Scholarships

The application for MSU study abroad scholarships is available on your Horizons account once you have completed the application for your program.  You cannot apply for scholarships until you have completed an application for a program.  Click on the "Search Scholarships" tab on Horizons and choose the scholarship application "*Study Abroad Scholarships." 

You only have one application to fill out.  On the application, you will be asked to identify which scholarships you qualify for and to complete a series of questions regarding your academics, the costs associated with your program and your personal finances.  You will also upload a copy of your unofficial transcript and write two essays.  No additional recommendations are required, but one section of the application must be filled out by the Financial Aid Office.

 Remember that these scholarships are not the only source of funding available.  There are also national scholarships you can apply for that we have listed at the bottom of this page.  In addition to scholarships, you should also be saving money of your own.

Everyone who has completed a program application is eligible to apply for scholarships.  Some of the scholarships have specific GPA or financial need requirements, but not all.  See the list below for specific eligibility requirements.  Students should only check "yes" to apply for the scholarships they know they are qualified for.

Yes!  The application process and requirements are completely separate from the general University Scholarship process.  Many of our scholarships have no GPA requirements and take other factors, particularly financial need, into consideration as much as your academic performance.

Financial need is a major requirement for most study abroad scholarships, but not all.  Even if you are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, you still have to have the Financial Aid Office section completed by a Financial Aid Officer.

The scholarship application contains a question where you can explain financial matters that may not be reflected in your FAFSA, such as loss of employment, multiple siblings in college, etc.  Please use this question to appeal to the committee and give them additional information that might help their decision-making.

Students who are not eligible for Financial Aid or who are eligible for loans but have not accepted them are less likely to receive financial need-based scholarships than students who are already using Financial Aid for their normal school expenses.

Follow the instructions on the application to email or call the Financial Aid Office.  Make sure to provide your M# when you submit your request. 

 

Also, in order to facilitate this process, the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office will send a staff member to the Study Abroad Office (177 Woods Hall) to help you on the day before and the day of the deadline each application cycle.

Your MSU merit scholarships could apply toward the cost of your semester study abroad program. You should inquire with the University Scholarship Office for details. Your MSU merit scholarships will not cover the cost of a summer study abroad program. Here is a list of semester programs on which MSU merit scholarships can most often be applied.

• Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, Chile
• Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland
• Tampere University of Technology, Finland
• Universitat Regensburg, Germany
• Szent Istvan Egyetem, Hungary
• Tessedik Samuel College, Hungary
• Kansai Gaidai University, Japan
• Tenri University, Japan
• Daegu University, South Korea
• Universitat Jaume I, Spain

 KEES Money
If you are receiving funding through the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship, you can use those funds toward a semester or year study abroad program.

 Private Scholarships or Grants
If you receive scholarships from a non-MSU source, such as a private company scholarship, the applicability of those funds to your study abroad is based on the regulations of the provider. Please inquire with the scholarship provider to determine how your funds may be used in relation to study abroad.

The Flight Scholarship and the Study Abroad Scholarship require service hours upon your return from studying abroad.  If you are awarded a scholarship requiring service hours, you will be required to complete the Confirmation of Service Hours section of your online scholarship application in order for your scholarship to be applied to your program account. On this form you will be asked to indicate what you plan to do to complete your service hours. Some ideas for completing these hours include, but are not limited to:

 

• Join the Study Abroad Ambassadors: speak to several classes in the semester upon your return to MSU as well as perform preliminary study abroad advising.
• Volunteer at the Study Abroad Fair.
• Organize a cultural event around the country where you studied.
• Organize international events in your residential college.
• Create an internationally-focused project based around your field of study that is then presented at a national or international conference. 
• Give a research presentation based on findings during study abroad at International Education Week (November annually) or Scholars Week (April annually).
• Organize a series of reunion events for fellow study abroad veterans, such as readings, performances, or dinners.
• Create your own project.

Are you eligible for Federal Financial Aid? If you don't know the answer to this question, you should check with the Office of Financial Aid/Scholarships at Murray State to find out. If you are eligible, you can apply those funds to the cost of your study abroad program. The Office of Financial Aid/Scholarships is located on the 5th floor of Sparks Hall or call (270) 809.2546 or email to make an appointment.

Study Abroad Scholarship Deadlines 2013-2014

 

Winter 2013-14: September 13, 2013

Spring 2014, Spring Break 2014: November 1, 2013

Summer 2014, Fall 2014, Full Year 2014-2015: January 31, 2014

Scholarships are awarded in amounts ranging from $250 to $1000.  You can be awarded more than one scholarship.  The award amount will vary depending on your qualifications for specific scholarships, the length and expense of your program, your financial need, etc.  Make your application as competitive as possible by writing clear, well thought-out essays that have been edited by you and at least one other person before submitting.  Students with demonstrated financial need tend to receive more money from scholarships. 

