CIE Home Page UC Irvine Home Page

Search CIE

CIE Home : Prospective Participants :  Participants  :  Returnees  : Reciprocity Students :  Faculty  :  Contacts  : The World at UCI :  FAQ 

Prospective Participants


Program Options

How To...

CIE - Center for International Education

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Financial Aid Overview
  • EAP During the Year
  • EAP Summer-only
  • UCI Travel-Study
  • IOP During the Year
  • IOP Summer-only
  • Scholarships
  • Web sites
  • Fundraising

ALL STUDENTS

  • All study abroad participants are recommended to complete a FAFSA by the priority deadline to ensure that you are considered for any financial aid for which you might be eligible.
  • All study abroad participants are encouraged to investigate scholarships. Click on the tab above.
  • Financial Aid eligibility criteria are the same when studying abroad or studying at UCI.  Sources of aid and procedures vary depending on the type of study abroad program you choose. Click above for details.

Questions?
All questions regarding your individual circumstances and aid eligibility -- sources of aid, amounts of aid, timing of disbursement, etc. -- should be directed to an EAP, IOP or Travel-Study Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office.  

EAP Financial Aid during the Academic Year

  • All UCI financial aid (except work-study, but including grants, scholarships and loans) is available to qualified EAP students.
  • Your financial aid award will be adjusted based on the total cost of participation in the study abroad program you choose.  There are differences in the way grants, scholarships, and loans are adjusted.  See the EAP Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office for details.
  • Special EAP scholarships are available.

Action: Complete the FAFSA (you do not need to specify EAP participation).  You will automatically be contacted by the Financial Aid Office after you are selected for EAP participation, approximately 1-3 months before your departure on EAP. 

EAP Summer-only Financial Aid

  • Eligibility is the same as for UCI Summer Session. Eligibility details are listed on the UCI Financial Aid web site.
  • Students may also accept any unused loans from the current academic year by June 1st and use that funding for their summer program.

Action: 

  • Complete the FAFSA (you do not need to specify EAP participation).  You will automatically be contacted by the Financial Aid Office after you are selected for EAP participation, approximately 1-3 months before your departure on EAP.
  • Log onto My Aid on the UCI Financial Aid web site to accept previously offered loans.

UCI Travel-Study Financial Aid

Eligibility is the same as for UCI Summer Session.

Action:  Check the eligibility details listed on the UCI Financial Aid web site and follow the instructions given.

IOP Financial Aid during the Academic Year

  • Most UCI financial aid (except work-study and university grants, but including Pell grants, Cal grants, and loans) is available to qualified IOP students participating in in most study programs that are approved for transfer credit to UCI.
    Note:
      There are fewer types of financial aid available if you participate in a study abroad program in which you directly enroll at the host university (i.e. there is no U.S. office/point of contact).  See the IOP Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office for details. 
  • Your financial aid award will be adjusted based on the total cost of participation in the study abroad program you choose.  There are differences in the way grants, scholarships, and loans are adjusted.  See the IOP Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office for details.

Action: 

  • Complete the FAFSA.
  • Read the IOP Financial Aid Checklist and meet with the IOP Financial Aid Counselor in 102 Aldrich Hall for further instructions and to answer any questions. 

IOP Summer-only Financial Aid

Programs less than 10 weeks in length

  • Any previously unused loans awarded for the preceding academic year can be accepted before June 1.
  • Action:  Log onto My Aid on the UCI Financial Aid web site to accept previously offered loans.

Programs 10 weeks or more

  • Eligibility is the same as for UCI Summer Session.  Eligibility details listed on the UCI Financial Aid web site.
  • Action: Read the IOP Financial Aid Checklist and meet with the IOP Financial Aid Counselor in 102 Aldrich Hall for further instructions and to answer any questions. 

Last year UCI students studying abroad received over $200,000 in scholarships in addition to aid regularly awarded by the UCI Financial Aid Office.  Review the scholarships below and apply! This page contains listings of Scholarships Administered by EAP or UCI and Scholarships Administered by Other Organizations.

Scholarships Administered by EAP or UCI

UCI EAP SCHOLARSHIP – Semester and Year programs
All EAP participants who apply for UCI financial aid (i.e. complete and submit the FAFSA) and are participating on programs during the academic year, will be automatically considered for an EAP Scholarship awarded by the UCI Financial Aid Office.  Semester and Year participants do not need to apply separately for the UCI EAP Scholarship. UCI EAP Scholarship recipients will be notified by UCI Financial Aid prior to departure on EAP.  If you do not complete the FAFSA you will not be considered for an EAP Scholarship.  The amount of funds available for this scholarship vary annually.

