholarship application cycle is now accepting applications! American undergraduate students planning to study abroad on any program that meets our requirements in Summer 2020, Fall 2020, and Academic Year 2020-2021 may be eligible to apply. Complete list of FEA eligibility requirements.

  Diversity Network Summer Scholarships

  Full-time undergraduates
  $1,000
  Deadline: April
  
  The Diversity Network scholarship provides several scholarship awards to students enrolled at its member institutions. Summer 2020:  Students enrolled at a Diversity Network Member institution and planning to study abroad during the summer of 2020 are encouraged to apply for the $1000 award. Students must follow this link for application details (opens Feb 1). If you are non-UC Davis student applying to a UC Davis Study Abroad program, make sure to list UC Davis as your institution when applying for this scholarship.

  UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarships

  - Listing of external scholarships

  Comprehensive Study Abroad Scholarship Listings

  - Listing of external scholarships

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