SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID
In general, all federal financial aid, excluding Federal Work Study, should be available as long as students are earning credits toward their degrees while abroad. This includes Pell Grants, guaranteed student loans, and PLUS Loans. Nearly all states also allow state financial aid to go with students abroad; however, students should discuss policies regarding state and institutional aid with their study abroad or financial aid office.
When determining your financial needs, make sure to include all possible expenses, including the program fee (tuition and housing), airfare, meals, books, field trips, course fees, materials, insurance, Permit of Stay, cell phone, personal travel, and miscellaneous purchases.
If you are anticipating financial aid that will not be available before your program fee is due, you must arrange to receive an official written notification of the source, amount, and release date of the funding for your visa application.
ISI Florence Partnership Scholarships
ISI Florence has developed a number of diversity and merit-based scholarships in cooperation with its partners. To apply for scholarship funds, students must complete an ISI online application and indicate in the essay the reason they are applying for scholarship funds and the amount requested (which may vary from $500 – $2500). Click here to APPLY NOW FOR ADMISSION.
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ISI Florence State University Scholarship
Students enrolled at a state university in the United States are eligible for the State Universities in Florence Scholarship. Funds are designated to support affordable study abroad opportunities during semester programs and can value up to $2,500 USD. Click Here for more information and apply.
ISI Abroad Work Study Grants
To help expand the funding available, ISI Abroad has created the Work-Study Project program. This program provides funding for qualifying students in exchange for a small project that can be easily performed by students while abroad. These projects not only enhance the study abroad experience and afford students extra funding, but also provide a valuable service for the Institute and help improve the program for future participants. To be considered for a Work Study Grant, students must have submitted their ISI Florence application form and must then apply for the Work Study. Click Here for more information and apply.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarships
US citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an undergraduate program at an American college or university could be eligible for scholarships offered through the Fund for Education Abroad. All are welcome to apply, though preference is given to traditionally underrepresented students within the study abroad community and students who demonstrate financial need. Such groups include first-generation college students, minority students, and community college students, as well as others. Click here for more information about funding amounts and application components.
Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarships
The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund is open to US citizens or Permanent residents at 25 years old or younger with a minimum GPA of 2.0, with preference given to non-traditional students (from single-parent households, first-generation students, etc.). The scholarship promotes study abroad, through collaboration with the Gilman Scholarship, but can be applied to other education expenses. Applications are open during the month of April. Click here for more details.
Gilman Scholarships
Students receiving a Pell Grant may be eligible for this scholarship which provides $5,000 for any semester or year abroad. Check out the Institute of International Education Gilman Scholarship website for details.
The National Italian American Foundation Scholarships
The National Italian American Foundation offers a long list of scholarship opportunities. Scholarship amounts vary and are not solely applicable to study abroad. View available scholarships online to see if you are eligible to apply.
The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D.C. Scholarships
ICS offers awards and scholarships to university students in the D.C. area who are engaged in Italian language study. You can click here to learn more about available awards and eligibility. Awards are also available for students under 31 who excel in Latin and/or Greek, piano performance, painting, and art or art history.
National Organization of Italian American Women Scholarships
NOIAW sponsors scholarships for Italian American women with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstration of financial need, enrolled at an accredited US institution of higher education. Click here to learn more about eligibility and the application process. The winner of the scholarship must have at least one parent of Italian descent.
PRIVATE LOANS & FUNDING
Students who go on study abroad programs say the experience profoundly influences their way of thinking. To study abroad is to undertake an adventure that will expose you to new customs and languages, new ways of thinking, and new and different ways to live. But often it requires finding ways to fund the adventure. If your financial aid does not cover all the anticipated expenses, you may consider private sources of funding and scholarships.
- IEFA (International Education Financial Aid)
- Study Abroad Loans
- International Student Loan
- Diversity Abroad Loan Search
Scholarship Alternatives
WORK STUDY PROJECT GRANTS
Our admissions office continues to receive requests for some form of financial aid from many excellent, deserving candidates. To help expand the funding available, ISI Florence has created the Work-Study Project program. This program provides funding for qualifying students in exchange for a small project that can be easily performed by students while abroad. These projects not only enhance the study abroad experience and afford students extra funding, but also provide a valuable service for the Institute and help improve the program for future participants.