Scholarships & Grants

Students may use scholarships to help fund their Study Abroad. Below you will find a database of opportunities. 

We also encourage you to log into myScholarships to apply for GVSU scholarships.

 

IMPORTANT:

Most scholarships can be used towards a study abroad program, even if they are not specifically a Study Abroad Scholarship. Internships abroad are also eligible for most scholarships as long as they are credit-bearing.

This is NOT a complete list of all scholarships/grants! Contact the Padnos International Center or the Office of Fellowships for assistance researching and applying for scholarships/grants. You can also find more information and advice through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.

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We have organized recommended Scholarships & Grants based on GVSU and External scholarships. Within each of these categories, we have also broken down scholarships into more specific categories such as Summer Scholarships, Semester/Academic Year Scholarships, Community Scholarships, Identity Scholarships, and Nationally Competitive Scholarships. We recommend navigating by these categories as well as identity, major/minor, skills, academic college/department, community, study abroad destination, languages studied, type of program, financial need, and more.

TIP: Utilize the anchors below and the Find Tool (Command / Ctrl + F) to search for keywords relevant to you! (Example: A Marketing student studying in France for a semester could use the Find Tool to search keywords such as Business, Seidman, French, Semester, Language, etc.)

GVSU Scholarships

Browse the following recommended GVSU scholarships and refer to myScholarships for more opportunities. Remember that most scholarships can be used towards a study abroad program, even if they are not specifically a Study Abroad Scholarship.

Summer Semester / Year 


GVSU Summer Scholarships

The following scholarships are available to GVSU students studying abroad in the Summer.  Check out myScholarships for more scholarship opportunities.

*Make sure to check the eligibility criteria relative to the required length of program

Scholarship / Grant Name

Award Amount

Application Deadline

Eligibility / Description

Financial Need...

Ambassador Secchia International Studies Scholarship

$5,000

February 15

Students must study abroad in Italy for at least 6 weeks. In addition, students must enroll in Business related majors or Public Administration major 

Not Required

First Generation Study Abroad Scholarship

Varies

February 15

The purpose is to support students who are the first in their family to attend college with the cost of a university approved study abroad opportunity.

Considered

Padnos International Center Photography Scholarship

$1,000

February 15

Must be approved for-credit study abroad program; Photography experience preferred

Considered

Padnos International Center Mark A & Elizabeth C. Murray Study Abroad Scholarship

$1,500 - $5,000

February 15

Must be participating on an approved for-credit Study Abroad program that involves overseas study for no fewer than 8 weeks; Intended to support students who wish to study outside of the United States but without this fund would otherwise not be able to afford to do so

Required

GVSU Cultural Engagement Study Abroad Scholarship

$1,000

March 1

Must be an undergraduate junior or senior; Required cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater

Considered

GVSU Brooks College Scholarship for Study Abroad

Varies

March 1

Must be an undergraduate junior or senior with a declared major or minor in one of the programs offered by Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies or a junior or senior in good standing in the Honors College; Preference will be given to students who have been accepted into any faculty-led study abroad program that includes service learning

Considered

GVSU Peace and Justice Activist Scholarship

$2,000

March 1

This scholarship is awarded to students who have intentionally combined their classroom learning with practical experiences to focus on justice and peace issues in their home communities or abroad

Not Required

GVSU International Internship Scholarship

$1,000 - $2,000

February 15

Must be participating in a credit-bearing internship abroad with a minimum internship period of 8 weeks; Full-time internship required (not available to students who are participating in a study abroad + internship combination)

Required

GVSU Mini-Grants for Latin American Studies Student

Up to $500

March 15

For students minoring in Latin American and Latino/a Studies; Must be good academic standing 

Not Required

GVSU Seidman Business Study Abroad Scholarships

Varies

March 1

A variety of Business scholarships through the Seidman College of Business (available for multiple semester terms)

Considered

GVSU BDO USA Accounting Scholarship

$1,000

March 1

Program must be 2 weeks or longer; For students majoring in Accounting; Required GPA of 3.2 or higher

Considered

Global Programs Scholarship

Varies

March 15

The purpose of this scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad or complete an internship abroad.