CIE FRIENDS SCHOLARSHIP (DOC) – Semester and Year programs.
These scholarships are provided by organizations and individuals, including UCI alumni, who support study abroad at UCI.  Applicants must be participating in an EAP program or IOP program, taking at least one class abroad to fulfill a UCI degree requirement, and must return to UCI after studying abroad. Up to five scholarships may be awarded per year. Scholarships are $750 - $1000. Application deadline:  Programs beginning in fall: late-March.  Programs beginning in winter or spring:  late-October. Click on the link above for exact deadline dates and application form.

UCI STA Travel Award (DOC) – Semester and Year programs
This award consists of credit toward the purchase of your airline ticket through the UCI Office of STA Travel located in the UCI Student Center.  Award values are variable, generally ranging from $300 - $800.  Application deadline:  Programs beginning in fall: late-March.  Programs beginning in winter or spring:  late-October. Click on the link above for exact deadline dates and application form.

UC EAP SCHOLARSHIPS:

  • DUTTENHAVER SCHOLARSHIP FOR YEAR-LONG EAP STUDY
    Students who meet the eligibility requirements specified on the link above may apply for these $5,000 scholarships.  Application deadline: Programs beginning in fall: early-March .  Programs beginning in winter: early-October. Click on the link above for exact deadline dates.
  • DAN WISE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR YEAR-LONG EAP STUDY IN FRANCE
    Students who have financial need and have not studied abroad before may apply for these $5,000 scholarships.  Application deadline: Click on the link above for exact deadline dates.
  • COUNTRY SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS
    Various scholarships are available for specific countries.  Review all tabs at the above link.

UCI SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS (EAP) Several Schools at UCI offer scholarships to EAP participants in their majors. The following schools have typically offered scholarships.

UCI GERMAN DEPARTMENT TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP (EAP & IOP)
By way of a charitable gift, the UCI German Department administers a travel award to Germany . For more information, please contact the German Department Manager,  Mary Underwood:  marycu@uci.edu

UCI IOP Affiliate Scholarships (DOC)
The following UCI IOP Affiliates offer scholarships specifically for UCI students: International Studies Abroad (ISA) and Semester at Sea. Click on the above link for details and deadlines. For UCI IOP Affiliate scholarships – which are not administered by UCI -- see the UCI IOP Affiliates web page.

Scholarships Administered by Other Institutions or Organizations

ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF JAPANESE (ATJ) BRIDGING SCHOLARSHIP (EAP & IOP)
ATJ offers 100 scholarships to American students participating in study abroad programs in Japan. Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study and attending any recognized exchange or independent program in Japan during the academic year are eligible to apply for these scholarships, ranging from $2,500 (for semester programs) or $4,000 (for academic year programs). Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. The application is on their web site above. Application deadline is early-April for programs beginning in fall, and early-October for programs beginning in spring.

BENJAMIN A. GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP (EAP & IOP)
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program will provide up to $5,000 for undergraduate U.S. citizens studying abroad. Applicants must be undergraduate students receiving federal Pell Grant funding for the term of his/her application. Apply on-line via the web site above. Application deadline is in early-April for programs beginning in fall and and early-October for programs beginning in winter or spring. Check the Gilman web site for exact deadline dates.

DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship (EAP & IOP)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), offers undergraduate scholarships to students interested in studying, doing research, or completing an internship in Germany for a 4-10 month period during the German academic year.  Recipients will be awarded a monthly stipend plus additional funds to help defray travel and research expenses as well as health insurance.  Additional eligibility requirements and application instructions and exact deadline can be found on their web site above.  Application deadline is late-January each year.

HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL-AMERICAN YOUTH HOSTELS SCHOLARSHIP (EAP & IOP)
Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels, Los Angeles Council awards a Travel Grant to a deserving student between 17-26 years of age to assist the recipient in realizing their educational goals through travel. Travel Grant applications are accepted January 1 through March 15 each year. More information, including how to obtain an application, is included on their web site.

NSCS SCHOLARSHIPS (EAP & IOP)
Members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars' (NSCS) are eligible to apply for two types of study abroad scholarships: NSCS Scholar Abroad Scholarship and Scholar at Sea Scholarship.  Click on the link above for both membership and scholarship information.

NSEP/Boren Awards for International Study (EAP & IOP)
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) offers Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships for US citizens to pursue serious study abroad in critical world areas. Scholarships apply to study in all countries except Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Western Europe. All award recipients must complete a service requirement upon return from abroad. UCI students apply through UCI's Scholarship Opportunities Program. Application Deadline: January.

