UMD: A Globally Connected University
Scholarships
Scholarships

We are here to help you make study abroad an affordable option
UMD Education Abroad Scholarship | National Scholarships | Additional Scholarship Opportunities
UMD Education Abroad Scholarship
We administer partial scholarships through the UMD Education Abroad (EA) Scholarship to assist degree-seeking undergraduate students with the cost of attending approved and credit-bearing study abroad programs. We currently do not award for graduate students. The UMD EA Scholarship is made up of several scholarships that each have their own eligibility requirements and award amounts, but the application process is the same. If you have any questions about scholarships and funding study abroad, feel free to make an appointment with your EA advisor.
How to apply:
- Start an application for a study abroad program in MyEA
- Click on the UMD Education Abroad Scholarship link under the "Required Forms" section of your application
- Check that the deadline for the scholarship has not passed and complete the form
- Submit the form by the scholarship deadline (which may be different from the program application deadline)
- Complete the rest of your program application and submit by the program deadline
You will be considered for a scholarship based on your responses in the form, your academic record, your financial aid status, and your study abroad program information. Applying to this scholarship has no bearing on your study abroad program application.
Term | Application Deadline | Notification Date |
---|---|---|
Summer, Fall, Full Year | March 1 | March 14 |
Freshman Programs (Destination & Terrapin Take Off ) | April 15* | April 29* |
Winter, Spring, Spring Break | October 1 | October 16 |
Please note: not all scholarships will be active for the winter, spring, spring break 2023 application cycles. You will be considered for all scholarships you are eligible for once your scholarship application is submitted.
Details on each of the scholarships within the UMD Education Abroad Scholarship are listed below.
General Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded largely on the basis of financial need and are funded through our office and the support of generous donors, including the Mather family, Kendall family, the Mather family and the David Family. You may be awarded up to $1,500 for winter, spring break, and summer term programs, up to $2,000 for semester programs, and up to $4,000 for year programs (disbursed evenly among the two semesters). To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- have a completed FAFSA on file
Mather Family International Travel Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded through the generous support of Dr. Ian Mather. Dr. Mather wants to support students traveling outside North America for the first time who also have financial need. You may be awarded up to $1,500 for winter, spring break, and summer term programs, up to $2,000 for semester programs, and up to $4,000 for year programs (disbursed evenly among the two semesters). To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- be traveling outside North America for the first time
- have a completed FAFSA on file
Recipients will be asked to submit thank you letters prior to receiving the award.
Kendall Family
This scholarship is awarded through the generous support of the Kendall Family. You may be awarded up to $1,500 for winter, spring break, and summer term programs, up to $2,00000 for semester programs, and up to $4,000 for year programs (disbursed evenly among the two semesters). To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- Pell eligible
- 3.0+ GPA
- have a completed FAFSA on file
Jonathan V. David
This scholarship is awarded through the generous support of the Kendall Family. You may be awarded up to $1,500 for winter, spring break, and summer term programs, up to $2,000 for semester programs, and up to $4,000 for year programs (disbursed evenly among the two semesters). To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- 3.5+ GPA
- have a completed FAFSA on file
Recipients will be asked to submit thank you letters prior to receiving the award.
UMD Education Abroad Scholarship - Freshman Programs Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. You may be awarded up to $1,000 for Terrapin Take Off programs and up to $1,500 for Destination programs. To be considered for an Education Abroad-administered scholarship, you must be an incoming UMD freshman.
Exchange Waiver
If you are accepted to an Exchange program, you will be considered for an automatic waiver of $1,000. To be considered for this waiver, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
- not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, TAES, etc.)
If you have a completed FAFSA on file and wish to be considered for need based aid in addition to the automatic award, complete the EA fund form by the deadline.
UMD Department Scholarships
ARHU Scholarship
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- be an ARHU major
- have a 3.5+ GPA (for merit award)
- have a 2.6+ GPA (for need-based award)
- For need-based award, have a completed FAFSA on file
BSOS Scholarship
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- be an BSOS major
- have a 3.0+ GPA (for need-based award)
Global Communities Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. You may be awarded up to $1,000 for summer, winter, spring break and semester programs. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be enrolled in the Global Communities (GC) Living-Learning program
- have maintained a C- or above grade in all GC courses
- study abroad to complete the GC Global Experience requirement
- have a completed FAFSA on file
Affiliate Program Scholarships
Affiliate scholarships will be deducted from your program fee and be reflected in the final program fee charged to your Testudo account.
USAC Scholarship
This scholarship awards up to $1,000 for short-term programs, up to $1,500 for semester programs, and up to $2,000 for full year programs. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- have a completed FAFSA on file
- complete an application for a UMD approved USAC program
USAC scholarships will be deducted from your program fee and be reflected in the final program fee charged to your Testudo account.
