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Internal Funding

 Students can apply through the UM Scholarship Portal for study abroad scholarships hosted by their academic departments, as well as by donors and other programs with the University. 

• Application deadlines vary based on scholarship

Dailey Study Abroad Scholarship: Two $1,500 are awarded to UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in support of a year-long study abroad program in a country where English is not commonly spoken.

• Preference will be given to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who graduated from a Montana high school

DHC Funding: TRIO Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are also members of the Davidson Honors College have access to additional international & domestic opportunities and funding for programs. Completion of a study abroad program can satisfy the experiential learning requirement for DHC Ñý¼§Ö±²¥.

• DHC Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ interested in ecology, conservation, environmental studies, wilderness studies, land management, and other fields may also take advantage of their field-based courses, where Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ will work with institutes and biological stations located in and around Montana

Experiential Learning Scholarship: Awards up to $2,000 to help fund Ñý¼§Ö±²¥' participation in research, creative works; travel to present a research/creative project or experience; or for an internship, volunteer, study away or professional development experience. 

FAFSA: Students who enroll in credit-awarding study abroad programs through UM may also be eligible to apply parts of their federal financial aid, as well as certain UM scholarships, toward their program costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office and Enrollment Services for further details.

Franke Sustainability Fellowships: Undergraduates enrolled in the College of Forestry and Conservation can apply for one of the College's two fellowships intended for off-campus exchange or education abroad. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students are advised to submit applications at least 8 weeks prior to their proposed activities

• Open to sophomores and above
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0

Global Leadership Initiative: A 4-year, 12-credit program that results in a Global Leadership Certificate that can be applied to any major. Participating GLI Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are eligible for up an award of up to $5,000 for study abroad programs that last 12 weeks or longer.

Awarded annually to female Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who study abroad for a minimum of one semester on a UM-sponsored education abroad program. Applications are due by April 15 annually.

For Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are more interested in gaining professional experience, work or intern abroad programs are excellent opportunities to develop new and existing skills in a challenging global environment!

Check out the Work Abroad page from the Office of Experiential Learning and Student Success for more information.

Partner Exchange Programs

Students can apply through UM to attend other universities, both domestically and abroad. These partner universities will sometimes give additional scholarships, like the ones listed below. UM also has its own internal study abroad opportunities to check out as well!

 The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ is a member university of the ISEP organization, which opens up multiple scholarship opportunities to UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ looking to study abroad. Many ISEP scholarships are for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who have demonstrated financial need. Need-based awards include:

• For Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ planning to study in French or German at a member institution in Austria, France, Germany, Reunion Island, or Switzerland. Students must express an interest in learning French or German while studying abroad.
• For Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from statistically underrepresented categories. These include: first-generation Ñý¼§Ö±²¥; LGBTQ+ Ñý¼§Ö±²¥; active military or military veterans; Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are ethnic, racial, and/or religious minorities; Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with disabilities; STEM majors; and Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ studying abroad to learn a second language.
• For Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who have demonstrated financial need, and who are focused on language learning in a host culture.

 A domestic exchange program that allows Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to study at other colleges in the US, Puerto Rico, Guam, or Canada. Exchanges typically last for a semester or for an academic year.

Depending on the university, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ will either pay:

• UM tuition while at another college; or,
• In-state tuition in the state of the exchange university

Interested Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should view this page for more information.

Partner University Exchanges in Japan: UM offers 3 scholarships for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are interested in Japan or currently studying Japanese, and who are pursuing a study abroad in Japan through UM-sponsored partner programs and universities.

• is for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ participating in a UM-sponsored Japanese study abroad program.
• is for UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ attending Kumamoto University or Sophia University in Japan through UM's Partner University Program.
• provides $2900 to a UM student attending Toyo University in Japan through UM's Partner University Program.

UM Opportunities

These programs are open exclusively to UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, or to Montana college Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ state-wide. 

 Offers two summer study abroad terms in China to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ enrolled in Montana colleges. Prior study of Chinese or exposure to Chinese culture is not required. Scholarships are available for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who would otherwise not be able to travel. 

• Must still be enrolled in the Fall semester after returning from their study abroad to be eligible
• Applications usually open in November, due in mid-to-late January every year

Sports Diplomacy: Multi-cultural, multi-country exchange offered through UM's Mansfield Center. Selected US delegations travel to a Latin American country for 7-14 days, where they work with underserved youth and communities abroad to encourage diplomacy through engaging in sports. Program topics and country locations change every year. Previous programs have included:

• Empowering Youth through Soccer in Honduras.
• Developing Leaders through Sport (taekwondo & basketball) in the Dominican Republic.
• Women's Empowerment and Building Female Soccer in Peru. 

