Financial Aid And Scholarships

Financial Aid Resources:

Study abroad doesn't have to be expensive. Framingham State University provides our students with access to study abroad programs where the cost of tuition and housing is similar to those same costs here in Massachusetts. 

Be sure to check out the FSU Financial Aid Office resources on how to apply for aid. Most or all of the normal financial aid package you receive to be a student in Framingham will also be available to use for study abroad. You may also consider an alternative loan to supplement your regular financial aid. Even if you haven't previously applied for financial aid, you are able to do so if you think you will need it for study abroad. Your first step will be to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), administered by the U.S. Department of State. That application generates a report which is sent to FSU's Financial Aid Office and used to determine your eligibility for federal and state grants, student loans, etc. 

Be sure to review the listing of Frequently Asked Questions posted at the bottom of our Costs and Financial Aid page. 

FSU International Programs Scholarships:

The FSU Office of International Programs is pleased to offer various study abroad scholarships every year for semester, summer and J-term programs (ranging from about $500 up to $2,000). It is our hope that these scholarships increase our students' access to international education. An application will be made available midway through every fall and spring for the upcoming academic term. The funds awarded will normally be disbursed to recipient students during the week that their semester abroad begins. Contact our office if you have any questions.

Program-Specific Scholarships:

Many study abroad provider organizations and universities overseas offer scholarships or discounted tuition specifically for their incoming cohort of study abroad students. These awards may range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, and they may be based on financial need or student merit. As you consider different programs and locations for study abroad, check with them directly to confirm if they offer any form of financial assistance for which you might be eligible. Whether or not they offer scholarships or discounts might also influence your choice of which program abroad you pursue. 

If your chosen study abroad program or institution does award you a scholarship or discount, it will likely be credited to the invoice that you receive from them. If they will disburse any cash funds directly to you, those funds will normally be given to you once you arrive overseas and check-in at the start of your semester abroad. 

Outside Sources of Funding:

There are several endowed scholarship funds available to students who will study abroad. Sometimes these scholarships are open to anyone and are based on merit. Many study abroad scholarships are linked to students' levels of financial need. Scholarships are oftentimes related to international study in specific countries or regions. 

The following is a listing of various study abroad scholarships which we are aware of and which we encourage you to review. Note that these scholarships often have application deadlines that are many months in advance of your study abroad program. This is why early planning is so important. 

Submitting a Competitive Application:

Many of the aforementioned study abroad scholarships are awarded through a competitive application process. A successful application should take some time and effort on the part of each applicant. Carve out a block of time in your schedule to work on this. Think of your scholarship applications like an important final project worth most of your grade in one of your required courses.

Remember that the scholarship application reviewers will usually be reading many (perhaps hundreds) of essays from students talking about their study abroad goals. Every applicant will be writing similar things about why they are excited to study in another country and how they are facing some financial constraints. Beyond this, take time to consider what’s unique about you and your background as they relate to your planned studies abroad and the specific scholarship for which you are applying. If you ultimately apply to multiple study abroad scholarships, you might find that you are re-using and re-working certain concepts across different application essays. This is understandable. Just be sure that you are tailoring each application essay to the particular scholarship program for which you are applying.

You are welcome to schedule an appointment with the FSU Office of International Programs for support and direction as you apply for study abroad scholarships. You should also definitely contact the FSU Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) for resources that will help you do your best work when writing your application essays and compiling the necessary materials. Plan to schedule at least one session with a CASA writing tutor who will help you produce high-quality essays that will enhance your application and really make you a stand out.