Study Abroad Scholarships for BIPOC Students in 2026
Every student should have the opportunity to study abroad without breaking the bank. Check out our list of scholarships for BIPOC students and get funding for your next study abroad adventure.
A semester or year of studying abroad is an opportunity for personal growth and cultural immersion. The independence, adaptability, and social skills learned through experiencing time overseas will help study abroad alum grow in their personal and professional lives. Additionally, international experience is a fantastic opportunity to stand out among other candidates when applying for jobs or higher education. Read on to find out some of our favorite study abroad scholarships for BIPOC students!
Studying abroad as a BIPOC student
The benefits of studying abroad are immeasurable, and it should be accessible to everyone. The study abroad industry has recently made expanding the demographic breakdown of study abroad students a priority. Campaigns like Generation Study Abroad (GSA) helped increase access and diversification by bringing together over 800 commitment partners, which awarded more than 39,000 scholarships between 2014 and 2020.
According to the GSA impact report, 75% of GSA commitment partners focused on diversity reported increased participation from students with financial need, first-generation students, black and Hispanic students, and STEM majors.
As the industry focuses on better inclusion of traditionally underrepresented communities in study abroad, there are many scholarships and grants available to BIPOC students; BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people of color, helping more individuals reap the benefits of studying abroad and lowering the financial barriers that had previously existed.
WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship
This scholarship is offered for summer and semester programs and is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad. This can include, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, First-Generation College Students, U.S. Military Veterans, students with disabilities, and/or students at Minority-Serving Institutions.
- Accepted to a semester or summer study abroad program, 8+ week Internship, or Service-Learning program.
Inclusive Engagement Scholarship
Semester at Sea is committed to fostering inclusivity among the shipboard community. They offer a number of need-based and merit scholarships for prospective students, including the Inclusive Engagement Scholarship, which gives a preference for underrepresented identities. Winners are awarded $5,000 and have their flights covered through the scholarship.
- Eligible to all Semester at Sea applicants
- Preference given to underrepresented identities including racial/ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, first generation, low-income, LGBTQIA+, religions, and veterans
- Recipients must participate in multiple leadership and mentorship roles throughout their voyage
IES Abroad Scholarships and Financial Aid
Financial limitations shouldn't prevent you from studying abroad with us. That's why IES Abroad offers more than $6 million in scholarships and aid. IES Abroad offers a number of diversity scholarships and grants to provide opportunities for traditionally underrepresented communities in study abroad.
Award amounts are determined by IES Abroad's High-Impact Aid Commitment funding model.
- Must be enrolled in an IES study abroad program
Global Ambassadors Scholarship
Stipends of $500 are available for those who successfully apply to become a Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador. The money is put towards a Spring or Fall semester volunteer, intern, teach, or study abroad program. Ambassadors are expected to blog about their experiences for the Diversity Abroad community with the aim of inspiring other members to travel.
- Currently enrolled full-time at a US university
- Strong writing skills and social media savvy
- You are energetic, creative and have a passion for international engagement
SIT Available Scholarships & Grants
SIT Study Abroad awards need-based scholarships and grants. Scholarships and grants are available to all students accepted into an SIT Study Abroad program irrespective of citizenship, national origin, or home school.
- Enrolled in a SIT study abroad program
- Must demonstrate financial need
Boren Language Scholarship
Fund study abroad by U.S. undergraduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Boren Scholars and Fellows study a wide range of critical languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, and Swahili. Boren Awards are available to students of all proficiency levels who are committed to enhancing their skills.
- U.S. citizens at the time of the national application deadline
- A high school graduate, or have earned a GED
- At least 18 years of age or older at the time of the national application deadline
- Planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
Fund for Education Award
The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting students of color, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S.
- Study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s home institution
- Study abroad program must be at least 4 weeks (28 days) in country/countries
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation’s largest private scholarship provider for minority students, has helped over 500,000 students earn degrees. It awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually, including study-abroad opportunities in Africa such as the Dr. Joseph A. Towles African Study Abroad Scholarship.
- Minimum GPA of 3.00
- Must study at an UNCF-Affiliated institution.
Jackie Robinson Foundation
Jackie Robinson Foundation
Founded in 1973, the Jackie Robinson Foundation offers four-year scholarships alongside mentoring, leadership training, and career development for high-achieving minority students with financial need. While most awards support study within the U.S., the Rachel Robinson International Fellowship (RRIF) specifically funds study abroad opportunities. The program focuses on students from underrepresented backgrounds, but recipients are not required to attend an HBCU to qualify.
- Be a U.S. citizen from an underprivileged background
- Plan to attend an accredited and JRF approved 4-year college/university within the United States or affiliated with a United States based college or university;
The Diverse International Women Of Color
The Diverse International Women Of Color
Founded in 2018, the Diverse International Women of Color (DIWC) provides $500 USD scholarships to women of color who need financial support to study abroad. Eligible applicants must be accepted into an in-person study abroad program or international internship for college credit. Funds can be used for flights, tuition, books, supplies, and personal expenses.
- Must be a women of color residing in the US (not limited to Black or African-American, Native American, Hispanic/Latina and Asian).
- Must be a student and attend college or university in the United States.
- Must have a GPA of 2.7 or higher.
- Must be accepted to a study abroad program that is at least 4 weeks, or an international internship that offers college credit.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Since 1975, HSF has been one of the nation’s leading nonprofits supporting higher education through scholarships and robust student services. Each year, HSF selects 10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars, offering academic support, mentorship, and even scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 USD. To date, HSF has awarded over $756 million in scholarships and continues to equip students, parents, and alumni with resources to thrive within the classroom and beyond.
- The HSF Scholar Program is open to students of all races that identify as being of Hispanic Heritage.
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA (or equivalent) for college and graduate students
- U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA
Make studying abroad a reality!
Every study abroad scholarship has a different application process. Some programs will automatically evaluate if you qualify for specific scholarships, whereas other applications require significantly more work. To give yourself the greatest chances of finding funding, apply for as many scholarships for which you potentially qualify.
Keep in mind that you can stack scholarships, so don't feel limited to applying to just one or two. Review requirements and deadlines carefully, and submit polished, thoughtful essays. Scholarship committees want to support deserving students, so be genuine and thorough in your applications.
Next step: Find and apply for more scholarships on the Go Overseas Scholarships page.