Study Abroad Funding
One of the most common questions students ask about studying abroad is "How can I afford this?" UNF believes in study abroad as a powerful transformational academic experience and wants this opportunity to be available to all students. UNF faculty and staff keep study abroad program costs as low as possible, charging neither application nor processing fees, and several scholarships are available each semester.
Note: Students participating in faculty-led programs, please refer to the International Center with any questions regarding fees or payments that should be made to UNF.
General Information
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Existing Student Financial Aid
Financial aid packages students already receive through UNF also apply to UNF study abroad programs as long as the courses taken fulfill degree requirements. This means that Florida Bright Futures, Florida Prepaid, federal Pell Grants, and institutional scholarships may help pay for a semester in Argentina, a summer in China, or two years in France! Students should contact UNF's Financial Aid Office as early as possible to confirm that their financial aid can be used toward study abroad.
Beyond existing aid packages, the financial tips below have been helpful for students preparing to travel overseas. Be sure to begin preparing early; the more effort students put into finding funding, the more funding they find!
Coggin College of Business Study Abroad Scholarships
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General Study Abroad Scholarships
The Coggin College of Business offers several study abroad scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
UNF Scholarships
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Student Affairs International Learning Scholarship (SAILS)
All UNF students participating in a UNF-approved academic activity abroad may apply for the Student Affairs International Learning Scholarship (SAILS). Applicants must be active students at the time of application. The award is $2,500 for 10 weeks or more or $1,500 for less than 10 weeks. The application is typically due the term prior to the study abroad experience. This scholarship was created by UNF Student Government and is managed by the UNF International Center. For more information on SAILS, including requirements, deadlines, and informational workshops, contact the UNF International Center. -
Other UNF Departments
Additional scholarship opportunities may be found by researching departments of special interest within UNF, including but not limited to the following:
Local & National Scholarships
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Local Scholarships
Some organizations in the Jacksonville area offer scholarships for study abroad, such as the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville's Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Scholarship. Research on your own to find other local opportunities. -
National Scholarships
For information on any national awards funding international opportunities, contact UNF's Associate Director of Fellowships, Dr. Tiffany L. Kershner. She is an excellent resource for all students and can assist with the below scholarships and more. View the fellowships website for Dr. Kershner's office location and other information.
Several competitive national study abroad scholarships exist as well. These scholarships typically require an application several months to a year in advance. Here are a few examples:
- Fund for Education Abroad: scholarship for under-represented students in study abroad
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: scholarship for Pell-grant recipients
- Boren Award for International Study
- Diverse International Women of Color: scholarship intended to assist women of color who are exceptional in their studies and in need of financial assistance
- Ashley Soule Conroy Study Abroad Scholarship - Fall & Spring semesters abroad
- Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship - awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world
Check out these reputable organizations for additional scholarship opportunities and resources:
- NAFSA Association of International Educators Scholarship Page
- StudyAbroad.com Scholarship Page
- UNIGO Study Abroad Scholarships Page
- GoAbroad.com Travel Scholarships & Financial Resources Page
- Scholarships.com - Study Abroad Scholarships Page
- Go Overseas Scholarships Page
- StudyAbroad.com Scholarships Page
- IEFA Scholarships Page
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Region Specific Scholarships
Check out these reputable organizations for additional scholarship opportunities and resources geared toward particular regions of the world:
- Freeman-Asia - to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia
- Generation Study Abroad Excellence and Travel Awards - New Zealand
- BUTEX - United Kingdom
- Bridging Scholarships - Japan
- DAAD - Germany
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Creative Suggestions
Resourceful students have found funding via other avenues, such as these:
- Creating a study abroad savings account with automatic weekly or monthly deposits (Community First Credit Union has a convenient branch on UNF's campus);
- Reaching out to clubs and/or religious or community organizations that students or their family members are involved in;
- Creating a crowdfunding site, such as GoFundMe, with a compelling story as to how this study abroad experience will impact the student and their community;
- Asking a current employer whether support for transformational opportunities like study abroad exist withing the company.