Required

GVSU James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship

 

Varies

March 1

A need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad; Must be an undergraduate accepted for enrollment in a faculty-led study abroad program

Required

GVSU Mary A. and Wilhelm W. Seeger Global Programs Scholarship

$2,000

February 15

Must be accepted to or enrolled in a University approved short-term study abroad program: 8 weeks or less; Preference will be given to past recipients of the Mary and Wilhelm Seeger Scholarship

Considered

GVSU Las Gralarias Foundation Ecuador Study Abroad Scholarship

 

$2,000

March 1

Preference given to students accepted in the Faculty-Led Ecuador Biology Study Abroad Program

Required

Keanu Wagner Memorial Scholarship

$2,500

March 1

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist a student in any major participating in the study abroad program in computing and information systems in Zurich, Switzerland. This award will be available to use in the Spring/Summer semester.

Considered

Student-Athlete Study Abroad Scholarship

Varies

February 15

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a scholarship in spring/summer semester for student-athletes who have financial need and have not had the opportunity to pursue study abroad previously.

Required

Hermann Kurthen & Kay Losey Scholarship

Varies

March 1st

The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage and support GVSU students planning to study abroad in Germany. Must be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled part-time or full-time in a Padnos International Center approved study abroad program to Germany. Must have a cumulative grade point average of a 2.8 or higher.

Not Required


GVSU Semester / Year Scholarships

Grand Valley offers 500+ endowed and department scholarships. The majority of scholarship deadlines fall between February 15 and March 1. Students can begin to submit applications for the 2024-2025 academic year on November 1, 2023. Remember that the majority of scholarships apply to study abroad, even if they are not study abroad specific. Check out myScholarships for more scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship / Grant Name

Award Amount

Application Deadline

Eligibility / Description

Financial Need...

GVSU Partnership Grants

Varies

Winter: Sept. 1

Fall: February 1

Students who apply to their Partnership program by the deadline are automatically considered. Must have a FAFSA on file.

Considered

Padnos International Center Photography Scholarship

$1,000

February 15

Must be approved for-credit Study Abroad program; Photography experience preferred

Considered

Padnos International Center Mark A & Elizabeth C. Murray Study Abroad Scholarship

$1,500 - $5000

March 15

Must be in an approved for-credit Study Abroad program that involves overseas study or interning for no fewer than 8 weeks; Intended to support students who wish to study outside of the United States but without this fund would otherwise not be able to afford to do so

Required

GVSU Crawley Japanese Studies Scholarship

$1,000

February 20

Must complete 1 year of Japanese language courses at the university level; Accepted to a semester or year-long study abroad program; Must attend the Japan Center for Michigan Universities

Considered

Barbara H. Padnos International Scholarship

$5,000 - $15,000

February 15

To receive this scholarship, students are expected to engage in year-long, serious study for an extended period of time (minimum 9 months) in an approved study abroad program in one location; Preference for the largest award will be given to qualified applicants who plan to be abroad longer than 10 months.

Not Required

Ambassador Secchia International Studies Scholarship

$5,000

February 15

Students must study abroad in Italy for at least 6 weeks. In addition, students must enroll in Business related majors or Public Administration major 

Not Required

GVSU International Internship Scholarship

$1,000 - $2,000

Fall: March 15

Winter: Sept. 1

Must be participating in a credit-bearing internship abroad with a minimum internship period of 8 weeks; Full-time internship required (not available to students who are participating in a study abroad + internship combination)

Required

Cultural Engagement Study Abroad Scholarship

Varies

March 1

Must be an undergraduate junior or senior enrolled in a university approved study abroad program; Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater

Considered

GVSU Frances Anne Kelleher Memorial Scholarship

Varies

March 13

Must be a History or Social Studies major with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; Preference will be given to candidates who have been accepted for an approved semester or year-long study abroad program

Considered

GVSU Johnson Leadership Scholarship

Varies

March 1

Must be enrolled as a full-time junior, senior, or transfer student; Preference will be given to candidates enrolled in a semester long study abroad program, and students from Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties

Required

GVSU Cultural Engagement Study Abroad Scholarship

$1,000

March 1

Must be an undergraduate junior or senior enrolled in a university approved study abroad program; Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater

Considered

GVSU Peace and Justice Activist Scholarship

$2,000

March 1

This scholarship is awarded to students who have intentionally combined their classroom learning with practical experiences to focus on justice and peace issues in their home communities or abroad