Please remember that while there are many study abroad scholarships available, they are very competitive and no one is guaranteed a scholarship. Scholarships should be considered a supplement to a preexisting strategy for financing your study abroad since you will not be awarded enough money to cover your full program fee. Start planning early for additional ways to fund your study abroad such as:

• working a summer job;
• asking local clubs, churches, businesses or charities to support you;
• cutting back expenditures in your daily life in order to save money;
• choosing a program that will accept the MSU scholarships you are already receiving;
• taking out additional student loans or private loans;
• fundraising.
  

For 2013-2014, the scholarship application requires one essay.  This should be clear and detailed, with no spelling or grammatical errors.  The essay should be no more than 750 words.  This is one of the most important parts of your scholarship application, so make sure to put time and thought into your essay before the deadline.

The essay question for this year's Winter 2013-2014, and Spring, Spring Break, Summer and Fall 2014 scholarship application is:

• Considering your major or the course(s) you're planning to take on your study abroad program, provide evidence of the connection between the course(s), country/countries, and your field of study.  Consider current events, economic or political situations, language, culture, or other topics that relate to your academic interests.
  
  Research is required to answer this question properly.

Study Abroad Scholarships Essay Help: This presentation is designed to help you write the best possible scholarship essay for your Study Abroad scholarship application. Applicants are also encouraged to seek advice and editing assistance from the Racer Writing Center located in Waterfield Library.

Come to one of our Financial Aid and Scholarships Workshops.  We do at least two per semester.  Representatives from the Study Abroad Office, the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office and the Racer Writing Center give presentations about everything you need to know about the scholarship process, including inside information on what the committees are looking for in your application and essays - specific committee structure, direction on what committees will weigh, and guidance from the financial aid and scholarship office will be offered.  

All students applying for study abroad scholarships should plan to attend one of the financial aid and scholarship workshop.

Spring 2013 Workshops (Winter Programs):  May 2 & 3, 2013, 3:00-4:30 pm, Barkley Room, Curris Center

Fall 2013 Workshops (Spring & Spring Break Programs):  September 23 & 24, 2013, 3:00-4:30 pm, Barkley Room, Curris Center

Spring 2014 Workshops (Summer & Fall Programs):  January 21 & 22, 3:00-4:30 pm, Curris Center Stables

You will be notified about your award two weeks after the application deadline.  You will receive one email from the Study Abroad Office with your total award amount.  Please do not call to check about the status of your application before two weeks have passed.

Expand the items in the lists below to see eligibility requirements for each of the scholarships to determine which ones you qualify for.  Be sure to make a list of these so you know which ones to check "yes" on your scholarship application.  These are divided into General Study Abroad Scholarships, Program-Specific Scholarships, Graduate and Research Scholarships, and National Scholarships.  We also provide scholarship search engines for even more ways to find funding for your study abroad program.

Scholarships provided for students studying in the academic fields of the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

Scholarships will be awarded in $1,000 increments for students on any study abroad program, preference given to students who are not receiving full scholarship awards from other funds (including university scholarships) and whose financial need is not fully met by state or federal aid. Applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking, MSU students participating in an approved program. Non-degree or visiting students are not eligible. Open to all students, freshman through graduate. Previous recipients of the scholarship may reapply. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

Education majors pursuing a teaching career at the elementary, middle or secondary level are eligible.  Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. A complete application will include the online application, financial statement, essays, and an unofficial transcript. Please discuss in your essay how the study abroad program will impact your future as an educator. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

This award of $500 is presented to students in the Organizational Communication department (majors, minors, or graduate students) who will participate in a university approved study abroad program. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students, must be United States citizens, and must maintain an minimum GPA of 3.00. Recipients may not reapply. Financial need may be considered. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

Scholarships provided for students studying in the academic fields of the College of Education. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

- Major/Area of study must be in an academic field of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services.

- Must be a full-time student.

- Must have a GPA of 3.0 or better.

- Preference given to undergraduate students.

- Preference give to applicants going on their first study abroad experience.

- Recipients should be ready to share their experience in a suitable forum, voluntarily or upon request.

- Awards are in varying amounts.

- Application is online through your Horizons account.

Scholarships are provided for students studying in the academic fields of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Apply at the Dean’s Office, 100 Faculty Hall. Awards are presented once annually for all programs: fall, winter, spring, spring break and summer. Annual deadline is in November.

Scholarships provided for students studying in the academic fields of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Students must see their department chair to apply. Rolling deadline.

