There are many scholarships out there. We will cover three competitive national scholarships today, but strongly encourage you all to do your research after this.
- Gilman Scholarship Program
- Boren Scholarships
- Critical Language Scholarship
- Fund for Education Abroad
All of these programs are limited to U.S. citizens.
Overview of the Gilman
Award Amount
- up to $5,000
Eligibility Criteria
- Receiving a Federal Pell Grant
- Applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program
- Applying to a program in a country or area with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, or is on the list of approved Travel Advisory Level 3 countries/areas
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that both advisors have certified their application by the advisor deadline.
All applicants must contact the appropriate offices at their home institutions in order to determine the correct study abroad and financial aid certifying advisors to certify their application.
If an advisor is not listed within the online application, reach out to the appropriate advisor(s) at your institution so that they register an account in the Gilman Advisor Portal and will be verified within 1-2 business days. After verification, the advisor’s name will appear in the online application.
Applications without certifications will not be considered.
Selection Criteria for the Gilman
- Impact of program and destination on student's academic and career trajectory
- Community impact abroad and upon student's return home
- Academic preparedness
- Diversity of background and experience
- Commitment to proficiency in a critical need language (only applicable for CNLA applicants)
Overview of the Boren Scholarships
Award Amount
- 8-11 weeks: $8,000 for a summer program (STEM majors only)
- 12-24 weeks: $12,500
- 25-52 weeks: $25,000
Eligibility Criteria
- Planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
- Planning to study in a country of which they are not a citizen
- Intensive language study of a preferred language
Overview of the Boren Scholarships
Deadlines
- January 29, 2025
- This is a very early deadline!
Application Requirements
- Essays
- Language Self-Assessment
- 2 Letters of Recommendation (may upload 3)
Proposed programs of two or more semesters are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to Boren Awards applicants proposing overseas programs of at least 25 weeks’ duration. The minimum duration of an eligible program is 12 weeks for most Boren Awards applicants. (special exception for STEM majors)
Selection Criteria for the Boren Scholarships
- Duration and length of the program
- Field of study (preference for STEM and Social Science related majors)
- Career interests (preference in fields related to National Security or Public Service)
- Serious language interest
- Preferred countries (Outside Western Europe)
Critical Language Scholarship Program - Summer Only
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an immersive summer opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America's engagement with the world.
All expenses and fees are covered (except U.S. passport fee, medical exams)
This deadline happens in November!
Check out the webinars and info sessions they have coming up to learn more.
Fund for Education Abroad
The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. Complete one application to be considered for multiple scholarships.
FEA awards up to $5,000 for a fall or spring semester abroad, with a minimum of $1,000 for short-term programs.
Summer, Fall, Academic Year deadlines are in January. Spring deadlines are in September.
Review all your UNM scholarship opportunities! Your Study Abroad Advisors are here to support you with any applications or essay questions you might have.