Financing Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a transformative experience that can set you apart from others searching for a job, but the price tag can be intimidating. We want to show you the different kinds of funding for your study abroad dream.
MSUM has several scholarships available to students who are studying abroad for a full semester or a school year. Students studying abroad in the summer on an external provider program and taking at least 6 credits can also apply for scholarships.
Students can apply for university scholarships through the online scholarship application October 1-February 1.
Available scholarships include:
- David P. Flint Study Abroad Scholarship
- Dille Fund for Study Abroad Scholarship
- Gerry Haukebo Study Abroad Scholarship
- Gretchen Hanson Study Abroad Scholarship
- Study Abroad Scholarship Fund
External Scholarship Opportunities
- Boren for US undergraduates to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to US interests, and underrepresented in study abroad.
- Freeman-ASIA for US undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
- Gilman for students of limited financial means (PELL grant recipients) to study or intern abroad.
- Go Abroad.com a clearinghouse of information for students.
Our affiliated external provider programs offer scholarships and program fee reductions to MSUM students who choose one of their programs (AIFS, CEA, ISA, KEI, SOL, USAC).
MSUM financial aid, in general, applies toward the cost of studying abroad. You can meet with a Financial Aid officer individually, since the types and amounts of aid received vary case by case.
If you are a military veteran, you can use your benefits on certain kinds of programs. Contact our office, Financial Aid, and the Veteran’s Resource Center for details.
- Some students use crowdfunding, but carefully consider the pool of potential donors (family and friends) before devoting time and effort.
- Be creative: is there a local group in your hometown that might award a scholarship in return for a travel talk from the student when they return? (Churches, parent groups such as Lions, etc.).
- Encourage your student to save every penny. Every single one. They should also save any overage they can. If they live frugally, little things add up. For example, if one spends $3.50 per day on a cup of fancy coffee or juice, after saving that amount for one year they’d have $1,277.50, the price of a plane ticket to many destinations.
Students need to make and stick to a spending budget while abroad to ensure they’ll have enough funds for the entire duration.
Some students arrange with their bank for a family member to have access to their account while away, in order to make deposits if necessary.