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Scholarships

Multiple scholarship opportunities are available for study abroad at EIU. Applications are submitted through EIU's scholarship portal, Academic Works. Students should plan ahead (at least twelve months). The William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad, Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology all offer study abroad scholarship opportunities. Students are highly encouraged to apply to all opportunities for which they qualify. 

2023-2024 STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM APPLICATION and SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES on Academic Works: 

October 28, 2023:  Spring semester and Spring break 2023 programs
February 11, 2024: Summer 2023 programs (Faculty-Led Programs)
February 11, 2024: Summer 2023 programs (Independent Programs)
March 04, 2024: Fall semester and academic year 2023 programs

To search and apply for EIU scholarships, please visit eiu.academicworks.com.  Students should ensure to apply for scholarships for the correct term. For example, if you are planning to study abroad in the summer, you must apply for a summer award, and not a spring or fall award. Scholarship applications, including recommendations, must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the posted deadline. Late applications are not accepted. Students may not request letters of recommendation from the faculty leader of their study abroad program.

 
William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad scholarships, grants, and exchange tuition waivers:


Office of Study Abroad Grant

Description:
 
This grant is for students who excel academically and make a compelling case for their interest in study abroad, and also have financial need in order to participate in study abroad opportunities. Both financial need and merit will be taken to consideration.
 
Eligibility:
1. Full-time EIU student for at least one semester before studying abroad
2. Must have a 2.5 GPA (cumulative) at the time of application
3. Complete a study abroad program application
 
There may be more than one opportunity available to apply for this grant. Please use the timeline below to determine if this cycle is the correct opportunity for your program.
Spring programs will open in September and have an October deadline.
Summer programs will open in October and have a February deadline.
Fall programs will open in October and have a March deadline.
 
**Note that guest students from other institutions are not eligible for these scholarships**
 
Award amount: Between $500 and $2,000
  
Questions:
 
  • Please submit an essay on why you seek the scholarship, discussing your professional career goals and ambitions related to study abroad, and addressing any financial barriers/obstacles you may face. (500-word maximum)
  • Please upload a resume with career objectives, professional experiences, and leadership roles.
  • One letter of recommendation is required. Please provide the name and email address of who you have asked to provide this information. They will receive an email request to submit their letter on your behalf.
     

Other WWSA scholarship opportunities

William V. Weber Study Abroad Assistance Fund

This award is intended to benefit Eastern Illinois University students who are interested in Study Abroad, but are unable to afford it. Preference will be given to students belonging to traditionally underrepresented groups (e.g., minority, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender students) and/or first generation students enrolled in good standing at Eastern Illinois University who qualify for financial aid. 

The recipient must be enrolled in good standing at EIU and qualify for financial aid. Preference will be given to students belonging to a traditionally underrepresented group. Scholarship may be spent on tuition, fees, travel expenses, study materials, and other expenditures directly related to travelling abroad. A past recipient may apply for and receive the award more than once as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.


EIU Faculty-Led Program Scholarship
 
Description: This scholarship is for students who desire to participate in an EIU Faculty Led Program in the 2023-2024 Academic Year. This scholarship will give preference to students who cannot afford to study abroad and traditionally underrepresented students (minority groups, students with disabilities, first-generation students, LGBTQIA+ students, etc.), but all students who fit the criteria are welcome to apply.
 
Amount: $1000                                    Scholarship Open: 9/9/2023                      Scholarship Due/Ends: 10/15/2023
 
Criteria:
               Must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate EIU student for at least one semester before studying abroad.
               Have a 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application.
               Must complete a study abroad application to one of our faculty-led study abroad programs.
 
Questions:
  • Submit an essay on why you seek this scholarship discussing professional goals and ambitions related to study abroad and addressing and financial or personal barrier/obstacles you may face. (500 words maximum)
  • Upload a resume with your career objectives, experience, and leadership roles.
  • One letter of recommendation is required. Please provide the name and email address of who you have asked to provide this information. They will receive a request to submit their letter on your behalf.

Kate and Cliff Strandberg Study Abroad in Europe Scholarship

The recipient(s) must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate domestic student, accepted to Eastern Illinois University and in good academic standing, with preference given to School of Technology majors. The recipient(s) must be planning to study abroad in any European country with attendant approval tendered to the Study Abroad Office prior to the awarding of the scholarship; all study credits must be applicable to the student’s degree program. The recipient(s) must have an overall 2.75 GPA, approval of the departmental academic advisor, and meet other criteria established by the Study Abroad Office. The recipient(s) may, upon returning to the United States of America, be asked to speak to the International Forum program regarding the study abroad experience. The recipient(s) may be eligible to apply for, and receive the award again provided they continue to meet the above criteria.
 

Dorothy E. Waldon Short Term Study Abroad Scholarship

The recipient must be enrolled in good standing as a full-time student at Eastern Illinois University. The recipient must have completed at least sixty (60) credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree with at least fifteen (15) of these hours completed at Eastern Illinois University. The recipient must have achieved a 3.0 (“B”) grade point average based on all coursework completed. The recipient must be participating in a “short-term” (typically 10-30 days) faculty-led study abroad. The recipient must be a student who has never previously traveled outside of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Financial need may be a consideration at the discretion of the selection committee. All applicants must submit a written statement explaining how this award will assist them in achieving their personal goals; in addition, all applicants must provide three (3) letters of reference with at least two (2) coming from Eastern Illinois University faculty members from whom the recipient has taken at least one (1) class. Recipients may receive this award only once and are not eligible to be considered for a second award.

