{"id":2048,"date":"2026-02-16T16:16:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T16:16:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/?page_id=2048"},"modified":"2026-04-27T18:17:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T18:17:08","slug":"financial-aid-scholarships-fundraising","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/financial-aid-scholarships-fundraising\/","title":{"rendered":"Financial Aid, Scholarships &amp; Fundraising"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-2048\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-2048-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-2048-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-2048-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-gold-buttons panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-gold-buttons so-widget-smcm-gold-buttons-default-d75171398898-2048\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><nav class=\"smcm-gold-buttons\"><ul><li><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#study-abroad\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plane-circle-check\"><\/i>Study Abroad Financial Aid<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#grants\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-money-bill-1\"><\/i>Grants and Scholarships<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#external\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-handshake\"><\/i>External Scholarships<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-2048-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"study-abroad\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-2048-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-2048-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-2048-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\"><strong>Financial Aid<\/strong> for Study Abroad<\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-2048-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Any students wishing to use financial aid towards a study-abroad program are advised to discuss their options with an advisor in the SMCM <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/osfa\/\">Office of Student Financial Assistance.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>FAFSA<\/strong><br \/>\nFAFSA aid can be applied to SMCM study abroad programs. Please contact the SMCM Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information about this application.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FAFSA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>SMCM Semester or Academic-Year Programs<\/strong><br \/>\nAll federal and state financial aid may be used towards a study abroad program. Additionally, students may use most scholarships and\/or grants that they are currently receiving.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Non-SMCM Semester or Academic-Year Programs<\/strong><br \/>\nOnly federal financial aid may be used towards a Non-SMCM study abroad program. Students wishing to use their federal financial aid towards an approved Non-SMCM program must complete and submit a Consortium Agreement to the Office of International Education prior to departure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Short-Term Summer, Winter or Spring Break Programs<\/strong><br \/>\nIn general, financial aid is not available for short-term programs. Some OIE need-based study abroad grants may be applicable. However, students are encouraged to speak with a representative from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/osfa\/\">SMCM Office of Student Financial Assistance<\/a> to see what options may be available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-2048-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"grants\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-2048-2\" ><div id=\"pgc-2048-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-2048-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\">SMCM Study Abroad <strong>Grants &amp; Scholarships<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-2048-2-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>As of Fall 2023, the College has made available up to <strong>$100,000 per year for the next 5 years<\/strong> to meet demonstrated financial need in support of study abroad opportunities. The best news is, <strong>students don\u2019t have to do anything to apply for this funding!<\/strong> It will be incorporated in the regular financial aid process, and eligible students can be awarded\u00a0 between <strong>$150 and $5,250<\/strong> in support of their study abroad experience, based on program cost and financial need as determined through the student\u2019s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).<\/p>\n<p>Scholarships are available to SMCM students for study abroad! SMCM and the Office of International Education offer several scholarships to students participating on SMCM programs. Institutional scholarships and\/or grants, not specified for study abroad, may only be transferred to SMCM study abroad programs, and would not apply to Non-SMCM study-abroad programs. All student applicants are automatically reviewed for additional scholarship and grants when they submit their applications by the early consideration deadlines. The following deadlines to apply are:<\/p>\n<p>Study Tour Scholarships: <strong>Study Tour Deadlines (Vary by Program)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Fall SMCM Programs: <strong>March 1st<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Spring SMCM Programs: <strong>October 1st<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A variety of SMCM scholarships are available, including need-based, merit-based, study in Asia, study of a foreign language, and study in a Spanish-speaking country. All scholarships have the following minimum requirements:<\/p>\n<p>Started an SMCM study abroad approval application in <a href=\"http:\/\/smcm.via-trm.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Via TRM<\/a><br \/>\n2.5 GPA or higher (2.0 for most Study Tours)<br \/>\nClean judicial record<br \/>\nComplete the study abroad application by the early deadline. You will automatically be reviewed for funding eligibility.<br \/>\nTo apply, simply apply to your program of choice in full by the above stated early deadline in your <a href=\"https:\/\/smcm.via-trm.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Via TRM<\/a> account.<\/p>\n<p>Remember to check our estimated\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/12uIbVWUDXLLTnwcsEFlFUDKD74vjglE8\/edit?gid=5050907#gid=5050907\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> program fees for each program.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Want to compare costs and budget? Feel free to make a copy of this<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1yMEAuNV4VI_mYfoGFfmFK75z2plAtYFnIr-1akzoX5w\/edit?gid=2078185741#gid=2078185741\"> Study Abroad Program Cost Comparison Worksheet.