Ten thousand dollars changes the maths on a semester abroad. CIEE’s new study abroad fellowships cover up to $10,000 of program costs for students who would otherwise rule out an international term, and the application is deliberately simpler than most scholarship paperwork.

If you have been telling yourself a semester abroad is out of reach, this is the fellowship to look at first. Below: who qualifies, what the money actually covers, the deadlines, and how to make your application stand out.

What CIEE’s Study Abroad Fellowships Cover

The headline figure is up to $10,000 per fellow, applied against CIEE semester program fees. That typically covers tuition and housing for the term; flights, visas, and spending money are usually on you, so budget for those separately.

The fellowships target students with demonstrated financial need, first-generation college students, and students from backgrounds underrepresented in study abroad. Merit matters too, but the selection criteria weight need and access, so a strong GPA alone is not the deciding factor, and a modest GPA does not disqualify you.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility basics: you must be enrolled at a US college or university, planning a CIEE semester program, and able to demonstrate financial need through your FAFSA or institutional aid documentation. Both freshmen and upperclassmen can apply, though most fellows are sophomores and juniors planning ahead.

International students studying in the US on visas are generally not eligible; the fellowships are aimed at US-based students. If your home university has its own CIEE partnership, check whether your study abroad office nominates candidates, since some schools run an internal shortlist.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Pick your CIEE semester program first. The fellowship application asks which program and term you are targeting, so browse the CIEE program catalogue and shortlist two or three options.

Step 2: Start the fellowship application on CIEE’s site. You will need your FAFSA Student Aid Report or equivalent need documentation, a transcript, and one recommendation letter.

Step 3: Write the personal statement (usually 500-750 words). The prompt centres on how the fellowship changes your access to study abroad, not on why you deserve a holiday. Be specific about finances and about what you plan to study.

Step 4: Ask your recommender early. Give them the deadline, the fellowship’s mission, and two bullet points about you they can quote.

Step 5: Submit before the priority deadline. These study abroad fellowships have limited funds, so later rounds compete for what is left.

Deadlines and Timeline

CIEE runs its study abroad fellowships on the same cycle as its program applications, with priority deadlines typically several months before the term starts. For a fall semester abroad, expect the priority fellowship deadline in the preceding spring; for spring programs, the preceding fall.

Exact dates shift each year, so confirm on the CIEE scholarships page rather than trusting a blog post, including this one. Apply in the earliest round you can: that is when the most money is on the table.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Reviewers read hundreds of essays about loving travel. The study abroad fellowships go to applicants who are specific: name the courses you will take, the language you will practise daily, the community project you want to join. Connect the semester to your degree and your finances plainly.

And show you have done the homework: mention the program by name, reference its curriculum, and explain why that city and that term. Generic wanderlust essays lose to specific plans every time. If language learning is part of your motivation, our German A1 study plan shows how to arrive prepared.

FAQ

Do CIEE fellowships cover flights?

Generally no. The fellowship applies to program fees, tuition, and housing. Budget separately for flights, visas, insurance, and daily spending.

Can freshmen apply?

Yes, though most fellows are sophomores and juniors. Freshmen should apply for a later term and use the lead time to build a strong application.

What GPA do I need?

CIEE does not publish a hard cutoff. Need and access weigh heavily, so a modest GPA with a compelling statement and clear need can absolutely win.

Can I combine the fellowship with other scholarships?

Often yes. Many students combine their study abroad fellowships with home-university study abroad grants and federal aid. Check with your financial aid office about how outside awards affect your package.