Study Abroad

Scholarships and Financial Aid

TU financial aid can be applied toward TU Exchanges and Programs, and non-TU programs. If you currently receive financial aid, you simply take it with you when you study abroad. Students who do not already receive financial aid, should consult with a TU financial aid counselor to review their options. The counselors can help you to complete and submit the federal "FAFSA" form in order to apply for financial aid.

When you have determined which study abroad program or exchange you would like to apply to, the Study Abroad Advisor completes a "Study Abroad Budget" which helps the TU Financial Aid Office in determining your financial aid award package.

Each year, the Study Abroad Office awards TU Institutional Scholarships for study abroad. Many program providers also offer scholarships for students participating on their programs. Please talk with a Study Abroad Advisor about these opportunities or refer to the program provider’s website or publications for details.Here are some scholarships and loan options you may be interested in pursuing:

TU Study Abroad Institutional Scholarship
The TU Institutional Study Abroad Scholarships are open to all undergraduate degree-seeking students at Towson University. Students must hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 to apply. Scholarship recipients will be encouraged to assist the TU Study Abroad Office in promoting study abroad following their return. Scholarships are available for the Fall, Spring, Summer and Minimester.

TU Graduate Study Abroad Scholarship
The TU Graduate Study Abroad Scholarships are open to all graduate degree-seeking students at Towson University. Scholarship recipients will be encouraged to assist the TU Study Abroad Office in promoting study abroad following their return. Scholarships are available for the Fall, Spring, Summer and Minimester.

American – Scandinavian Fellowship
The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) offers fellowships (up to $18,000) and grants (normally $3,000) to individuals to pursue research or study for a well-defined research or study project that makes a stay in Scandinavia essential. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education by the start of the project. Priority is given to candidates at the graduate level for dissertation-related study or research.

Bridging Scholarships
The Association of Teachers of Japanese Bridging Project accepts applications from American students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. Funding from private foundations and major U.S. corporations has made it possible for ATJ to award 100 scholarships annually to assist students with the travel and living expenses they will incur while studying abroad in Japan.

BUTEX Scholarship
BUTEX (British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association) is pleased to offer eight scholarships for students currently registered at an institution in the USA or Canada. To be eligible to apply you must have been offered a place as a study abroad or exchange student at a UK university which is a member of BUTEX. The value of each scholarship is US$1000 and will be paid to the recipients once they have arrived and registered at their host university. Payment will be made to a UK bank account in the sterling equivalent of $1000.

TU Caledonian Study Abroad Scholarship
The TU Calednonian Study Abroad Scholarship is open to all undergraduate degree-seeking students at Towson University who are planning on studying at the University of Dundee through the TU UK-Direct pro gram. Students must hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to apply. Scholarship recipients will be encouraged to assist the TU Study Abroad Office in promoting study abroad following their return. One scholarship is available for the Fall 08 semester.

DAAD Awards
DAAD grants for study and research in Germany are available to faculty and students in Canada and the United States. Scholars participate in a wide variety of academic activities to promote international academic relations and cooperation. Application deadlines vary.

TU Dr. Armin Mruck Scholarship (CLA Student Exchange Program)
Towson University's Armin Mruck Scholarship is for undergraduate students pursuing a major in the College of Liberal Arts. Students must hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 to apply. Students eligible for the TU Dr. Armin Mruck Scholarship will be automatically considered upon submission of the TU Study Abroad Institutional Scholarship application.

FinAid: The Smart Student's Guide to Financial Aid
This organization offers a search function for scholarships and extensive information about financial aid.

Freeman-Asia Program
Encourages American undergraduates to study in East and Southeast Asia. Priority is given to students with no previous experience in the country in which they plan to study. Application deadlines are November 1 for the spring semester and April 1 for the fall or academic year.

Gilman Scholarship for Study Abroad
Gilman Scholarships expand opportunities for study abroad for students whose demonstrated financial need might otherwise preclude them from such an experience. The scholarship provides awards to US undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding. Students who have not studied abroad previously are encouraged to apply.

TU Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship
The TU Honors College Study Abroad Scholarships are open to all undergraduate degree-seeking members of the TU Honors College. Students must hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 to apply. Scholarships are available for the Fall, Spring, Summer and Minimester. Students eligible for the TU Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship will be automatically considered upon submission of the TU Study Abroad Institutional Scholarship application.

International Education Finance Corporation
The IEFC provides loans to students wishing to study in foreign countries through the International Student Loan Program.

IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding
This resource allows you to search by country or subject to find the study abroad funding information that you need.

Maryland International Education Association Study Abroad Scholarship
Recognizing that Maryland's college and university graduates need experience in the global arena to be competitive in the job market, the MIEA seeks to provide financial support to students wishing to study abroad. Applicants must be residents of the State of Maryland.

National Security Education Program (NSEP)
NSEP supports outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate high levels of academic performance and strong motivation to internationalize their education by developing expertise in the languages, cultures, and world regions less commonly studied by Americans. Applicants must be evaluated by a University committee in early January.

National Welsh American Foundation
The NWAF offers a scholarship provided through the Lloyd Family Travel Scholarship fund. The scholarship pays the travel costs of a student spending a semester or year in Wales. Find information on the NWAF website, under "Funding Projects."

Oldenburg Contact Grants
Open to residents of the State of Maryland studying abroad at Carl Von Ossietsky University in Oldenburg, Germany. Winners will receive €200 per month during their studies at the University of Oldenburg. To apply, submit the following to the TU Study Abroad Office: one page essay describing your degree program inlcuding your major and courses taken; official transcript, a letter from your German language professor describing your language ability; a letter of recommendation from a professor. Application deadlines: October 15 for Spring 2008, March 15 for Fall 2008.

Peace Scholarship Program
For students considering a program in Australia.

St. Andrew Society (ISAS)
ISAS funds a small scholarship for American students who wish to study in Scotland - either for a semester abroad or full-degree. There have been years where the scholarship has gone unused because we have had no applicant. Students do not need to be a member of this society to apply.

For more information on St. Andrew Societies and local chapters' scholarships, contact The Highlander Magazine. The April '08 Directory issue has a listing of scholarships. It is available free to subscribers every April, or the directory can be purchased individually for $25 by sending a note and a check to The Highlander.

Student Loan Abroad Program
This program is offered by the Student Loan Network and guaranteed by the TERI corporation, a non-profit guarantor of alternative loans. This loan does not need school certification, the student simply needs to verify enrollment by providing a letter from the school or other verification of enrollment. Students with a cosigner can apply online and receive funds directly within 5 business days. There is no cost to apply.