Not Required

GVSU Mini-Grants for Latin American Studies Student

Up to $500

March 15

For students minoring in Latin American and Latino/a Studies; Must be good academic standing 

Not Required

GVSU Seidman Business Study Abroad Scholarships

Varies

March 1

A variety of Business scholarships through the Seidman College of Business (available for multiple semester terms)

Considered

GVSU BDO USA Accounting Scholarship

$1,000

March 1

Program must be 2 weeks or longer; Student majoring in Accounting; GPA of 3.2 or higher

Considered

GVSU Paul and Sue Spindler Accounting Study Abroad Scholarship

 

minimum of $1,200

March 1

Candidates must undergraduate or graduate students admitted to the Seidman College of Business: School of Accounting; Preference will be given to candidates enrolled in a semester-long study abroad program

Not Required

GVSU Mullendore Legal Studies and Criminal Justice Scholarship

Varies

March 1

The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize and reward students who major in either Legal Studies or Criminal Justice with the intention of entering and contributing to the legal profession and also encourage them to participate in international educational opportunities

Considered

GVSU Positive Black Women Scholarship

 

Varies

March 1

This scholarship is offered to any GVSU student who demonstrates a successful service contribution to African American women and girls and/or a demonstrated personal commitment to African American Women’s issues; Students studying abroad are strongly encouraged to apply

Not Required

GVSU Hugo Salazar Memorial Scholarship

 

$3,000

March 1

For Spanish majors who have desire to promote cultural understanding among Spanish speaking populations; Ideal candidates would be students who plan to study abroad and have engaged in service learning projects or activities that increase intercultural awareness of Spanish speaking countries

Required

GVSU Computer Science and Information Systems Study Abroad Scholarship

 

Varies

March 1

Scholarships are available to Computer Science and Information Systems majors who study abroad at an institution of higher learning in another country

Considered

GVSU Zeeb International Relations Study Abroad Scholarship

 

$3,000

March 1

This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth. This scholarship will make study abroad opportunities possible for students majoring or minoring in International Relations that have never traveled outside of North America

Required

GVSU Shelby Fazio '13 Memorial Scholarship

Varies

March 1

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students who demonstrate an interest in wildlife ecology, conservation, or animal behavior with the costs of studying abroad or scholarship that will enhance their educational experience at GVSU

Considered

GVSU Charles and Susan Baker-Clark Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Scholarship

 

Varies

March 1

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist Hospitality and Tourism Management students with the cost of their study abroad program; Must be accepted to participate in an HTM filed study course with an international component and/or a HTM Faculty-Led study abroad program

Not Required

GVSU The McFadden International Child Welfare Scholarship

Varies

April 1

Must be enrolled with full or part-time status as a Master of Social Work, degree-seeking student; Recipients must demonstrate interest in international social work, and an aptitude for working with children by taking course work that aligns with this interest. This demonstration might also include study or service learning with children in the United States or abroad

Considered

GVSU Devon Smiley Legacy Scholarship

 

$1,500

March 1

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students who have experienced the loss of a sibling; Preference given to students pursing a teaching degree, especially those with an emphasis in Special Education or those engaged in University-sponsored study abroad experience

Not Required

Global Citizens Scholarship

Varies

January 15

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students studying abroad. The donor intent is to help students who will be studying abroad for an entire semester.

Not Required

Denise Meier Memorial Scholarship

Varies

March 1

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist OT students who participate in international fieldwork.

Not Required

Student-Athlete Study Abroad Scholarship

Varies

February 15

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a scholarship in spring/summer semester for student-athletes who have financial need and have not had the opportunity to pursue study abroad previously.

Required

Hermann Kurthen & Kay Losey Scholarship

Varies

March 1

The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage and support GVSU students planning to study abroad in Germany. Must be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled part-time or full-time in a Padnos International Center approved study abroad program to Germany. Must have a cumulative grade point average of a 2.8 or higher.

Not Required


External Scholarships


GVSU has an External Scholarship Search Engine that we would strongly advise students to utilize!

Browse the following recommended External scholarships, meaning that these scholarships do not come directly from GVSU. These scholarships could be local, community-based, nationally competitive, or from any other source. Remember that most scholarships can be used towards a study abroad program, even if they are not specifically a Study Abroad Scholarship. 

*Utilize Scholarship Search Engines to locate more External Scholarships opportunities. 