Robert and Ann Flick Study Abroad Annual Scholarship

The recipient must be a full-time undergraduate student accepted to Eastern Illinois University. The recipient must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. Preference for selection is in the following order: Undergraduate student majoring in English and traveling to Italy through the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad. Undergraduate student with a major in the College of Arts and Humanities and traveling to Italy through the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad. Undergraduate student majoring in English and traveling through the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad. Undergraduate student with a major in the College of Arts and Humanities and traveling through the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad. Financial need is a consideration. The recipient may only receive the award once.

Harlaxton Manor Study Abroad Scholarship

The recipient must be a full-time student enrolled at Eastern Illinois University. The recipient must meet all criteria for acceptance to the Harlaxton College Study Abroad Program. Scholarship award monies may be spent on tuition and fees, travel expenses (transportation, meals, and lodging), study materials or resources, and other incidental expenditures directly related to travel abroad. Financial need may be a considered in the selection of the recipient. The recipient may not be eligible to apply for and receive the award more than once.

Talented Student Award - Study Abroad

The William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad has a number international exchange partnerships. Qualified students who plan to enroll at one of the schools listed below are eligible to receive a tuition waiver scholarship for up to 12 credits of EIU tuition. Applicants must have at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA. This award is reserved for students that exhibit financial need (as reported on their FAFSA), and have distinguished themselves as high-achieving students.

To apply for this award, please submit an application at eiu.academicworks.com. 

Exchange programs include:

HONORS COLLEGE STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS 

Every year, the Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College awards a significant amount of financial aid in scholarships to current undergraduate honors students who will be studying or interning abroad. The applications for these scholarships are independent of the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad and may have different deadlines. Further information can be found on the Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College website. 

National/International Scholarships

Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship - https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/

This scholarship seeks to lower the barriers to undergraduate study abroad by offering scholarships to students with financial need.  You must be a Pell Grant recipient to apply. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program is sponsored by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education. This award is up to $5,000 for any study abroad program.

If you would like to apply for this scholarship, please contact Heather Crank at hncrank@eiu.edu or at 217-581-3390.

Boren Scholarship - https://www.borenawards.org/

This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Boren gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a language and culture and get up to $25,000 to do it! This program is for select languages and fields of study. Students wanting to study a language or humanities related major must want to study abroad for a minimum of 12 weeks. STEM majors can participate in a paid summer program that is 8 weeks. There are 2 representatives at EIU who can help you with the Boren Application process. They are: 

Ms. Sara Schmidt - Coordinator of Honors Student Development
smschmidt@eiu.edu or 217-581-8369

Mrs. Heather Crank - Study Abroad Advisor
hncrank@eiu.edu or 217-581-3390

 Boren Deadlines for 2024 programs are: Fellowships (Graduate Students) - 1/24/2024 and Scholarships (Undergraduate Students) - 1/31/2024

Diversity Abroad - https://www.diversityabroad.com/scholarships 

In partnership with Globalinks Learning Abroad and The Foundation for Asia Pacific Education, Diversity Abroad will offer $1,000 scholarships for undergraduate students to study abroad in Asia/Pacific region during the summer, fall, or spring terms. This program is aimed at increasing non-traditional student's participation in education abroad in the Asia/Pacific region. Deadlines vary.  

Critical Language Scholarship - https://clscholarship.org/apply

The CLS Program is a part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical 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 potential careers. Applications for 2024 will open up in October.

American Association of Teachers of French - https://frenchteachers.org/promote-french/scholarships/

The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) is the only national association devoted exclusively to the needs of French teachers at all levels. The community of French educators at all levels works to promote and defend French Programs, create and disseminate useful materials to the classroom, and provide opportunities to recognize professional excellence and student achievement. Scholarship opportunities for students are at the link above. 

Freeman Asia - https://www.iie.org/programs/freeman-asia/

Freeman-ASIA is sponsored by the Freeman Foundation, a private foundation with offices in Honolulu, HI. The Freeman Foundation’s major objectives include strengthening the bonds of friendship between the United States and countries of East Asia. Through education and educational institutes, the Foundation hopes to develop a greater appreciation of Asian cultures, histories, and economies in the United States and a better understanding of the American people and of American institutions and purposes by the peoples of East Asia. Deadlines vary.

Rainbow Scholarship - https://www.rainbowsig.org/rainbow-scholarship/

Each year the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides funding for LGBTQIA+ undergraduate students to study abroad and nearly half of all FEA scholarship applicants identify as LGBTQIA+.

The Rainbow SIG has partnered with FEA to create an endowment for the Rainbow Scholarship fund, which provides funding specifically for LGBTQIA+ students.

Recipients  of the Rainbow Scholarship are deserving LGBTQIA+ students who aim to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs. They are asked to give back to their home, host, and LGTBQIA+ communities. Many LGBTQIA+ students are financially independent from their families, making funding study abroad challenging. The FEA Rainbow Scholarship fund was created specifically to address that need.

Private Scholarship Search Services

Students interested in seeking a private grant or scholarship should check as many sources as possible. There are many free, online private scholarship search sites to assist in your search for scholarships.

FastWeb is one of the best sources for national, local and college-specific scholarships with over 1.3 million scholarship listings totaling over $3 billion.

MoneyGeek offers a study abroad guide that explains different forms of financial aid and loans available to help fund study abroad.  MoneyGeek has compiled a list of scholarships, information on loan options, suggestions for financial planning, and different resources in regards to study abroad funding and finances.

There are also for-profit companies that offer scholarship search services for a fee. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships does not recommend these services and suggests you thoroughly investigate any for-profit company before submitting any fees to them. You should be aware that scholarship scams do occur and you should protect yourself against these situations.