SIT Study Abroad Scholarship
This scholarship provides $3,000 for semester programs. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- Applies to non-Europe semester-length programs only
- have a completed FAFSA (link is external)on file
- complete an application for a UMD approved SIT Study Abroad program
- Awards based on financial need. Preference given to students traditionally underrepresented in study abroad, specifically first generation college students and minorities.
TEAN Scholarship
This scholarship awards up to $1,000 for out-of-state students. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- have a completed FAFSA on file
- Have an out-of-state Maryland residency status
- complete an application for a UMD approved TEAN program
*In-state Maryland residency students will get a $3,000 discount from TEAN
Program Specific Scholarships
Arts & Humanities-in-London
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- be participating in the Arts & Humanities-in-London program
- be an ARHU major
- in-State Maryland residency
- have a completed FAFSA on file
Maryland-in-Copenhagen Scholarship
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- be participating in the Maryland-in-Copenhagen program
- have a completed FAFSA on file
Maryland-in Nice Scholarship
These scholarships award up to $1,000 for students participating in the Maryland-in-Nice program. Funding for this scholarship is provided by the Department of French and Italian. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- be participating in the Maryland-in-Nice program
- preference given to in-state residents
- preference given to students who have not previously studied abroad
Following acceptance to the Maryland-in-Nice program, representatives from the French department will interview students who wish to be considered for a scholarship from the department. Students will be contacted by the undergraduate advisor following the acceptance deadline to schedule an interview and provide a professor recommendation. Any awarded scholarship funds will be processed directly to the student's account.
Scholarship recipients are encouraged to give back to the program in the form of supporting future Maryland-in-Nice participants, whether it is serving as a social media ambassador, completing a #TerpsAbroad profile, creating a short video blurb about your experiences, or volunteering for Maryland-in-Nice outreach events once you’ve returned.
Maryland-in-Stockholm Scholarship
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- be participating in the Maryland-in-Stockholm program
- have a completed FAFSA on file
NIAF Pellegri Program Classics Scholarships
Both need and merit awards are available for students applying to the Italy Classics summer and winter programs. Preference will be given to Classics majors. To be eligible for the need-based award, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- have a completed FAFSA on file
- complete an application for the Italy Classics summer or winter program
To be eligible for a merit-based award, you must:
- be a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- complete an application for the Italy Classics summer or winter program
- have a 3.5 GPA or higher
National Scholarships
If you are interested in pursuing a national scholarship, make an appointment with the National Scholarships Office (NSO).
Gilman Guarantee Program
Receive a guaranteed $500 scholarship when you apply for a Gilman award via the National Scholarship Office (NSO). Awards will be given to students who commit and participate in a study abroad program. Any student who does NOT receive a Gilman award will receive an additional $2,000 in guaranteed funding from Education Abroad for a total commitment of $2,500.Students who do receive Gilman will retain the $500 EA scholarship. You must have a completed Gilman application by the deadline, and have worked with NSO to be eligible for this Education Abroad scholarship.
The Gilman International Scholarship is a valuable national scholarship opportunity for study abroad applicants. Students receive awards up to $5,000 to study abroad, and $8000 for a Critical Need Language Award. UMD's National Scholarships Office (NSO) can assist you with your application.To be eligible for a Gilman Scholarship you must:
- be a US Citizen and a current degree-seeking undergraduate UMD student
- be receiving a Federal Pell Grant either at the time of application or during the term of your study abroad program or internship
- be in the process of applying to, or accepted for, a study abroad (face-to-face), internship program, or other virtual international education program (Global Classrooms)
- be studying or interning abroad in any country or area with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisory System
Gilman Critical Need Language Award
Applicants who are studying a critical need language while abroad can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000, for a combined total of $8,000. The Critical Need Language Award is competitive and offered to a limited number of Gilman scholars each year.
Fill out the NSO interest form or Email gilman@umd.edu for more information and for assistance with your application.
Other National Scholarships
For information about other national scholarship opportunities for study abroad, please contact the National Scholarships Office at scholarships@umd.edu or use the links below to explore your options:
- Scholarships for Freshmen
- Scholarships for Sophomores
- Scholarships for Juniors
- Scholarships for Seniors
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
General Scholarships
- Boren Scholarship - Summer Initiative for STEM Majors - If you are a STEM major interested in studying abroad during the summer, you may be eligible for up to $8,000 in scholarships from the Boren Scholarship Summer Initiative for STEM Majors. If you are interested in applying, contact the National Scholarships Office.