According to available funds, awards will be made to students studying abroad on either the Discover China or Discover Korea summer program. Applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking, MSU students participating in an MSU-sponsored program. Non-degree or visiting students are not eligible. Must have studied at MSU for at least one semester and have a minimum gpa of 2.5. Preference given to students studying abroad for the first time. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application

Receipients must be Kentucky residents. Preference will be given to residents of Calloway and Woodford counties. Applicants must be studying in an academic field in one of the following areas: Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business, Hutson School of Agriculture, or the School of Nursing. Applicants must be full-time MSU students participating in anapproved  program. Visiting students are not eligible. Financial need may be considered. Preference given to applicants on summer and winter programs. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

Students studying abroad on any study abroad program for any length of time are eligible for the Flight Scholarship. Flight scholarships will be awarded in three tiers: first tier recipients will receive a maximum of 100% of their flight cost, second tier recipients will receive a maximum of 75% of their flight cost, and third tier recipients will receive a maximum of 50% of their flight cost. Not all applicants will be awarded a scholarship. Students studying abroad for the first time will receive preference over repeat participants in university study abroad. This scholarship requires service hours upon return from your study program. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

Scholarships provided by the Hutson School of Agriculture Student Development Fund for students studying in the academic fields of the Hutson School of Agriculture. Apply at the Dean’s Office, 103 South Applied Science Building.

Awards are $500 each. Students will be selected on the basis of academic achievement and financial need. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. Preference given to students not likely to receive full scholarship awards from other funds or through the university scholarship process and whose financial need is not met through state or federal aid. Must be participating in an approved program. Non-degree or visiting students are not eligible. Open to all students, freshman through graduate. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

This scholarship is available to study abroad students who are juniors, seniors or graduate students with a major or minor in education, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, English, Spanish, French, political science, government, agriculture, journalism, instrumental music, or art. Applicants must have a minimum gpa of 2.75, be a Kentucky or Illinois resident, and demonstrate financial need. Students whose first language is Spanish will also be considered. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

 

The Moore Menendez scholarship does not require an essay.  If you plan to apply for only this scholarship, you can write "not applicable" in the essay portion of the application.

Preference will be given to majors in the fields of management, marketing, international business, and business administration participating in the IBS program. A minimum gpa of 2.75 is required. See the Department of Management, Marketing, and Business Administration or download the application here. Deadlines can be found on the scholarship application.

Scholarships for students studying in the academic fields of the School of Nursing. Awards are given in $500 allotments. Preference to students with a minimum 3.0 gpa. Financial Statement of the application MUST be completed for eligibility. Recipients will be required to share their experience upon return in a suitable forum.  Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

This award is presented on a rolling basis for students who are invited to present a paper, perform, display artwork, or attend a conference in a foreign country. This award is NOT intended for traditional study abroad programs and those attending a study abroad program or internship for course credit are not eligible for the SIPD Award. Awards are generally provided in $500 increments and are supplied via a travel request or as a scholarship to the student account. This scholarship has a separate application on the Horizons system.  Apply online through Horizons. 

Up to $1,000 for any study abroad program regardless of length. Requires service hours upon completion of your program abroad. Applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking, MSU students participating in an MSU-sponsored program. Non-degree or visiting students are not eligible. Must be at least a sophomore at time of participation in study abroad. Preference given to students studying abroad for the first time. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 gpa and represent at least one of the following under-represented categories in study abroad:

• first-generation college student
• low-income
• STEM field major
• students with disabilities
• male
• graduate student
• African-American or Hispanic

Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

Recipients will be from one of the 18 counties of West Kentucky, including:

• Ballard
• Caldwell
• Calloway
• Carlisle
• Christian
• Crittendon
• Fulton
• Graves
• Henderson
• Hickman
• Hopkins
• Livingston
• Lyon
• Marshall
• McCracken
• Trigg
• Union
• Webster

Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

One $500 award per year for LGBT students.  Provided by Student Affairs.  Apply online through Horizons.

CCSA program applicants only. Financial need and academic record are both considered. Must be a full-time MSU student in good academic standing with an overall minimum 3.0 gpa. The Financial Statement section of the scholarship application MUST be completed in order for your application to be considered complete. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

CEA Global Education program applicants only. Apply through CEA.

GlobaLinks program applicants only. Apply after acceptance to program. 

MSU offers two International Teaching Experience programs: one four-week program in Belize, one eight-week program in Brazil. Students who are accepted to one of these programs are automatically considered for the following scholarships: 

• Adolescent, Career and Special Education Study Abroad Scholarship
  Applicants majoring in this department
• Early Childhood and Elementary Education Study Abroad Scholarship
  Applicants majoring in this department
• Ginny Richerson and Paul Naberezny Study Abroad Scholarship
  $500 scholarship awarded each semester

Milton and Inger Grimes Endowment for Excellence
Students studying on any KIIS program are eligible to apply for this fund. Award amounts vary. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

Kenneth E. Harrell
This scholarship is awarded to participants on KIIS programs only. One scholarship is available for each study abroad program offered by KIIS. Find the scholarship details, including application materials & deadlines, online at the KIIS Scholarships page.

