5 Outstanding Scholarships for Americans to Pursue Studies Abroad

Studying abroad offers numerous benefits, including enhanced career opportunities, global networking, and unforgettable experiences. For many American students, it also provides an avenue to escape the burden of student debt, which has reached over $1.74 trillion in 2024. Amid rising tuition costs, studying abroad can often be more affordable than attending a US university.

Here are five notable scholarships available to American students looking to study internationally:

1. Gilman Scholarship

The Gilman Scholarship supports US undergraduate students with financial need, offering between $100 and $5,000, plus a potential Critical Need Language Award of up to $3,000. Approximately 3,000 scholarships are awarded annually. Applicants must be US citizens, enrolled undergraduates, and recipients of the Federal Pell Grant. Note that this scholarship can only be awarded once.

2. Fulbright US Student Programme

Administered by the US Department of State, the Fulbright Programme allows students to engage in research, teaching, or community service abroad. It offers various awards based on interests and locations. Applicants must be US citizens with at least a bachelor's degree. This scholarship is not intended for graduate or doctoral students.

3. Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship funds exceptional American students to study in the UK for up to two years, with the possibility of extension. This scholarship aims to foster US-UK relations and supports students in gaining an understanding of contemporary Britain.

4. Rhodes Scholarship

Renowned for its prestige, the Rhodes Scholarship enables American students to study at the University of Oxford for two or more years. It provides a living stipend of approximately $25,000 per year, along with coverage for healthcare, visas, and flights. This fully funded award is available for most postgraduate courses.

5. Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Programme

The CLS Programme offers immersive summer experiences for US students to study critical languages abroad. Participants engage in intensive language courses for eight to ten weeks, covering a year’s worth of material in just one summer. Languages offered include Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, and more.

These scholarships not only help alleviate financial burdens but also enrich students' academic and personal growth through international experiences.