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-2048-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"external\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-2048-3\" ><div id=\"pgc-2048-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-2048-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\"><strong>External Scholarships<\/strong> for SMCM &amp; Non-SMCM Programs<\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-2048-3-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Many regional and national study-abroad scholarships have early deadlines, so it is important to look into these as soon as possible. The individual deadlines will vary and are listed on the websites below. Recipients of these various awards will be able to use the funding to assist them in paying for their study abroad experience. Non-SMCM program applicants are also encouraged to check with their program provider as many of those organizations offer in-house scholarships as well. For advising and assistance on Fulbright, CLS, and Boren, please check in with the Office of International Education, and be aware that there is often an earlier on-campus deadline for submitting applications<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-2048-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-2048-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-2048-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion panel-first-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>National Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gilmanscholarship.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.clscholarship.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Critical Language Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cies.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fulbright Award<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goldenkey.org\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Golden Key Study Abroad Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-2048-4-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Country\/Region\/Language Specific Scholarships<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.borenawards.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Boren Award for International Study<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aatj.org\/studyabroad\/japan-bridging-scholarships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bridging Scholarship for Japan<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usjapancouncil.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">US-Japan Council Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jasso.go.jp\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JASSO Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iie.org\/Programs\/Freeman-ASIA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Freeman Asia Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.daad.org\/scholarship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">German \u2013 DAAD Scholarships<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.pideltaphi.org\/scholarships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pi Delta Phi, National French Honors Society Scholarship <\/a>\u2013 Please note this scholarship only applies to the programs listed on the website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-2048-4-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Diversity Study Abroad Scholarships<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/fundforeducationabroad.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fund for Education Abroad<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-2048-4-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"10\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Other Scholarship Resources<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gooverseas.com\/scholarships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GoOverseas Scholarships<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/umabroad.umn.edu\/funding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">University of Minnesota Scholarship Database<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.internationalscholarships.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Scholarship Database<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iefa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Financial Aid and Scholarship Database<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.studyabroadfunding.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IIE Study Abroad Scholarship Database<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-2048-4-0-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion panel-last-child\" data-index=\"11\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Funding Resources<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p>Here is information on fundraising opportunities to aid you in being able to fully fund your study abroad experience. Please note that the Office of International Education is not in endorsing any of these companies or organizations but is simply providing you with the information so you can investigate if these are opportunities you want to pursue. As with anything, please read through the information fully before participating.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fundmytravel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FundMytravel<\/a>\u00a0-FundMyTravel offers an online platform for students to create their own fundraising campaign page for meaningful trips abroad.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gofundme.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gofundme<\/a> \u2013 Funding for any type of project. No time limits, fundraising can begin any time.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indiegogo<\/a> \u2013 Funding for any type of project. Allows anyone to find and contribute to your campaign.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rally.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rally<\/a> \u2013 Uses storytelling and creativity to raise funds.\u00a0 Solicit donations primarily through email.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gogetfunding.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gogetfunding<\/a> \u2013 Any type of project, can designate time limit or ongoing funding.\u00a0 Project descriptions must be in video format.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fundrazr.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fundrazr<\/a> \u2013 Utilizes social media &amp; Youtube to raise funds for any type of project. Created by PayPal.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gooverseas.com\/sites\/default\/files\/pdfs\/how-budget-study-abroad-guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GoOverseas<\/a> \u2013 budgeting and funding for study abroad guide created by GoOverseas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Any students wishing to use financial aid towards a study-abroad program are advised to discuss their options with an advisor in the SMCM Office of Student Financial Assistance. FAFSA FAFSA aid can be applied to SMCM study abroad programs. Please contact the SMCM Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information about this application. Learn [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":258,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"full-width-content","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-2048","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2048","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/258"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2048"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2048\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2885,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2048\/revisions\/2885"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/international-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2048"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}