National Scholarships


SCHOLARSHIPS

Financing Your Study Abroad Program

Although ECU does its best to make studying abroad as affordable as possible, we understand that there are additional inherent costs associated with participating on a study abroad program; i.e. passport, visa, airfare, personal travel and fluctuating exchange rates. In addition to utilizing your regular ECU financial aid package, you can apply for additional scholarships. Below is a list of scholarship opportunities at both the ECU and national levels that we hope you will take advantage of in preparation for your study abroad program. Please keep in mind the individual deadlines and contact the Education Abroad Office if you have questions or would like a staff member to review your materials before the submission date.

We try our best to keep this page updated but you may find additional financial resources by conducting your own internet search. If any links are broken, please notify the Education Abroad Office.

National Scholarship Opportunities


American-Scandinavian Foundation

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) offers fellowships (up to $23,000) and grants (up to $5,000) to individuals to pursue research or study in one or more Scandinavian country for up to one year. The number of awards varies each year according to total funds available. Over $300,000 is available for the 2012-13 competition. Awards are made in all fields.

  • Program: participation in ECU bi-lateral exchanges and study abroad programs, the UNC Exchange Program, or the International Student Exchange Program;
  • Language of study: instruction in a language other than English;
  • Duration of program: participation in semester or academic year exchange programs;
  • Country of study: program will take place in a non-traditional and/or non English-speaking country.

Application Deadline:  November 1

Applications and additional information is available on the American Scandinavian Website.


Baden-Württemberg German Language Grant

All ECU students participating in the UNC Exchange Program to Baden-Württemberg, Germany receive a free pre-session language and orientation program. During the month long orientation, students also receive a stipend to help cover living expenses. Students must be studying for a semester or academic year at one of the nine universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg to qualify for the language and orientation program.

Other scholarships may be available from individual universities within Baden-Wurttemberg to help support UNC-EP students.  The availability of additional support will be determined once a student has been placed to study at the German university.


Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education. The program enables students who have limited financial means to participate in study abroad opportunities worldwide. The program provides awards of up to $5,000 for U.S citizen undergraduate students at two- and four-year institutions to pursue summer, semester or academic-year long study abroad opportunities in other countries. To be eligible students must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application and cannot be studying abroad in a country currently under a U.S Department of State Travel Warning or in Cuba.

Applications and additional information are available at the Institute of International Education website.

For fall semester and academic year programs, the application deadline is in April. For spring semester programs, the application deadline is in October. For summer, the application is due in early October and early March. There are two summer cycles. The online application is only available for a short period, usually 5-6 weeks. It is advised you review the deadlines and timelines page for the Gilman Scholarship.

If you would like your essays to be reviewed by, please contact the Office of Global Affairs at least one week prior to the submission deadline. studyabroad@ecu.edu


Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan

The Association of Teachers of Japanese Bridging Project offers scholarships to American students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. Funding from private foundations and major U.S. corporations has made it possible for ATJ to award 100 scholarships annually to assist students with the travel and living expenses they will incur while studying abroad in Japan. Contributors to the scholarship fund include Boeing Japan, Citigroup, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, The Freeman Foundation, Lockheed Martin, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, PricewaterhouseCoopers and ChuoAoyama Audit Corp., Shinsei Bank, The Starr Foundation, TCS Japan, Teradyne, and Weyerhaeuser. Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be enrolled in a college or university in the United States.

Bridging Scholarship recipients receive a stipend of $2,500 (for students on semester-long programs) or $4,000 (for students on academic year programs). Applications for Bridging Scholarships are accepted twice a year.

For more information and an application, please visit the Bridging Scholarships website.


Chinese Government Scholarship

The Chinese Government Scholarship Program was established by the Ministry of Education of China (MoE) to provide scholarships to international students and scholars. MoE entrusts the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to manage the recruitment and carry out the routine managements of the Chinese Government Scholarship Program.

Scholarships for this program fall into two categories: full scholarships and partial scholarships. Scholarships are available to students enrolled at a U.S. college or university at the undergraduate and graduate level in all programs. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health who are enrolled full-time as undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited U.S. college or university.

