Funding Study Abroad

Download a PDF version of our Semester & Year Financial Aid Policies:

Semester and Year Study Abroad Billing and Financial Aid PDF

Download a PDF version of our Short-Term Financial Aid Policies:

Short-Term Study Abroad Billing and Financial Aid PDF

The Butler University CGE offers scholarships for students going on certain programs/program types each year. Please review the offerings below and let the CGE know if you have any questions about eligibility.

Florence Jessup Memorial Study Abroad Fund

The Florence Jessup Memorial Study Abroad Fund was established in memory of Dr. Florence Redding. The fund may cover expenses such as, but not limited to: course tuition and fees or travel expenses such as airfare on the Semester in Spain program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at Butler University
• Be accepted to and take part in the Butler Semester in Spain study abroad program

Additional consideration given to students with high financial need.

Award Amount: Varies (typically up to $1,000).

Application Process: Students will complete a Scholarship Questionnaire within their Semester in Spain application.

For more information, please contact Calie Dickey, Associate Director for Study Abroad.

Gervasio Travel Fund

Dr. Jane Gervasio is a Pharmacy Practice professor in the Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is a Board-Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist and a Fellow in the American Colleges of Clinical Pharmacy. She graduated from Butler University with both a Bachelors (1988) and Doctor of Pharmacy (1995) degree. Dr. Gervasio is passionate about traveling abroad and experiencing new environments for students to broaden their appreciation of other cultures and lifestyles. Understanding the tremendous learning value of engaging with individual from other countries and appreciating different perspectives and ways of life is something she wants to offer to the Butler University students. Over the years she has witnessed the impactful outcomes students have experienced through studying abroad and she hopes to provide that to others, especially students who may not be able to engage in study abroad without financial support.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at Butler University
• Be accepted to and take part in the History and Culture of the Mediterranean Diet summer study abroad program

Additional consideration given to students with high financial need.

Application Process: Students will complete a Scholarship Questionnaire within their History and Culture of the Mediterranean Diet application.

For more information, please contact Dena Mulligan, Associate Director for Faculty-Led Programs.

H. Marshall Dixon Study Abroad Grant

This grant was established to honor Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy H. Marshall Dixon and to support study abroad opportunities for Butler University students. Dixon, an electrical engineer, physicist, and mathematician, began teaching at Butler in 1957 and taught for 53 years.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at Butler University
• Must have applied to and/or been accepted into a study abroad program for a semester or summer

Additional consideration given to students with high financial need and/or students from traditionally underrepresented groups, such as first generation college students or minority students.

Award Amount: Varies (typically up to $500). Multiple awards available per term.

Deadlines:

• Late March for the following summer term
• Early May for the following fall semester
• Early December for the following spring semester

Application Process: Eligible students will receive an email from the CGE with further instructions on how to apply in late November for the following spring semester and late April for the following summer term and fall semester.

For more information, please contact Calie Dickey, Associate Director for Study Abroad.

Lacy Family Study Abroad Fund

This travel grant is made possible by the generous gift from the Lacy family. Meghan Lacy ’21 participated in a transformative study abroad experience to Sweden through Butler University and the Lacy family wishes to support other students’ participation in such a transformational study abroad experience (particularly in the face of financial hardship).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at Butler University
• Must have applied to and/or been accepted into a study abroad program for a semester or summer

Additional consideration given to students with high financial need.

Award Amount: Varies (typically between $500-$1,000). Multiple awards available per term.

Deadlines:

• Late March for the following summer term
• Early May for the following fall semester or academic year
• Early December for the following spring semester

Application Process: Eligible students will receive an email from the CGE with further instructions on how to apply in late November for the following spring semester, mid-March for the following summer, and late April for the following fall semester.

For more information, please contact Calie Dickey, Associate Director for Study Abroad.