Taiwan Summer Study Tour: For UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are interested in learning Mandarin and exploring Taiwanese culture and history through immersive experience in Taipei, Taiwan. The 2-week program blends language classes with cultural excursions to help deepen Ñý¼§Ö±²¥' interest in and knowledge of Taiwanese culture and the Mandarin language.

• This program is offered by the Mansfield Center and is available only to UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥.
• The Study Tour is fully-funded, meaning round trip flights, lodging, transportation, courses, tours, and meals are all paid for by the program. We highly encourage interested TRIO Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to apply!

 is a program open to TRIO program participants exclusively.

Each year, the Council for Opportunity and Education selects 20 undergraduate TRIO Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with demonstrated leadership abilities who are seeking to develop global perspectives and cross-cultural skillsets. This 3-to-4 week study abroad program has been held previously in Britain, South Africa, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Spain, and the program's topic continues to change every year.

In order to be eligible, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ must:

• Be active TRIO members
• Be in good academic standing
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate institution

The cost of the program is $2,500. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships, as internal funding from a student's TRIO program is not always possible.

COE specifically recommends that TRIO Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ apply for the Gilman Scholarship (detailed below), as well as any internal scholarships their university may provide (listed above).

Interested Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should speak to a TRIO staff member about this program.

provides scholarships of up to $5,000 to low-income college Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ looking to study or intern abroad. The Gilman seeks to make international opportunities more accessible to historically underserved and underrepresented Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, who otherwise would not be able to study or intern abroad.

To be eligible, a student must be:

• Receiving a Pell Grant currently, or provide proof that they will receive a Pell Grant during their study/intern abroad program
• An undergraduate student in good academic standing
• In the process of applying to, or have already been accepted to, a credit-bearing study or intern abroad program
  • Awarded Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ will need to provide proof of their program acceptance
• Applying or accepted to programs in a country or location with a Department of State Travel Advisory Level of 1 or 2
  • Check .

Eligible applicants can also apply for up to 3 supplementary scholarships. These are:

• Up to $3,000 for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are studying a qualifying critical needs language during their study abroad program
• Up to $5,000 for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are child or spousal dependents of active or activated US military service members
• Up to $1,000 for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are conducting STEM research as part of their study or intern abroad program

The Gilman has different application cycles every year, and the application deadlines vary with each cycle. Be sure to research the scholarship ahead of time to identify which awards you are applying for and when they are due.

Interested Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should contact the Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships for more information and application assistance.

) provides assistance to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with demonstrated financial need who are seeking to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. 

To be eligible, a student:

• Must be an undergraduate student pursuing their first bachelor's (or associate's) degree
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
• Must be able to prove need of financial assistance by:
  • Currently receiving need-based financial aid (e.g., Pell Grant); or,
  • Otherwise demonstrate a verifiable need for financial assistance to participate in the study abroad program
• Must submit their Student Aid Index (SAI)/Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated by the FAFSA
• Must have applied or been accepted to a credit-awarding study abroad program based in an East or Southeast Asian country
• Must have applied to their study abroad program through their home university and have at least 1 semester remaining upon return to the US
• Must have little-to-no experience in the country they plan to study abroad in

Interested Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should contact the Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships for more information and application assistance.

provides a wide variety of scholarships to college Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with financial need who are seeking to study abroad. Students only need to fill out one general application to be considered for all opportunities. To be eligible, applicants:

• Must file a FAFSA
• Must demonstrate financial need by filling out the FEA's Financial Aid Form. Students qualify as having financial need by:
  • Having a Student Aid Index (SAI) below 20,000
  • Being eligible for/receiving a Pell Grant
  • Having taken out any amount of student loans for the current academic year
• Must be receiving academic credit at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ for the program/experience abroad
• First-generation college Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, ethnic and/or racial minorities, or and former community college Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ may receive extra consideration.
• Application deadlines vary depending on the length/program season you are applying for. There are individual deadlines for summer study abroad programs, semester-long study abroad programs, and full academic year-long programs.

Interested Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should contact the Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships for more information and application assistance.

provides assistance to American Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with financial need, who are looking to study abroad in Japan specifically. There is no set scholarship award amount, but the average award was $9,480 in 2024.

