Scholarships
You are encouraged to apply for scholarships early. Most scholarships do not require you to be accepted or even applied to a study abroad program to be eligible to apply for the scholarship.
In 2010-11, students on IAP programs received almost 1 million dollars in scholarships through local, regional, and national scholarships that are available for study abroad. Check out the IAP Study Abroad Scholarship Chart for a listing of UW-Madison Study Abroad, IAP Program Specific, and national scholarships.
IAP has a Study Abroad Scholarships Coordinator who can help you research the different options, review essays, and help navigate the scholarship process. You can contact him at scholarships@studyabroad.wisc.edu.
IAP Scholarships
1) Apply for your study abroad program
If you've submitted your program application, log back into your program application.
2) Click "10. IAP Scholarships-Optional" (part of program application).
If you've submitted your program application, click "Apply for Scholarships"(on left-hand side)
3) Read the directions on IAP-administered scholarships page
4) Make sure the correct program and duration are in the drop-down menu
5) Select the scholarship(s) to apply for (one at a time)
6) Read the eligibility requirements
7) If an essay IS required, a text box is available to enter your essay which can be saved and edited until the scholarship deadline stated in the IAP Scholarship Chart
8) If NO essay is required, a text box will not appear.
9) Click "Submit" to be considered for IAP administered scholarship(s)
Deadlines & Timeline for IAP Scholarships
The following deadlines are when scholarship applications are due for IAP scholarships:
- October 15: Spring, Calendar Year & Winter Break
- December 15: Spring Break
- March 1: Summer
- March 15: Fall & Academic Year
You will be notified by either an email or a My Communication in your My Study account if you have received a scholarship through IAP. Notifications are typically sent within 1-2 weeks after the deadline. If you receive an award, you will have the option to accept or decline it.
Alternate awards may become available due to various factors. If you are selected to receive an alternate award, you will be notified through a My Communication or email.
Campus and Academic Scholarships
Most UW-Madison and academic department scholarships can be used for IAP study abroad programs. Check with the office that coordinates the scholarship to make sure the scholarship can be used for study abroad. Some scholarship programs that can be used for semester or year-long study abroad programs include:
- Chancellor's Scholars
- Powers-Knapp
- PEOPLE
- POSSE
Other scholarships and grants that can be used for study abroad are:
- Academic Excellence
- Byrd Scholarships
- Mayo Foundation
- Citizens Scholarships
Campus Study Abroad Grants/Scholarships
- State of Wisconsin Travel Grants (awarded by the Office of Student Financial Aid)
- Scholarships through UW-Madison Study Abroad Offices: IAP, School of Business, CALS, etc...
- WISC Scholarships
- Office of Student Financial Aid
- School of Education Study Abroad Scholarship
Other Sources for Scholarship Research
- UW-Madison Grants Information Center
Located in the Reference Room on the 2nd floor of the Memorial Library and has materials about all types of funding. Ask reference librarians for help. - Academic departments may also have scholarships available for study abroad. Consult with your major department, as well as others linked to the study abroad program site.
- Consult with civic, social, or religious institutions for possible scholarships or grants (such as the Rotary Club, Lion's Club, etc.)
- Check with your parent or guardian's places of employment for possible funding sources
- General Funding Websites:
www.finaid.org
www.iefa.org
Edvisors
www.studyabroadfunding.org
How to Apply for Other Scholarships
If you are applying for other scholarships, refer to that scholarship's website for their application process. Every scholarship has a different process and deadline.
Financial Aid Student Profiles
Check out student testimonials about their study abroad financial aid and scholarship experiences here!
Additional Resources
Scholarship Essay Samples and Tips
Ideas for Creative Fundraising