Community Identity National 

 


Community Scholarships

A Community scholarship can come from your hometown, current city, or even a general region. These scholarships are not affiliated with Grand Valley State University but can be redeemed for Study Abroad.

Scholarship / Grant Name

Award Amount

Application Deadline

Eligibility / Description

Financial Need...

Grand Rapids Community Foundations

Varies

January 12

Need-based scholarships for Kent County students; By completing just one online application, you'll automatically be considered for more than 70 need-based scholarship funds.

Required

The Economic Club of Grand Rapids Study Abroad Scholarship

$2,500

April 1

Sophomore or above standing in a Business program at any public college or university; Required GPA of 3.0 or higher; Applicant must be a resident of Kent, Allegan, Ottawa or Muskegon counties or be a resident student at a public college or university in the West Michigan area

Not Required

The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation: The David V. and Nancy A. Huhn Scholarship

Varies

May 1

Students entering community college, accredited technical college, or college/university and studying in the areas of technical aspects of a career, including mechanics, engineering, information technology, or other specific career-focused “hands-on” studies are encouraged to apply

Not Required

West Michigan World Trade Association Scholarship

      

$1,000

April 7

The West Michigan World Trade Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining West Michigan’s competitive edge in the global marketplace; The organization wishes to encourage students to expand their academic knowledge by offering them scholarships for qualified study abroad programs

Considered

Umbra-Perugia Sister City Scholarship

$2,000

Fall: June 15 Winter: October 15

The scholarship is offered to current undergraduate college or university students who wish to study abroad at the Umbra Institute in Perugia; The scholarship applies to only one semester per applicant. Applicants must be in good academic standing with their college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and have sophomore or higher status

Not Required


Identity-Based Scholarships

An Identity scholarship is a scholarship that is awarded from an outside source to promote diversity in Higher Education. Identity scholarships are relevant to any aspect of identity: race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, first-generation status, socioeconomic status, and more. These scholarships are not affiliated with Grand Valley State University but can be redeemed for Study Abroad.

Scholarship / Grant Name

Award Amount

Application Deadline

Eligibility / Description

Financial Need...

NAACP Scholarships

Varies

June 18

Must be a member of the NAACP, Must identify as African American or a person of color; Must be currently enrolled full-time or accepted to an accredited college or university in the U.S

Considered

UNCF Scholarships

Varies

Varies

UNCF manages various Identity scholarship programs and each program has its own eligibility criteria, open/close dates, and required documentation; To apply for a UNCF scholarship, you must apply through the online application process

Considered

Hallie Q. Brown Scholarship

$2,000

March 31

Provided through the National Association of Colored Women's Club; Candidate can be majored in anything but must be African American/Black

Not Required

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Varies

Varies

Recipients are young African Americans of outstanding promise who are offered academic scholarships, service opportunities and leadership experiences

Considered

Human Rights Campaign LGBTQ Scholarships

Varies

Varies

This resource is a list of scholarships, fellowships, and grants for LGBTQ and allied students at both the undergraduate and graduate-level

Varies

LGBTQIA Scholarships

Varies

Varies

These scholarships empower LGBTQIA students and foster equality on college campuses across the country; Use this resource to find scholarships for LGBTQIA students and allies and get expert tips on how to increase your chances of winning an award

Varies

Study Abroad Scholarships for LGBTQ Students

Varies

Varies

To support LGBT students who are ready to take on the challenge of studying abroad, many organizations, institutions, and associations have established study abroad scholarships to specifically provide financial assistance to LGBT students

Varies

Live Out Loud Scholarship

$5,000

March 15

The LIVE OUT LOUD Young Trailblazers Scholarship was created to provide financial support to LGBTQ+ identifying youth with financial need; Through this scholarship, LGBTQ+ youth can apply for funds to pay for education-related expenses to pursue a degree from an accredited college, university, or technical/vocational program

Considered

Rainbow Scholarship

Up to $10,000

TBD

The Rainbow Scholarship awards deserving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students who aim to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs; To be considered for the Rainbow Scholarship, applicants must self-identify on the FEA scholarship application

Not Required

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Varies

Varies

HSF empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, HSF Scholars, and Alumni as possible.

