Scholarships & Grants
Students may use scholarships to help fund their Study Abroad. Below you will find a database of opportunities.
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.
Study Abroad & Scholarship Email List
SIGN UP to receive updated information about Study Abroad Scholarships, Deadlines & more!
GVSU myScholarships
Grand Valley offers a scholarship-matching tool, called myScholarships, to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Log into myScholarships to start applying!
If you are eligible for a scholarship that is not showing up in myScholarships, email [email protected].
FILE YOUR FAFSA!
The FAFSA for the 2026-2027 academic year is now available! We recommend that you start your scholarship search early. If you are applying for a scholarship that requires you to show financial need, we will determine that after you file your FAFSA. For more information on the FAFSA, please visit Applying for Financial Aid.
If you are seeing that you can only VIEW scholarships and not APPLY, it may be because you need to file you FAFSA.
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.)
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.
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... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Varies |
February 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 |
|
|
Varies |
December 15 |
A need-based scholarship prioritizing first-gen students ensuring that financial need does not become a barrier to a transformative international experience. Must be an undergraduate accepted for enrollment in a faculty-led study abroad program |
Required |
|
|
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 |
|
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. |
May be considered |
|
|
$1,000 |
February 15 |
Must be approved for-credit study abroad program; Photography experience preferred |
May be considered |
|
|
|
Varies |
February 15 |
This scholarship is intended to encourage students to study abroad in order to gain life experiences and advance their proficiency in the language they are studying at Grand Valley. |
May be considered |
|
$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 |
|
|
Varies |
February 15 |
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 |
May be considered |
|
|
$2,000 |
February 15 |
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 |
|
|
Up to $500 |
March 15 |
For students minoring in Latin American and Latino/a Studies; Must be good academic standing |
Not required |
|
|
Varies |
February 15 |
A variety of Business scholarships through the Seidman College of Business (available for multiple semester terms) |
May be considered |
|
|
GVSU James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship
|
Varies |
February 15 |
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 |
May be considered |
|
GVSU Las Gralarias Foundation Ecuador Study Abroad Scholarship
|
$2,000 |
February 15 |
Preference given to students accepted in the Faculty-Led Ecuador Biology Study Abroad Program |
Required |
|
$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. |
May be considered |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Morse-Cuppy Film, Video, Animation Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship |
Varies |
February 15 |
This scholarship is to support GVSU film and video students with the cost of studying abroad. Must be an undergraduate enrolled in film and video and a University-approved study abroad program. Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress. Preference will be given to students enrolled in less traveled or unusual study abroad locations. Extra consideration will be given to students from underrepresented groups as it relates to study abroad programs offered by GVSU |
May be considered |
|
Varies |
February 15 |
Scholarships are available to Computing majors who study abroad at an institution of higher learning in another country. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide students with greater opportunities in their study of computing. |
Not required |
|
|
Varies |
February 15 |
This scholarship supports students who have been accepted into one of the faculty-led study abroad programs offered by the English Department. |
May be considered |
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... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$10,000 - $30,000 |
February 15 |
To receive this scholarship, students are expected to engage in year-long, serious study for an extended period of time (two semesters) in an approved study abroad program in one location; Preference will be given to qualified applicants who plan to be abroad for a minimum of 24 credits abroad. Seniors are discouraged from applying. |
Not Required |
|
|
Padnos International Center Mark A & Elizabeth C. Murray Study Abroad Scholarship |
$1,500 - $5000 |
February 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 |
|
$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 |
|
|
$1,000 |
February 15 |
Must be approved for-credit Study Abroad program; Photography experience preferred |
Considered |
|
|
$1,000 |
February 15 |
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 |
|
|
Varies |
February 15 |
This scholarship is intended to encourage students to study abroad in order to gain life experiences and advance their proficiency in the language they are studying at Grand Valley. |
May be considered |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Varies |
February 15 |
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 |
|
|
$2,000 |
February 15 |
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 |
|
|
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 (Spring/Summer, Fall and Academic Year) |
Varies |
February 15 |
A variety of Business scholarships through the Seidman College of Business (available for multiple semester terms) |
May be considered |
|
GVSU Seidman Business Study Abroad Scholarships (Winter) |
Varies |
February 15 |
A variety of Business scholarships through the Seidman College of Business (available for winter term programs) |
May be considered |
|
$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 |
February 15 |
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 |
February 15 |
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 Computer Science and Information Systems Study Abroad Scholarship
|
Varies |
February 15 |
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 |
February 15 |
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 |
|
Varies |
February 15 |
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 |
|
|
Varies |
February 15 |
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 |
|
|
Varies |
February 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 |
|
|
Varies |
February 15 |
The purpose of this scholarship is to assist OT students who participate in international fieldwork. |
Not Required |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Varies |
February 15 |
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 |
|
|
Morse-Cuppy Film, Video, Animation Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship |
Varies |
February 15 |
This scholarship is to support GVSU film and video students with the cost of studying abroad. Must be an undergraduate enrolled in film and video and a University-approved study abroad program. Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress. Preference will be given to students enrolled in less traveled or unusual study abroad locations. Extra consideration will be given to students from underrepresented groups as it relates to study abroad programs offered by GVSU |
Considered |
|
Varies |
February 15 |
Scholarships are available to Computing majors who study abroad at an institution of higher learning in another country. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide students with greater opportunities in their study of computing. |
Not required |
|
|
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. |
May be considered |
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.
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... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
|
$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 |
|
$2,000 |
Fall: June 15 Wint: 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 |
|
|
$2,500 |
April 1 |
You must be at least a sophomore at the time of application, have declared a French major or minor and be enrolled at one of the eligible Grand Rapids area colleges or universities (Aquinas College, Calvin University, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Grand Valley State University). |
Not Required |
|
|
$1,000 |
Fall: April 15 Wint: November15 |
you must: Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or currently studying in the United States on a student visa. Be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing at a four-year, degree-granting college or university in the United States. Have applied to or been accepted into a study abroad program eligible for credit by your college or university |
Not Required |
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... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
$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 |
|
|
Varies |
Varies |
Recipients are young African Americans of outstanding promise who are offered academic scholarships, service opportunities and leadership experiences |
Considered |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
$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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Varies |
Varies |
LNESC & LULAC partner with companies and grassroots organizations to provide high-need students with scholarship dollars. |
Required |
|
|
$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
|
Not Required |
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.
Additional Assistance
For questions regarding nationally competitive scholarships:
You may also reach out the Fellowships Graduate Assistant via email to set up an appointment.
|
Scholarship / Grant Name |
Award Amount |
Application Deadline |
Eligibility / Description |
Financial Need... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Varies |
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. |
Required |
||
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
$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. |
Not Required |
|
|
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) |
Not Required |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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. |
Required |
|
|
Varies |
October |
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs. |
Not Required |
|
|
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 |
|
$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 |
|
|
$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 |