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Financial Aid & Scholarships

Plan Ahead

The first step is to select a program that meets both your academic needs and your budget limitations, keeping in mind that there are numerous scholarships available to help reduce the cost. You may wish to consult with the Education Abroad Adviser as you are making this decision. Next, develop a financial plan, drawing from all available resources such as scholarships, financial aid, and personal funds.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Federal financial aid may be used on every SDSU approved program. Students will need to consult with the Financial Aid Office to discuss how their student loans can be applied to their education abroad program costs. Please call 605-688-4695 to set up an appointment with Bryce Johnson, Financial Aid Advisor

SDSU Scholarships

Scholarships including the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship and the Jackrabbit Guarantee can be applied to the cost of an education abroad program. Please consult with an SDSU Scholarship Coordinator by calling 605-688-5202.

External Scholarships

External scholarships and grants offer students the opportunity to offset the costs of their education abroad program. These scholarships are highly competitive, therefore students should take the process seriously and plan ahead. 


Nationally Competitive Scholarships

  • Boren Awards - The Boren Scholarships provide up to $25,000 for undergraduate students for language-focused study abroad.
  • Critical Language Scholarship Program - The CLS Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 14 critical languages. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.
  • The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) - This scholarship works to increase the number and diversity of American students studying abroad through the provision of game-changing scholarships of up to $10,000. Preference is given to underrepresented students and those with a demonstrated financial need but programs must be 4 weeks in length to be eligible. 
  • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship - provides funds specifically for study abroad participants who receive the Pell grant.
  • Fulbright U.S. Student Program - various opportunities for graduating seniors, and Masters and doctoral candidates.  The 2023-2024 application is now open!  The SDSU deadline is September 1, 2023.  The Fulbright deadline in October 10, 2023
  • Phi Kappa Phi - provides scholarships to students with a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
  • Udall Foundation - a scholarship specific to Native American students wishing to engage in an international academic activity (study, research, etc.).


Funding Offered by Private Organizations

Funding is also available from foundations and other sources that support international study and research. 


Scholarships Offered by Foreign Governments or Organizations

Foreign governments and private organizations can be a great source of funding for study abroad program costs.