Updated May 20, 2025 – save or bookmark; we’ll refresh dates every month.
Studying abroad is expensive, but dozens of scholarships are still in play for programs departing late 2025 through spring 2026. Below is a month-by-month cheat-sheet of application windows you can still catch, followed by a list of evergreen (“apply anytime”) awards. Whenever you see ▶ Read reviews, it jumps to the relevant program-review filter on StudyAbroad101.com so you can sanity-check the fit before you invest time in an application.
Mark your scholarship deadlines and get ready to go abroad.
How to use this calendar
- Work three months out. Most awards cut off 90 days+ before departure; the earlier you file, the better your odds.
- Add reminders for the open and close date in your phone so you don’t miss essays that are due midway through a cycle.
- Stack compatible funds. Many of these can be combined (e.g., FEA plus Arcadia) if program rules don’t forbid “double-dipping.”
May & June 2025 — Last-minute windows
- USAC Fall 2025 Application (England – Brighton & London) — Closes June 1 2025. Apply to the program first, then submit the single USAC Scholarship Application to be auto-considered for all internal awards. ▶ Read reviews
July 2025 — New cycles open
- Semester at Sea Spring 2026 Scholarships open July 14 2025 — includes the $30 000 Tutu Ubuntu Award plus need/merit grants. Full packet due in September (see below). ▶ Read reviews
- Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Spring 2026 cycle opens July 24 2025 — one application unlocks 40+ partner awards for high-need U.S. undergraduates.
Pro tip: Draft your FAFSA info now; FEA requires proof of Pell eligibility or demonstrated need.
August 2025 — Military-family fast track
- Gilman-McCain Scholarship — August 2025 deadline (application opens mid-June; closes Aug 7 2025). $5 000 for dependents of active-duty military; must be accepted to a program by the deadline.
September 2025 — High-dollar awards close
- Fund for Education Abroad — Application due September 18 2025 (noon ET). Average award $2 500 – $5 000.
- Semester at Sea Tutu Ubuntu & need/merit grants — deadline September 18 2025 (same form covers multiple awards).
October 2025 — Federal flagship grant
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship — Apply by October 3 2025 (11:59 pm PT). Covers programs starting Dec 1 2025 – Oct 31 2026; awards up to $5 000.
November 2025 — Europe-heavy funding
- DAAD German Studies Research Grant — November 1 2025. $3 000 for 1–2 months research in Germany; junior standing and department nomination usually required.
- Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship — November 15 2025. $1 000 gear stipend; simple 500-word essay.
Evergreen / Rolling-deadline awards (apply anytime)
| Scholarship | Typical award | Who’s eligible | How “rolling” works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia Abroad Need-Based Aid | $250 – $2 500 | Students enrolled in an Arcadia-run program | Applications reviewed continuously until funds run out each term |
| Semester at Sea Need Grant | $250 – $10 000 | Confirmed voyagers; FAFSA or ISE form required | Granted until ≈ 2 weeks before embarkation or until funds depleted |
| AIFS Scholarships & Grants | $500 – $5 000 | AIFS program applicants (semester, J-term, summer) | Admission & aid reviewed on a rolling basis; decisions < 2 working days |
| USAC Scholarships | $500 – $5 000 | Accepted to a USAC program | One application covers all awards; review is ongoing but recommended 30 days before program fee deadline |
| HI USA “Explore the World” Travel Scholarship | $2 000 travel credit | U.S. citizens/permanent residents aged 18 – 30 | 2025 cycle opens Fall 2025 and reviews monthly until Jan 18 2026 |
Keep receipts: Rolling awards often pay on reimbursement. Save your flight invoice, visa fees, and tuition bill.
Next steps
- Pick two deadlines at least 30 days out and block writing time on your calendar this week.
- Check student reviews for the program you’ll list in each application — you’ll need concrete examples for essay prompts.
- Join our newsletter to get a nudge 14 days before every major scholarship cut-off.
✉️ Not on the list? Subscribe here so you never miss an update.
You can always visit our Scholarships directory, but bear in mind that details can change without notice or become outdated.
FAQ
Can I stack multiple rolling scholarships?
Usually yes, as long as the provider doesn’t forbid outside funding. Confirm with your study-abroad office.
What counts as “need-based”?
Most U.S. awards look at your FAFSA Student Aid Index; some accept campus-verified forms if you’re not a U.S. citizen.
Do I have to be accepted to a program first?
For Arcadia, AIFS, USAC, and Semester at Sea awards yes. Gilman and FEA only require that you intend to participate.
Disclaimer: Scholarship details can change without notice. Always confirm dates and eligibility on the official provider website before applying.