Stewart Family Fund Study Abroad Grant

This travel grant is made possible by the generous gift from 2001 Butler graduates, Joshua and Valerie Stewart. Josh studied abroad at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Valerie studied abroad at Freiburg University in Germany. The donors wish to honor their study abroad experience and their education at Butler by supporting current students who have a desire to study abroad on exchange.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at Butler University
• Take part in an Exchange program

Additional consideration given to students with high financial need.

Award Amount: Varies (typically between $500-$1,000). Multiple awards available per semester.

Deadlines:

• Early May for the following fall semester or academic year
• Early December for the following spring semester

Application Process: Eligible students will receive an email from the CGE with further instructions on how to apply in late November for the following spring semester and late April for the following fall semester.

For more information, please contact Calie Dickey, Associate Director for Study Abroad.

The Passport Fund

Bill and Linda Templeton first became associated with Butler University in 1988 when Bill joined the faculty of the Lacy School of Business. Over the years, they began to appreciate the transformational effect that study abroad experiences can have on students. They have supervised students on the Leadership London program beginning in 2014 and are establishing this fund to help make it and other global experiences more accessible to students with financial need

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at Butler University
• Be accepted to and take part in the Leadership London summer study abroad program

Application Process: Students will complete a Scholarship Questionnaire within their Leadership London application.

For more information, please contact Dena Mulligan, Associate Director for Faculty-Led Programs.

Short-Term Funding

The opportunities below are available until funding runs out. These scholarships were funded through the Butler University DEI Innovation Fund as part of the Butler Beyond campaign, which provided investments in University-wide or unit-specific initiatives that advance diversity, equity and inclusion.

Butler Gilman Match Initiative

This award is for students who fully applied for, but did not receive, the Gilman Scholarship. Students go through a rigorous application to apply for this competitive scholarship and you are not guaranteed an award. The CGE would like to change that!

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at Butler University
• Completed the application for, but did not receive, a Gilman Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to $2,000 for a semester abroad; up to $1,000 for a summer abroad

Deadlines:

• Late March for the following summer term
• Early May for the following fall semester or academic year
• Early December for the following spring semester

Application Process: Eligible students will receive an email from the CGE with further instructions on how to apply in late November for the following spring semester, mid-March for the following summer, and late April for the following fall semester.

For more information, please contact Calie Dickey, Associate Director for Study Abroad.

Digital Nomad Diversity Award

In an effort to highlight and encourage BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ students, first generation college students, students with disabilities, or other underrepresented students to study abroad, the CGE will select multiple students each semester and summer to receive a stipend in exchange for sharing their unique experiences abroad through media. Students will post and do takeovers through social media via blogs, vlogs, Instagram takeovers, TikTok videos, Snapchat videos, etc.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at Butler University

Award Amount: Up to $1,000 for a semester abroad; up to $250 for a summer abroad

Deadlines:

• Late March for the following summer term
• Early May for the following fall semester or academic year
• Early December for the following spring semester

Application Process: Eligible students will receive an email from the CGE with further instructions on how to apply in late November for the following spring semester, mid-March for the following summer, and late April for the following fall semester.

For more information, please contact Calie Dickey, Associate Director for Study Abroad.

Many organizations offer scholarships for eligible students planning on going abroad. Please check out each scholarship’s website for further details. While we try to keep this information current, the organizations themselves are the best source for up-to-date information!

In addition to reviewing our list of recommended outside scholarships, our favorite source is the GoOversea’s Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants blog post that includes scholarship/grant specifics, as well as links to getting financial aid for study abroad and free, popular scholarship search databases.

Alpha Lambda Delta James G. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarship

Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) understands the importance of having a global perspective. With increasing travel costs, they know funding a trip abroad has its challenges. That’s why they offer 20 study abroad scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. ALD invests $30,000 annually to ensure their members studying abroad can have a life-changing experience.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Only students who paid their membership dues to Alpha Lambda Delta (Butler University has a chapter!)
• Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher
• The student’s study abroad program must be taken through a US-based institution
• The student’s study abroad program must take place within 12 months of receiving the award; the program can be any length (from one week to one year!)