The scholarship welcomes applications from undergraduate and graduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from any field of study or major, so long as they are degree-seeking at their home institutions. Students must apply to study abroad programs/institutions in Japan separate from their application to the Watanabe scholarship.

• Program must be at least one semester long, up to one academic year long
  • No summer/winter study abroad programs
  • No intern abroad programs
• Student must be enrolled in a credit-bearing course at a college, university, or approved center
  • Language schools are not eligible
• Requires one letter of recommendation.
  • Do not submit more than one letter. The scholarship explicitly states that submitting more than the one required letter may harm your application and disqualify you.
  • This is good scholarship application etiquette in general. Never submit more letters than the application requests.
• Preference will be given to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are any of the following:
  • First-generation college Ñý¼§Ö±²¥
  • Students who were raised by a single parent, or who are orphans
  • Students who have no international study or living abroad experience

Applications are typically open from early January to mid-February every year. There is only one application cycle for all abroad program semesters/lengths.

provides more information about the program, as well as tips on completing the application.

• Provides $1,000 for a semester abroad program. Students must document their abroad experience and share it via social media, articles, and/or video
• Applicants must be enrolled full-time college Ñý¼§Ö±²¥
• Strongly encourages Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from the following backgrounds to apply:
  • Economically disadvantaged
  • Ethnic & racially diverse
  • First-generation college Ñý¼§Ö±²¥
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Students with disabilities
• Awarded Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ will have their articles, blogs, pictures, and video published on social media
• Gain professional experience in marketing, social media, writing, and international education & travel

Study Abroad Toolkit for TRIO Students

is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ interested in studying critical languages and who are committed to a future profession in public service. Students must pick from areas of the world that are critical to US interests. Applicants with specific regional or linguistic focuses may also apply for Language Flagship programs.

• Must be applying to study abroad in a location that is outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
• Must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate program and must have at least 1 semester remaining at their home institution upon completing 
• Must complete 1 year of public service upon graduating
• Maximum award amounts are determined by your study abroad program's duration
  • $25,000 max for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
  • $12,500 max for 12-24 weeks
  • $8,000 for 8-11 weeks ()
• Applicants are strongly recommended to reach out to UM's Boren campus representative, Kylla Benes

The application is currently open. It is due on January 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM (ET).

Students should check out for additional information and tips for writing competitive essays.

What's a Critical Language?

Critical Languages are languages that the U.S. government has deemed particularly important to maintaining national security and prosperity. Fewer Americans speak these languages than Spanish or German, for example.

Commonly studied critical languages include Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Turkish.

Because of their comparative rarity, there are many, many more federally-funded programs and scholarship opportunities available for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who speak or are studying critical languages. Students who are particularly interested in studying abroad, working internationally in business/trade/economics, or working for the federal government, are strongly encouraged to study a critical language.

UM currently offers classes for the following critical languages: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian

is a chance for American Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to act as young ambassadors of the US and gain relevant work experience while abroad in Germany for an academic year.

75 Americans and 75 Germans are chosen annually by their respective countries. This opportunity is fully-funded, including round-trip flights, tuition fees, and housing costs. Students are provided with a monthly stipend. Applicants are, however, encouraged to apply to additional study abroad scholarships to supplement their stipend.

CBYX particularly encourages applications from candidates who can represent the diversity of the US in various factors, such as educational background, geographic location, disabilities, ethnicity, gender, religion, and/or socio-economic status.

• Must be 18-24 years old
• Must be strongly interested in Germany and world affairs
• No prior knowledge of the German language is necessary

Typically opens late August/early September and closes early November.

is a fully-funded scholarship to study 1 of 13 critical languages during an 8-week summer program abroad (CLS) or virtually (CLS Spark). 

CLS Scholars receive intensive instruction from native speakers, connect with an assigned language partner, and get to participate in cultural events and live with host families in a country abroad. The scholarship fully funds Ñý¼§Ö±²¥' academic costs, as well as roundtrip travel, and room and board with their host families.

You do not necessarily have to have taken formal classes in your target language, or be majoring or minoring in the language. The scholarship welcomes applications from heritage speakers, as well as from Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who have studied the language on their own and demonstrate proficiency as required.  

• Previous language study experience varies based on the language and program.
  • No previous study required: Azerbaijani, Hindi, Indonesian, Persian, Portuguese, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu
  • 1 year previous study required: Arabic*, Chinese*, Korean, Russian* 
    • Arabic, Chinese, and Russian require 1 year of study for in-person CLS; no previous study required for CLS Spark (virtual)
  • 2 years previous study required: Japanese
• Students must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program at the time of applying
• Applicants must be 18 years old by May of the following summer
• Applications tend to open in October/November and be due in December

Visit the  for application/essay tips and information sessions with alumni.