Hunt & Jennye Sue Smock Scholarship Endowment for Spanish Language Immersion
Eligible students will be a currently-enrolled MSU student with sophomore or junior status at the time of study abroad in any academic major. Must have completed 12 hours of college-level Spanish language study, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Must be returning to MSU during the academic year following the study abroad program. Only KIIS program participants in Spanish language programs and taking at least one Spanish language course while abroad will be considered. Financial need will be a consideration (the Financial Statement of the scholarship application MUST be completed) and recipients of the scholarship may reapply in the future. Scholarships are awarded in minimum amounts of $1,000. Apply online through your Horizons study abroad application.

Fellowships up to $23,000 and grants up to $5,000 for research or study projects in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden for up to one year. Applicants must have completed undergraduate studies by the start of their project. Application materials can be found online at http://www.amscan.org

Application Deadline for 2013-2014:  November 1, 2012

Decisions announced:  March 15, 2013

140 countries to choose from for various research or study projects up to one year. Full stipend and/or travel grants available. Must apply one year in advance. Application materials can be found online at http://www.iie.org/fulbright (see the Associate Director for Education Abroad for application verification prior to applying).

A two year fully funded scholarship for students seeking a graduate degree at any institution in the United Kingdom. Forty scholarships awarded annually. http://www.marshallscholarship.org.

Undergraduate or graduates may be eligible to receive funding for study or research in any country with Rotary affiliation for up to one full academic year. Contact your hometown Rotary Club or http://www.rotary.org to determine eligibility with your Rotary.  Starting in 2013, Rotary will be offering the Global Grant. Check it out here.

Recipients may be awarded up to $5,000 for a semester or full year study abroad program. Applicants must be undergraduate students receiving a Pell grant. Application materials are available online at http://www.iie.org/gilman. All applicants must see the Education Abroad Advisor for application verification prior to applying for the Gilman.

$2,500 for semester or $4,000 for academic year undergraduate study in Japan. Application materials can be found online at http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/scholarships.html

Up to $5,000 for sophomores and upper classmen studying in Germany. Application materials available online at http://www.daad.org

Scholarships up to $8,000 for summer, $10,000 for semester or $20,000 for academic year programs for undergraduates pursuing study in geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security and underrepresented in study abroad. Fellowships up to $30,000 to graduate students for a two-year project abroad that combines language and culture study with professional practice. Application materials available online at the National Security Education Program. 

Sara's Wish Foundation scholarships are awarded to extraordinary young women committed to making the world a better place by fully participating in it. Financial assistance is awarded annually to women who exhibit qualities of leadership, service, and adventure. See the website for more details and application procedures.

Students who participate in TRIO programs (McNair, Student Support Services) are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Deadline is in December for the following calendar year. Please see the SAEOPP website for details and an application.

This program begins in mid-September and ends in mid-June. Applicants must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen, a native English speaker, and have an intermediate or advanced level of Spanish language. Juniors, seniors, or students who have completed a Bachelor or Masters degree are eligible. Please see the website or email norteamericanos@educacion.es for more details. Grants are provided on a first-come, first-served basis at a minimum of 700Euros per month. The online application is open November through March annually.

The TCA has available several scholarships for summer and semester study in the amounts of $1,000 and $2,000 for African American, Hispanic/Latino and Native American undergraduate students to participate in study abroad programs in Turkey. Application materials can be found online.

Grand Trunk provides over $7500 in cash and products to students who have a unique and inspired passion for travel, who have the desire to experience new places with an open mind, who see the delicate interconnections between humankind and nature, and have a deep understanding of intercultural relations. The chosen students will be awarded the Grand Trunk Ambassador position and will be tasked with charting their study abroad experience through blog postings, videos, and photographs. Application and more details online.

• Grand Prize: $2000 Scholarship and $1000 prize pack
• Runner-Up: $1500 Scholarship and $1000 prize pack
• Honorable Mention: $1000 Scholarship and $1000 prize pack

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. Fifty $1,000 grants are awarded each year.  Murray State students are eligible since MSU has a Phi Kappa Phi chapter.  You do not have to be a member of Phi Kappa Phi to apply.  Deadline is April 1.

 

http://www.phikappaphi.org/Web/Awards/Study_Abroad.html

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. 

FEA General Scholarship:

Funding Amount: up to $10,000

Number of Scholarships Awarded: up to 15

Eligibility Requirements:
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 2013 and May 2014. Fund for Education Abroad awards are intended to support students planning to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs in the 2013-2014 academic year or summer 2013. The financial support for these scholarships is provided by generous donors, who are committed to increasing study abroad opportunities for dedicated American students.

 

Click here for more information.