Award Amount: $1,000 – $2,000 (there are 20 grants available each year)

Deadline: March 1 for the following summer term, academic year, fall semester, or spring semester

Boren Scholarship

The Boren Scholarship funds study abroad by U.S. undergraduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests; it allows students to learn critical skills or languages in countries of interest to the U.S., including: Chinese, Swahili, Portuguese, and Arabic language programs, summer STEM courses, and subjects like International Affairs and Food Sciences. Find out more about the Boren Scholarship on their website.

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizen at the time of the national application deadline
• A high school graduate, or have earned a GED
• Planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
• Planning to study in a country of which they are not a citizen
• Matriculated for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program in an undergraduate or graduate degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• (For ROTC cadets and midshipmen and members of the military Reserves or National Guard) In inactive, non-drilling status for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program

In addition to these basic eligibility criteria, the Boren Awards give preference to programs based on their duration, focus on intensive study of a preferred language in a preferred country, and the applicant’s field of study.

Award Amount: $2,000-$20,000

Want some help with this grant application?  Please reach out to Dr. Zach Scarlett, Associate Professor of History and Director of Prestigious Fellowships & Scholarships.

DAAD University Summer Courses Offered in Germany for Foreign Students and Graduates 

This program aims to help students and graduates improve their knowledge of German (general language, special language) and their cultural knowledge of the country. Find out more about DAAD scholarships on their website.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applications are open to students in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in any subject area.
• Knowledge of German is required (minimum B2 level/completed German 204) – courses are taught exclusively in German.

Award Amount: 950€ to help cover a majority of the course fee and cost of accommodation; travel allowance to help cover some of the cost of the round-trip airfare to/from Germany; and health insurance.

Deadline: December 1 for the following summer term

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarship

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) envisions a future in which any U.S. student who dreams of studying abroad will be able to participate. FEA is committed to increasing access to study abroad for all Americans, including first-generation college students, community college students, and minority students in financial need. Find about more about the FEA scholarship on their website.

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a U.S. university or college
• Minimum of 4 weeks of study in country
• Program must be eligible for academic credit

Award Amount: Up to $5,000

Deadlines:

• Mid-January for the following fall semester or academic year
• Mid-September for the following spring semester or summer term

Additional Resources for Students on the FEA website!

Gilman Scholarship

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. Find out more about the Gilman Scholarship on their website.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Be a U.S. citizen and an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States
• Receive a Federal Pell Grant or provide proof that he/she will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of his/her study abroad program or internship (please reach out to Butler’s Financial Aid office to see if you receive this grant)
• Must have applied to and/or been accepted into a study abroad or internship program of at least three weeks in a single country and eligible for credit from the student’s home institution
• Study in a country not currently under a Travel Warning issued by the United States Department of State

Award Amount: Up to $5,000 (additional bonus funds available to Gilman Scholarship recipients only)

Deadlines: 

• Early March for the following fall semester or academic year
• Early October for the following spring semester or summer term

Want some help with this grant application? Please reach out to Calie Dickey, Associate Director for Study Abroad. If you email Calie your Gilman essays at least one week prior to the Gilman’s listed student deadline, she will review them/provide feedback.

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant

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. Find out more about the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants on their website.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale (3.74 does not qualify)
• Attend an institution with an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter (Butler University has a chapter!)
• Must have applied to and/or been accepted into a study abroad program (provide the letter of acceptance or a letter of support from the CGE on official letterhead as part of your application*)

Award Amount: $1,000 (there are 75 grants available each year)

Deadline: March 15 for the following summer term, academic year, fall semester, or spring semester

In addition to the scholarship options below, there are GUARANTEED 3rd Party Provider Scholarships for Butler students – Learn more on our Guaranteed Scholarships webpage.