- College Park Scholars Co-Curricular Scholarship - scholarship opportunities for students in the College Park Scholars program
- Diversity Abroad - in cooperation with AIFS, Diversity Abroad offers $500 scholarships for students studying abroad in summer, fall, and spring; Economically disadvantaged students, first-generation, students with disabilities and ethnic and racially diverse students are strongly encouraged to apply
- Explore the World Scholarship - from Hostelling International (HI) - $2,000 awarded to students with a strong desire and motivation to experience other people and cultures through international travel (UMD students need to apply to the DC, Washington scholarship). Applications due March 2nd, 2019
- Fund for Education Abroad General Scholarship - up to $10,000 available to students participating in academically challenging study abroad programs longer than four weeks
- Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship - scholarship awarded to a deserving LGBTQI student participating in an academically rigorous study abroad program
- James G. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarship - ten $1,000 awards and ten $2000 awards for members of the UMD CP Chapter of the Primannum Honor Society
- Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant - $1,000 grants for undergraduates with a GPA of 3.75 or higher who seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad (Phi Kappa Phi membership not required). One hundred twenty-five (125) grants are awarded each year.
- Point Foundation - awards funds to LGBTQ+ students for study abroad and other scholarly efforts
- Project GO ROTC -Project GO (Global Officers) is a nationwide program sponsored by the Department of Defense at the National Security Education Program (NSEP). Project Go supports the study of 20 languages designated critical to national security by the U.S. government.
- ROTC Initiative - Boren Scholarship - Applicants for the Boren Scholarship who are ROTC students can apply for awards up to $10,000 per semester. See information and application details for the Boren Scholarship on the UMD National Scholarships Office website for more details.
- Smith School of Business Scholarship -Scholarship opportunities for UMD business majors and minors
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship - $1000 award available to assist students who cannot afford to travel on a student budget; Sponsored by Tortuga Backpacks, an organization co-founded by UMD alumni Fred Perotta and John Michael Cohen
Program or Location Specific Scholarships
- Asia Institute Scholarship - multiple scholarship opportunities for Engineering and Business students studyign in Asia.
- Butex International Scholarship - scholarships awarded to winners of poster and essay contest for students studying abroad for a semester or more in the UK
- CIEE Scholarship and Grants - for students participating on CIEE programs
- Airfare scholarship for Pell Grant Recipients
- Merit scholarships up to $2,500
- DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship - scholarships awarded to highly qualified undergraduate students studying abroad in Germany. Preference will be given to students whose programs are based at and organized by a German university.
- Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) Scholarship - need and diversity scholarships available for students in the Maryland-in-Copenhagen program
- Freeman-ASIA Scholarship - awarded to U.S. undergraduate students with financial need to study in East or Southeast Asia
- Fund for Education Abroad Hiliary Echo Douglas Memorial Scholarship - awarded to a student who demonstrates a love for Vietnam and other cultures, a desire to give back to the world community, and a contagious love of life
- IES Abroad Scholarship - need based and merit scholarships are available for students studying on IES programs in any term
- IES Abroad Vienna City of Music Scholarship - funding available for students participating in the IES Abroad Vienna Music program
- Japan Bridging Scholarship - The US-Japan Bridging Foundation offers $2500 for students studying in Japan for a semester, and $4000 for students studying for the academic year. Applicants must be US citizens and undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite.
- Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship - Offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, this special scholarship is awarded to international students studying in Japan. Students participating on UMD exchanges in Japan are automatically eligible and will be notified by their host institution if they receive the scholarship.
- New Zealand - Generation Study Abroad Excellence and Travel Awards - $500 - $2,000 awards for study in New Zealand for students with a GPA 3.0 or higher on a semester program
- New Zealand - Scholarship promoted by Go Overseas - $15,000 scholarship toward tuition and accommodation stipend awarded for study in New Zealand on a semester program
- Sheffield University Exchange & Study Abroad Scholarships - awards of £500 (semester) or £1,000 (year) available to students participating in an exchange or direct enrolling at Sheffield University in the UK
- SIT-CIC Scholarship - funding available for all UMD students studying on SIT programs; if you apply to an SIT program, you will be automatically awarded a $1,500 scholarship.
- SIT - Pell Grant Match Scholarship - SIT matches federal Pell grant funding for all SIT semester programs for UMD students who use their Pell grant for UMD students receiving Pell grants studying on SIT semester programs.
- The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) Scholarship - need and merit awards between $1,000 and $5,000 available for students participating in TEAN programs
- Turkish Coalition of America Study Abroad Scholarships for minority American students- The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) offers scholarships support its mission to engage and cultivate a new generation of young Turkish American leaders and build bridges between the United States and Turkey. They also offer resources for other organizations offering scholarships for students studying in Turkey.