CSC scholarships cover different durations of study at a hosting institution in the PRC according to one’s application. Applicants for the CSC choose their host institutions from the Chinese Higher Education Institutions listed in the Directory of Chinese Institutions. For further information about host institutions, applicants should visit: Campus China.

The CSC Online Application System for Study in China is available at Campus China. Students who submit applications using the online system also need to provide supporting documents, including notarized photocopies of diplomas, transcripts, a study plan, a health certificate, and letters of recommendation. If available at the time of submission, a photocopy of the passport also is requested. U.S. students are encouraged to work closely with the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, and/or the offices of the Chinese Consulate-General in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston when applying for a CSC scholarship.


Critical Language Scholarship

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) institutes provide fully-funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for seven to ten weeks for U.S. citizen undergraduate, Master ’s and Ph.D. students.

The CLS Program is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical need foreign languages. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers. Please visit the CLS Institutes page for more information.

Countries may include: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Russia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, or others where the target languages are spoken.

To view and/or apply for this scholarship, please visit the Critical Languages website.

If you would like to speak with an on campus resource to go over your application essays, you can contact the Office of Global Affairs at: studyabroad@ecu.edu.


David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships

The National Security Education Program was established by the National Security Education Act of 1991, which created the National Security Education Board, the National Security Education Program, and resources to provide undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, and institutional grants. It is guided by a mission that seeks to lead in development of the national capacity to educate U.S. citizens, understand foreign cultures, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and enhance international cooperation and security. NSEP awards scholarships to American students for study of world regions critical to U.S. interests (including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America & the Caribbean, and the Middle East). The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded. NSEP does have a service requirement, which stipulates that an award recipient work in the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, State, or the Intelligence Community. If, after making a full and good faith effort (according to conditions and rules established by NSEP), an award recipient demonstrates to NSEP that no appropriate position is available in one of these agencies, he or she may work in any U.S. federal department or agency. There is also an expectation that NSEP Scholars will use the language or regional expertise acquired as a result of the award in their work for the U.S. government.

Application Deadline: February 12. For more information, please visit the Boren website

Student Employment

ECU on campus representative:

Todd Fraley
Director of the EC Scholars Program
(252) 737-5083
fraleyt@ecu.edu

Honors College
105 Mamie Jenkins East Carolina University
Greenville , NC 27858
United States


Freeman Asia Scholarship

Freeman-ASIA provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Applicants should have a minimum 2.8 GPA. The program’s goal is to increase the number of Americans with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures. For more information about this scholarship opportunity, please visit the Freeman Asia website.


Fund for Education Abroad

Fund for Education Abroad was founded in 2008. In 2009, a board was established to provide advice on the needs of students in education abroad and how best offer them more opportunities. FEA received its 501(c)3 determination in March of 2010.

FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships.

Goals and Objectives

  • To assist committed students in the acquisition of critical foreign language skills.
  • To cultivate American students’ world awareness and appreciation of cultural differences through academic and experiential opportunities.
  • To support institutions and organizations active in socially responsible education abroad programs.
  • To recognize outstanding education abroad leaders.

Priorities

  • To support students in programs known for its academic rigor and immersion elements
  • To support students studying the language of the host country (if not English)
  • To support students in programs with a sustainable service-learning or volunteering component
  • To support students in programs in non-traditional destinations
  • To support students that demonstrate financial need
  • To support students who represent a group that is traditionally underrepresented in education abroad

To view and/or apply, please visit the Fund for Education Abroad website.


The Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is the largest U.S. international exchange program. It was established in 1946 by the U.S. Congress to “enable the government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” In 2004, it awarded approximately six thousand grants at a cost of more than $250 million to U.S. students, teachers, professionals and scholars to study, teach, lecture and conduct research in more than 150 countries. Awards are granted to U.S. citizens in all fields of study for a duration of one academic year. Projects may include university coursework, independent library or field research, or professional training in the arts. The U.S. student program is designed for BA/BS graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates.