Varies

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

Varies

Varies

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is pleased to be the administrator of scholarship opportunities provided by our partners to assist in defraying some of your college expenditures; Please review each scholarship’s criteria carefully to see if you qualify, since each partner may have differing requirements

Required

Adelante Scholarships

Varies

Varies

If you are a first-generation Hispanic and the first one from your family to attend college, these scholarships can help you make your dream of getting a higher education come true

Considered

LNESC Scholarships

Varies

Varies

LNESC & LULAC partner with companies and grassroots organizations to provide high-need students with scholarship dollars.

Required

Inclusive Ireland Scholarship

$5,000-$7,500

September 18

Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a college or university in the United States; Must identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color); Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; Must intend to study abroad at one of the listed participating colleges or universities in Ireland

  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient
  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at U.S. institution of higher education (graduate students are not eligible)
  • Receive credit at your home institution for the study abroad program
  • Have demonstrated financial need (SAI is below 20,000, eligible for a pell grant, have taken out any amount of loans for the current academic year)

Not Required


Nationally Competitive Scholarships

A National Scholarship is a nationally competitive, high-profile, and life-changing experience. Recipients of these awards receive recognition for their record of academic performance, leadership, service, undergraduate research, foreign language acquisition, creative achievements, and commitment to advanced inquiry and/or public good, in many combinations.

We recommend that students work with the GVSU Office of Fellowships if they are interested in a Nationally Competitive Scholarship.

Scholarship / Grant Name

Award Amount

Application Deadline

Eligibility / Description

Financial Need...

American Australian Association

Varies

Application Cycle: September 1 to October 15 each year.

The American Australian Association awards scholarships to Graduate students, Veterans, and students studying the arts.

Not Required

American-Scandinavian Foundation Awards for Americans

Varies

November 1

Open to individuals who are pursuing research, study or creative arts projects in one or more Scandinavian country for up to one year.

Not Required

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Varies

Deadline Timeline Information

Open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.

Full Set of Eligibility Requirements

Required

Bridging Scholarship (Japan)

Semester: $2,500 

Academic Year: $4,000 - $4,500

Fall: April

Winter: October

Open to undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan for a semester or an academic year.

Not Required

Bright!Tax Global Scholar

Varies

Winter: November 1

Summer/Fall: June 1

Required minimum GPA of 3.8; If you are a U.S. citizen who currently lives in the U.S. and will be studying outside the U.S., you are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Not Required

Boren Awards

$8,000 - $25,000

TBD

Open to U.S. undergraduate or graduate students who focus on intensive study of language and culture. Students need to visit non-traditional destinations so as to study languages that are less often taught.

Full Set of Eligibility Requirements

Not Required

Critical Language Scholarship

Covers most of the costs of participating in the CLS program

November

Open to participants with the goal of studying a critical language at a high level (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Swahili, and more)

Full Set of Eligibility Requirements

Not Required

DAAD Scholarships Database

Varies

Varies

Using this search database, you can find information on various kinds of DAAD funding for undergraduate and graduate students studying in Germany. 

Not Required

Freeman ASIA Scholarship

Summer Award: up to $3,000

Semester Award: up to $5,000

Academic Year Award: up to $7,000

March 30

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.

Full Set of Eligibility Requirements

Required

Fulbright English Teaching/Study/Research Scholarships

Varies

October

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs.

Full Set of Eligibility Requirements

Not Required

The Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships

Varies

Varies

The Fund for Education Abroad's Access Partners join in the shared commitment to increase the number of underrepresented American college students studying abroad through the provision of scholarships.

Considered

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Study Abroad Scholarships

Varies

Varies

HACU has partnered with several study abroad providers to provide scholarships for students at HACU member institutions to participate in a number of programs around the world

Considered

Pan Am Flight 103 Legacy Award

$2,000 - $5,000

February 21

The mission of the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103 Legacy Award is to support students pursuing advanced degrees in areas of study related to improved national security and terrorism prevention

Not Required

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant

$1,000

Summer/Fall/Academic Year: March 15

Winter: September 15

Minimum GPA of 3.75; You do not need to be a member of the organization, but there must be an active chapter at your university or college. 

Not Required

Additional Assistance

For question regarding nationally competitive scholarships, you may also reach out the Fellowships Graduate Assistant via email to set up an appointment or stopping by Padnos International Office at 130 lake Ontario Hall.

HOURS HAVE NOT BEEN CHOSEN FOR FALL 2024. Please check back again later for updates.

 



Page last modified August 15, 2024