What's a Critical Language?

Critical Languages are languages that the U.S. government has deemed particularly important to maintaining national security and prosperity. They are languages that have fewer speakers in America than Spanish or German, for example.

Because of their comparative rarity, there are many, many more federally-funded programs and scholarship opportunities available for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who speak or are studying critical languages. Students who are particularly interested in studying abroad, working internationally in business/trade/economics, or working for the federal government, are strongly encouraged to study a critical language.

UM currently offers classes for the following critical languages: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian

 provides multiple opportunities for graduating college seniors, college graduates, and graduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to pursue research, study, or teaching English as a Second Language abroad. The typical grant period is 10 months, though this varies depending on country and award.

Applicants submit one application, for one* award, to one country per grant cycle. You are applying to a specific grant in a specific country (ex., an English Teaching Assistantship in Germany) as much as you are applying to the Fulbright program itself. 

Eligibility requirements can be fairly different, again depending on the award and country you are applying for. However, the basic, general eligibility for Fulbright is as follows:

• Must have earned Bachelor's degree before the Fulbright grant begins
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be at least 18 years or older before the Fulbright grant begins
• No GPA requirement, but 3.0+ advised

Some countries may require applicants meet required language proficiency levels. This information, along with additional eligibility requirement information, is available on .

• Applications are open annually from early April to early October
• Current Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and UM alumni are highly encouraged to go through the university endorsement/review process when applying for Fulbright
  • Internal university submission dates are typically late August/early September
  • Contact Kylla Benes for assistance with your Fulbright application!

*Some countries offer supplemental awards, such as Critical Language Needs Enhancement Awards. These require a separate application.

is a competitive employment opportunity for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ interested in teaching English as a Second Language as Assistant Language Teachers in public and private schools throughout Japan. Applicants with particularly strong Japanese language skills sometimes work as Coordinators for International Relations as interpreters/translators.

JET is looking for young professionals who are interested in working with Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Pre-K through 12th grade, and who demonstrate a deep interest in Japan, Japanese culture, and must make an effort to study or continue studying Japanese prior to and after arriving in Japan. 

• Must have earned their bachelor's degree by June before departing for Japan
• Preference will be given to applicants with TESOL qualifications and/or experience

Applications open in the Fall each year. The 2025 application will open in mid-September!

offers 4 separate scholarships to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ interested in studying in Japan.

• The Undergraduate Student Scholarship: For Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who want to study in japan as part of their undergraduate studies. Applicants must generally be 24 years old or younger. Requirements change every year, so it is recommended to thoroughly check them before applying.
• The Specialized Training College Student Scholarship: For Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ between ages 17 and 22.
• Japanese Studies Scholarship: For Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are majoring in Japanese and/or Japanese culture. Students must be enrolled in a university outside of Japan, and must return to their home institution after completing their scholarship. Open to applicants who are between 18 and 30 years old.
• The Research Student Scholarship: For Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ applying to perform research. This opportunity is only for graduating seniors or Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who have since graduated. Applicants must be 35 years old or younger.

Since these scholarships are offered by Japan's government, applicants are encouraged to contact their local consulate for application deadlines and visa requirements. Montana Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ will consult the .

Applicants can also consult , compiled for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, by Ñý¼§Ö±²¥.

 is a great opportunity for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and recent graduates who are interested in legislation, foreign affairs, and policy.

Eight American delegates will be chosen to participate in a cultural and governmental exchange with a matching delegation of eight Korean Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and young professionals. This joint exchange program combines professional meetings, briefings from government officials and private sector specialists, peer interaction, and cultural activities. The U.S. portion of the program takes place in Washington, DC. Afterwards, the Americans will depart for Seoul, South Korea, and reunite with their Korean counterparts before returning back to the U.S.

This program seeks Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who do not have significant experience with South Korea. It welcomes applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds who have an active, demonstrated interest in the U.S. government, American foreign policy, and/or U.S.-Korean bilateral relations.

• Must be actively enrolled in a degree-granting program, or have graduated with a degree from a college institution
• Must be between the ages of 21 and 27
  • Must have completed a minimum of two academic years at a postsecondary institution 
• Must not have extensive experience living in/studying in South Korea
• Applications usually open in early March and are due in early April