CEA (3rd Party Provider) Scholarships

Academic Scholarships

All students with a 3.8 GPA or above will be automatically considered for a $500 merit-based scholarship.

Opportunity Grants

• • Flight Voucher (up to $1,000) – BEFORE starting your CEA application, click GET YOUR CODE on CEA’s Current Offers webpage.
  • Passport Application Subsidy ($130) – for students who are applying for their first-ever U.S. passport. These funds will be awarded as a check and can be used to cover your passport application fee.
  • Work-Study Subsidy (up to $2,500) – to help bridge the financial gap for students who are foregoing on or off campus employment to study abroad, CEA will award funds in the form of a check made out to the student.

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) and CEA

CEA is now an access partner with the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA). Their mission is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. This is a substantial source of aid students can potentially access in addition to the funds CEA gives directly. Apply by September 15.

IES Abroad (3rd Party Provider) Scholarships

Donor-Funded Scholarships

Butler students are only eligible for donor-funded scholarships! You will complete the general financial aid/scholarship application and IES will automatically put you into the pool for any of the donor-funded scholarships you’re eligible for. Butler University is NOT a Member or Associate Member of the IES Abroad Consortium. If this is an eligibility requirement, you will not be eligible for that specific scholarship/grant.

IFSA (3rd Party Provider) Scholarships

**There are GUARANTEED SCHOLARSHIPS for certain IFSA programs through Spring 2024.**

IFSA Diversity Scholarship

Designed to make study abroad accessible to students of high financial need and/or students from traditionally underrepresented groups, such as first-generation college students or minority students. Awards of up to $1,250 for summer programs; $5,000 for semester programs; and $10,000 for year-long programs.

IFSA First Generation College Student Scholarship

Designed to give first-generation college students a chance to benefit from the life-changing experience of studying abroad. Awards of up to $2,500.

IFSA Program-Specific Scholarships

IFSA offers numerous scholarships that reflect a strong relationship with overseas partners, including universities in:

• Australia
• India
• Ireland
• UK

SIT (3rd Party Provider) Scholarships

The SIT scholarship application is fully integrated into SIT’s online program application! There are just a few more steps you’ll have to complete. You will be evaluated for all funds for which you are eligible, including scholarships/grant like:

• SIT Pell Grant Match – SIT matches Federal Pell Grant funding up to $2,500 for all SIT immersive programs to students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SIT program.
• SIT Fund – For students with demonstrated financial need who enroll in any SIT Study Abroad program. The SIT Fund aims to help promote study abroad opportunities worldwide.
• The Compton Fund – For students enrolled in SIT programs with environmental, post-conflict transformation, or sustainable development themes.
• Sally Bragg Baker Scholarship – An average of $4,500 (amount varies) is awarded to one female student, 22 years of age or younger, who demonstrates international awareness and a desire to create a more peaceful world through international exchange. This scholarship is available for summer programs only
• … and more!

Spanish Studies Abroad (3rd Party Provider) Scholarships

Spanish Studies Abroad Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is specially designed for students from diverse backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in Study Abroad including, but not limited to the areas of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, age, religion, disabilities, as well as first generation students and non-traditional students.

Spanish Studies Abroad Merit-Based Scholarship

This scholarship is specially designed for students with a strong passion for the Spanish language. Strong preference will be given to students who demonstrate great dedication to their study of Spanish both in and out of the classroom.

The Center for Global Education staff are not experts on 529 Plans and how they can be used. A 529 Plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs. 529 Plans, legally known as “qualified tuition plans,” are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.

So – the big question: Can you use your 529 Plan to cover study abroad expenses? The answer is probably! The rules determining plan use and fund withdrawal capabilities vary from state to state. You will need to speak with your 529 provider and Butler Financial Aid about whether you can apply your 529 Plan funds to study abroad, as well as consult your 529 Plan requirements to learn for what your funds can be used.