ROTARY FOUNDATION (IOP)
The Rotary Foundation sponsors short-term, one-year and multi-year scholarships for students wishing to study in any country where there are Rotary clubs. These scholarships provide for tuition, room, board and expenses. Applicants must apply over one year prior to the year of study. Application deadlines are set by the local Rotary clubs, who also award the scholarships. Check with your local Rotary club for more information.

Swedish Educational and Cultural Honorarium (SECH) (EAP & IOP)
The SECH is awarded annually by the Standard Filter Corporation and the Swedish Center of San Diego to support students undertaking Swedish educational and cultural activities.  3.25 GPA is required.  Additional rules and guidelines for application can be found at the SECH web site.  Applications are due in late February.

SWEA: Swedish Women's Educational Association Scholarships (DOC) (EAP & IOP)
This year, SWEA will give a scholarship of a sum ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 to one student, or to be divided between two students, depending on the students’ qualifications and their length of stay in Sweden. Application deadline: Late-March. Click on the link above for application and exact deadline date.

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY Division of International Programs Abroad (IOP)
UCI students participating in a Syracuse Study Abroad program for a semester or year can receive a $3500 tuition differential grant to offset the additional tuition cost at Syracuse vs UCI. In addition to this automatic grant, they offer automatic merit scholarships up to $1,200 for students with GPAs above 3.7.

WOMEN IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE SCHOLARSHIP (DOC) (EAP & IOP)
Women in International Trade awards one or more scholarships of $2,000 to students displaying an interest in international business and planning to study abroad. Information and application is available via the link above and must be postmarked by March 27, 2008.

 

Scholarship and Financial Aid Web Sites

We encourage you to investigate all means for supporting your international experience! The web sites below contain links to financial aid information and scholarships offered by other organizations.

Scholarships for UCI students managed by the UCI Financial Aid Office

The studyabroad.com Forum on Financial Aid

IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding

FinAid: The Financial Aid Information Page
Includes FASTWEB, the Internet's largest Free scholarship search. Also, check out the Financial Aid for Study Abroad page on this site.

External Scholarships Database (click on "Search for Scholarships & Funding")
The University of Minnesota's online database of scholarships for study abroad.

UCI Scholarship Opportunities Program

The US Department of Education's Student Guide to Financial Aid

International Student Loan Program

International Education Finance Corporation

Fundraising

Often students do not consider asking others to support them financially in order to participate in an educational program abroad, but many UCI students have been successful with this approach. If you have a special talent (e.g. music, dance, etc.) you might considering putting on a performance and charging admission, all proceeds to go to your costs for your abroad program. Another approach is to ask others for contributions. Here are some tips for how to accomplish this.

1. Determine how much you (or your family) can contribute financially and how much you need.

2. Write a detailed, well-written proposal of what you plan to do (what program you are going on, what courses you plan to take, what research you plan to do, etc.) and how it will further your overall academic and career goals. You may want to alter the wording slightly depending on the audience to which you present it.

3. Plan an oral presentation of your proposal. Include in the your presentation how you raised the money you are contributing and how long you have been working toward this goal.

4. Make a plan of who to contact to ask for assistance. The following are some suggestions:

    • Community organizations or individuals who share your goals or experience (women's groups, ethnic associations, service organizations, groups promoting understanding of the country your are going to, civic groups in your hometown if it is small, etc.).
    • Academic or professional associations related to your academic goals. (Ask professors in your field for ideas.)
    • Local businesses related to your area of study or with an interest in the country in which you will be studying.
    • Individuals with financial resources who are sympathetic to you or your goals and interests (i.e. first generation in college, same ethnic background, similar academic area of specialization or career goal, friends and family, etc.).
    • Alumni of the program you will be participating in.

5. Begin to meet with your target groups or individuals. When you meet, give your oral presentation. If appropriate, offer your written proposal so that it can be shown to others in the organization. People are impressed with students who are organized and focused!

When you get to the point of asking for money one approach is to ask for matching funds. For example tell them that you have $5,000 and you are looking for 5 people or groups who can donate $1,000 each (or 10 who can contribute $500 each).

If you need assistance at any point, ask the staff at the Center for International Education for help. We are here to help make your dream possible.

Center for International Education
University of California, Irvine • Irvine, CA 92697
© 2006 The Regents of the University of California.
All Rights Reserved.

Comments & Questions : Privacy & Legal Notice : Copyright Inquiries