Information about the application process and deadlines can be found on the Fulbright Program website.


German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

For more than 75 years now, the German Academic Exchange Service has been committed to advancing academic relations between Germany and other countries as well as, more generally, to promoting the fields of education, science, culture and research. The German Academic Exchange Service is one of the world’s largest and most respected intermediary organizations in its field. Scores of students, teachers, researchers and scientists supported by the DAAD have been able to gain valuable experience abroad.

If you are interested in scholarships to support language training or studies at a German university, applications can be found at the DAAD website.


Go Overseas

Go Overseas offers several scholarships throughout the year for both undergrad and master’s degree students. They are both for general study abroad and for specific countries and can be applied to either summer, semester or year long study abroad trips. Students must typically submit a creative photo and essay along with the application.

More information about the scholarships can be found on the Go Overseas website.


Institute of Turkish Studies

Since 1983, the Institute of Turkish Studies (ITS) has sponsored an annual grant program that offers a variety of awards to scholars, colleges and universities in the United States. The principal purpose of the grant program is to support and encourage the development of research, scholarship, and learning in the field of Turkish Studies in the U.S. All grant applications submitted to the Institute are evaluated by committees comprised of the academic members of the Board of Governors and Associate Members of the ITS. These standing committees present their recommendations to the Board of Governors for approval.

The Institute of Turkish Studies (ITS) will offer grants and fellowships in the field of Ottoman and Modern Turkish Studies to graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, universities, and other educational institutions through its Grant Program for the 2012-2013 academic year. The annual budget for the Grants Program has been significantly expanded and ITS encourages qualified applicants to apply for its grants. For detailed application guidelines and downloadable application forms, please click on the grant category of your choice. Completed application forms can be returned to ITS either online or through regular mail.

All other supporting materials must be sent by regular mail to:

Institute of Turkish Studies
Intercultural Center
PO Box 571033
Georgetown University
Washington, DC 20057-1033

You can find more information by going to the Institute for Turkish Studies website.


ISEP Scholarships

The International Student Exchange Program occasionally offers scholarships for its exchange participants.  Scholarships are usually country or university specific and are not offered every semester. Typically, to apply for the scholarships, students should already be admitted to the program, and in some cases must demonstrate financial need.

For more information on ISEP Scholarships currently on offer, please visit the ISEP Scholarship Website.


Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) is an independent administrative institution established under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbukagakusho).

JASSO comprehensively administers scholarship loan programs, support programs for international students, and student support programs. The purpose of these programs is to foster the development of creative individuals who, rich in humanism, will become the leaders of society in the next generation, while at the same time to promote international understanding and exchange. JASSO offers scholarship for qualified international students who are accepted by a Japanese university, graduate school, junior college, college of technology(3rd grade or upper)or professional training college(hereinafter referred to as “Japanese school”)under a student exchange agreement or other student exchange arrangement on a short-term basis from 8days to one year between Japanese school and their home higher educational institution outside Japan(hereinafter referred to as “attending school”). Applications for the scholarship will be accepted through the Japanese school of the student’s choice.

For more information on JASSO scholarships, please visit the JASSO information page.


Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship

The fellowship will help fund a proposal designed by the applicant to conduct brief work in a foreign country related to the mandate of UNESCO – using education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and/or communication and information to build strong ties among nations. The fellowship is intended for American college/university students who express an interest in international collaboration but as of yet had not been afforded many opportunities to travel abroad.

The length of time for the travel is expected to be between 4 and 6 weeks and should include interaction with individuals from other nations. During his/her travel, the recipient should be willing to participate in public diplomacy events arranged with the pertinent U.S. State Department Consulate, Mission, and/or Embassy.

Following the travel, the recipient agrees to submit a report describing experiences and analyzing objectives achieved; share his/her experiences with others; and be available to make a presentation to the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO.

For more information, please visit the Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship webpage through the U.S. Department of State or the Facebook page.


