Scholarships & Grants

Resources

Studying abroad is possible for every Tiger. Many programs are eligible for financial aid, and IEGL awards grants and scholarships you can stack with external funding. Start early and apply to more than one opportunity.

Quick Apply

  1. Meet IEGL – Attend Education Abroad 101 or an advising session.

  2. Pick a program – Faculty-Led, Consortium (TBR Global Studies), or Third-Party Provider.

  3. Confirm credit/eligibility – Courses must count toward your degree for most aid.

  4. Apply broadly – Submit TSU grants/scholarships + national awards.

  5. Mind deadlines – National awards often close 3–6 months before travel.

TSU Study Abroad Scholarship

The Tennessee State University Study Abroad Grant offers $1,500 to help full-time, degree-seeking TSU students participate in approved study abroad programs. This award is intended to reduce financial barriers and encourage students to engage in global learning experiences.

Award Amount: $1,500

Eligible Programs: Approved TSU study abroad programs (faculty-led, consortium, or third-party) that count for TSU credit.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a full-time degree-seeking student at TSU. 

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA required.

  • Must be in good academic standing.

  • Must complete application and required supporting documents by the deadline.

  • Passport and visa (if required) must be valid for travel term.

Application Timeline:

  • The application opens in October and closes in November for the following summer’s programs.

    • Example: For summer 2026 travel, applications open October 1, 2025 and close November 28, 2025. 

  • Awards are made on a rolling or competitive basis; early application is highly recommended.

Additional Tips & Considerations
  1. Combine this grant with other funding: federal/state aid (if eligible), provider scholarships, and national awards (e.g., Gilman International Scholarship, Boren Award).
  2. Apply early to maximize your odds—program seats and grants are limited.
  3. Ensure your coursework abroad is approved for your degree before departure to avoid financial aid complications.
  4. Maintain academic and conduct standing through program departure to keep the award in good standing.

Scholarships from Outside Sources

In addition to TSU scholarships and grants, many national organizations provide funding to support global learning—especially for first-generation students, Pell Grant recipients, HBCU students, and students historically underrepresented in study abroad. These awards can often be combined with TSU funding to reduce your program cost even further.

Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances. Start early and plan to submit a strong personal statement and letter of recommendation.

National & Federal Scholarships

Scholarship Award Amount Who Should Apply Learn More
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Up to $5,000 (plus $3,000 language supplement) U.S. undergraduates receiving a Pell Grant Gilman Program ➜
Gilman-McCain Scholarship $5,000 Child or spouse of active-duty military McCain Program ➜
Boren Awards Up to $25,000 Students studying critical languages & regions; service requirement Boren Awards ➜
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Up to $5,000 First-generation, Pell-eligible, and underrepresented students FEA ➜
Freeman-ASIA $3,000–$7,000 Students studying in East or Southeast Asia Freeman-ASIA ➜

Program Provider Scholarships

Many study abroad organizations offer their own scholarships and payment plans. Apply to these in addition to TSU and national awards.

Provider Audience Link
Arcadia Abroad Semester, summer, and internship programs worldwide studyabroad.arcadia.edu
Barcelona SAE Spain – internships & cultural programs barcelonasae.com
CEA Study Abroad Semester, summer, and internship programs worldwide ceastudyabroad.com 
CIEE Semester & short-term programs, internships ciee.org
EF Study Abroad Faculty-led and individual programs ef.edu
Expanish Spain, Argentina, & Costa Rica expanish.com
ISA / WorldStrides Semester, summer, internships worldstrides.com
USAC – University Studies Abroad Consortium Affordable programs in 25+ countries usac.edu

Fulbright U.S. Student Programs

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is one of the most prestigious international exchange opportunities in the world. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, Fulbright offers graduating seniors, graduate students, and recent alumni the chance to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad for one academic year.

Fulbright scholars engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchange, serve as cultural ambassadors, and help strengthen international partnerships — values deeply aligned with Tennessee State University's mission and legacy as an HBCU leader in global education.

Learn more and explore countries: Fulbright Student Programs

Fulbright Program Options
Students may apply for one of the following pathways:

Program Type Description
English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Teach English and support language learning in schools, universities, or community centers abroad.
Study/Research Award Pursue independent research, creative projects, or graduate study abroad with faculty support in-country.
Who Should Apply?

Fulbright is an excellent opportunity for:

  • Graduating seniors and recent alumni

  • Master’s or doctoral students

  • Students interested in teaching, government, foreign service, research, global leadership, or community development

  • Students committed to public service, cultural exchange, and community engagement

  • First-generation students, Pell-eligible students, and students from HBCUs — Fulbright strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds

Award Benefits

Fulbright provides:

  • Funding for travel, housing, and living expenses

  • Health benefits

  • Cultural enrichment activities and orientation

  • Professional development support

  • Membership in the global Fulbright alumni network

Application Timeline

Fulbright applications open in spring and are due early fall for the following academic year.

Phase Recommended Timeline
Explore Programs & Contact IEGL March – April
Draft essays & gather materials May – July
Campus deadline for review & endorsement August – September
Final submission to Fulbright October
Program start abroad Following summer or fall

Contact Information:

Office of International Programs and Academic Global Engagement 
Avon Williams Off-Campus Instructional Site, Suite A400
Tennessee State University
Email: studyabroad@tnstate.edu
Phone: (615) 963-7274