Marshall Scholarship

Eligibility: Open only to United States citizens who (at the time they take up their Scholarship) hold a first degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States with a minimum GPA of 3.7. To qualify for awards tenable from October 2013, candidates must have graduated from their undergraduate college or university after April 2010.

Persons already studying for or holding a British degree or degree-equivalent qualification are not eligible to apply for a Marshall Scholarship.

Value: University fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.

More information can be found on the Marshall Scholarship website.


The National Society of Collegiate Scholars

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an honors organization that recognizes and elevates high achievers. NSCS provides career and graduate school connections, leadership and service opportunities and offers nearly half a million dollars in scholarships annually. NSCS members are deeply committed to scholarship, leadership and service and as a result, are impacting their campus and local communities every day. You can find more information on the National Society of National Scholars website.


Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant Open to all students who meet requirements regardless of membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Seventy-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year. Additional information can be found on the Phi Kappa Phi website.


Rainbow Scholarship

Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as undergraduates in US universities/colleges who plan to study abroad for at least four weeks between May 2014 and May 2015. Fund for Education Abroad awards are intended to support students planning to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs in the 2014-2015 academic year or summer 2014. The financial support for these scholarships is provided by generous donors, who are committed to increasing study abroad opportunities for dedicated American students. Additional information can be found on the Rainbow Scholarship website.


Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Each year 32 young Americans are selected as Rhodes Scholars, through a decentralized process representing the 50 states and the district of Columbia. Applicants from more than 300 American colleges and universities have been selected as Rhodes Scholars. Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead. The Rhodes Trust, a British charity established to honor the will and bequest of Cecil J. Rhodes, provides full financial support for Rhodes Scholars to pursue a degree or degrees at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom in partnership with the Second Century Founder, John McCall MacBain and other generous benefactors. The first American Rhodes Scholars entered Oxford in 1904.

More information is available on the Rhodes Scholar website.

East Carolina University students interested in learning more about the scholarship process or interested in applying, should contact:

Dr. Todd Fraley
Director of the EC Scholars Program
fraleyt@ecu.edu


Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial scholarships and grants aim to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. Recipients are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of goodwill through appearances before Rotary clubs, schools, civic organizations and other forums in the host country, and are expected to share the experiences of understanding acquired during their period abroad with the people of their home countries. Scholarship candidates must be citizens of a country in which there is a Rotary club, and may apply through a Rotary club in their legal or permanent resident (or place of full-time study or employment). Scholarships are available to individuals of all ages, provided the candidate has completed at least two years of university coursework or equivalent professional experience prior to beginning scholarship studies. Rotarians, their spouses or descendants may not apply.

Application deadlines vary. Additional information is available on the Rotary website.


Turkish Coalition of America Scholarship

for Native American, Hispanic and African American students who study abroad in Turkey.

Since 2008, the Turkish Coalition of America has awarded more than 175 scholarships. Award amounts range from $500-$2,000 and are based on duration of study and given out on a rolling basis. More information can be found on the Turkish Coalition of America Scholarship website


Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors holds a monthly $1,000 college scholarship contest where students must write an essay in response to a monthly prompt. Visitors to the Varsity Tutors scholarship webpage are able to vote via social media for submitted entries. The top five entries with the most votes are reviewed by Varsity Tutors at the end of the month and one winner is subsequently chosen to receive the $1,000 college scholarship. Interested students can enter the contest at the Varsity Tutors website.


Scholarship Search Engines

IIE Passport – Study Abroad Funding
The Institute for International Education Passport website contains a database to assist students with finding scholarship information to support their study abroad programs.
Guide to Online Schools
Our aim is to encourage and foster the development of financially-challenged students holding the goals of improving their communities and the world around them.
Grantsnet
A searchable, continuously updated database of funding opportunities in biomedical research and science education.
Fastweb Scholarship search engine
Fastweb is a free website that allows registered users to search for scholarships. More information can be found on the.
British Council: Education UK
Provides support for students to study in Britain, including a searchable database of scholarships.