Scholarships
UMaine-Based Scholarships
Direct Exchange Scholarship
A scholarship fund which awards multiple scholarships ranging from $500-$2,000 to UMaine students participating on ANY of the UMaine Direct Exchange Programs (see ‘Programs’ tab at the top). The award criteria is based on financial need, cumulative GPA as well as destination. The Direct Exchange Scholarship Application must be submitted in addition to the UMaine study abroad application.
Annie P. Norton Scholarship
Established at UMaine in 2009 to honor Annie Norton for her dedication to family, teaching and education abroad. She was born in Antwerp, Belgium, graduated from UMaine and was a teacher of French and Spanish for more than 25 years in Bucksport High School and Hampden Academy. She believed that immersion in other cultures was critical to understanding ourselves and others. Intended for undergraduate students who are completing an education abroad in countries where English is not the official language. Award amount of $1200. The application deadline is ONCE a year on February 20 for summer, fall, spring, and academic year programs abroad.
Doris Berry Norton Travel Scholarship
Established at the University of Maine in 1996 to support undergraduate students studying abroad. Intended for students who are completing an education abroad in countries where English is not the official language. Award amount of $1,200. The Doris Berry Norton Scholarship will be offered ONCE a year, with an application deadline of October 15th for spring programs.
Doris Berry Norton Application
Global Perspectives for Humanities Fund
The University of Maine Foundation established the fund in 2018. It’s meant to benefit the University of Maine, Orono, Maine with a gift from Tracey Graffam-Dickson ’93 a member of the Friends of the New England Universities of Salzburg–an Education Abroad Program established in 1979 at UMaine by Dr. Josef Roggenbauer, Professor Emeritus of German, Department of Modern Languages and Classics. Tracey found the Salzburg experience to be life changing. In creating this fund, she wanted to highlight the importance of modern language, cultural exploration and the global exchange of ideas, innovation and experiences. Award amount of $1500 for the Spring or Summer semesters. We will announce the application deadline each semester on the page linked below.
Global Exploration & Language Opportunities Fund
Established at the University of Maine Foundation in 2022 with a gift from Charles Ryan ’84, the Global Exploration Fund provides students opportunities to participate in activities that will expand their global views, ideas, and experiences through international travel with a preference for those wishing to travel to Central and South American countries. The due date is the beginning of November, so follow the link to see more information and this year’s deadline.
Paula E. Peer Scholarship
The Paula E. Peer Scholarship Fund was established at the University of Maine Foundation in 1998 for the benefit of the University of Maine with a gift from Paula Peer’s daughter, Annie Peer Norton ’58, and her son-in-law, Stephen A. Norton, in honor of Paula’s accomplishments as an artist, linguist, world citizen and mother. This scholarship will be awarded to a Sophomore or Junior majoring or minoring in art, who will be completing an education abroad in a country where English is not the first language, for one or more semesters, to study any aspect of art. If no students meet the above criteria, a Sophomore or Junior majoring or minoring in music who intends to study music may be considered.
Samantha Smith Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to support a UMaine student who will study or intern in Russia or in any of the former Soviet states. Samantha Smith was a Maine schoolgirl who visited the Soviet Union in 1982 to lobby Soviet President Yuri Andropov for peace between our nations. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered and must select an academic program approved by the University of Maine. The application deadlines are February 20 for the summer, fall semester and academic year programs, and October 15 for the spring semester programs.
George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship
The George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious award. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, room, board, and travel expenses for one semester or academic year at the University College Cork in Ireland which offers strong programs in the humanities and sciences. Applicants must be undergraduate students, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be a Maine resident paying in-state tuition, and have the skills and commitment needed for community service. The application deadline is in early March each year.
UMaine George J. Mitchell Page
Stanhope Study Abroad Fellowship (Specifically for Honors College)
Awarded to students in the UMaine Honors College who will complete an education abroad program for at least a semester. Preference shall be given to students who graduated from a Maine high school. The application deadline is in late April each year.
UMaine/USAC Scholarship
UMaine students applying to USAC programs may apply for a UMaine/USAC scholarship. Award amounts range from $200-$1,000. The application deadlines are February 20 for the summer, fall and academic year programs, and October 15 for the spring semester programs abroad. This scholarship is called the USAC Affiliated University scholarship on the USAC website.
UMaine/USAC Affiliated Scholarship Application
Scholarships for Specific Countries
Canada
Undergraduate scholarships for direct exchange and direct enroll programs at Canadian universities, awarding $5,000 per semester with a $500 (Canadian dollars) allowance to offset the cost of health insurance. Open to undergraduate students applying to a direct exchange program or open competition category at participating institutions in Canada. All materials must be submitted to Ali Friend in the Canadian-American Center at UMaine by January 10. Make an appointment with Ali at ali.friend@maine.edu.
Awarding $500 scholarships to undergraduates to study in Canada for one or two semesters, or summer. For more information contact Ali Friend in the Canadian-American Center at ali.friend@maine.edu.
Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS)
Germany
Baden-Wurttemberg Scholarships
500 to 800 Euros monthly stipend. Qualified students who are interested in completing an education abroad at Aalen University through UMaine’s direct exchange program can apply for the Baden-Wurttemberg Scholarship. This exchange is primarily for business and engineering students. The application deadline is March 1 each year. Aalen University Exchange Scholarship Applications 2021-2022 (PDF).
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships
The goal of this program is to support an education abroad in Germany and at German Universities. Funding is available for education abroad, language studies, senior thesis research and/or internships in Germany.
Israel
American Jewish League for Israel Scholarship
Every year AJLI chooses 5 to 6 scholars based on candidates’ scholarship application and materials. These AJLI scholars receive a partial tuition grant that is paid directly to their university. We are unable to disburse funds directly to the scholar, or defray non-tuition related costs. In addition to tuition funding, AJLI provides scholars with a unique bonding experience by hosting events, dinners, and group activities for the scholars during their time abroad. The scholarship awards typically range from $4,000 to $6,000, and are designed to help defray the costs of tuition at your study program in Israel.
Japan
$700 monthly stipend and $1,300 relocation allowance. The JASSO scholarship application is a part of the exchange application for Hirosaki Univeristy. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Courses are taught in Japanese and English. The application deadline is December 15 each year.
Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan
For US undergraduate students participating in education abroad programs in Japan to assist students with the travel and living expenses they will incur while completing their education abroad in Japan for a semester or an academic year. Applications are accepted twice a year for Bridging Scholarships. The application deadlines are in early October and early April each year.
Taiwan
Taiwan-United States Sister Relations Alliance (TUSA) Summer Scholarship Program
Provides scholarships for US students to study Chinese language (Mandarin) in Taiwan for the summer. No prior Chinese (Mandarin) language experience required.
Mandarin Language Huayu Enrichment Scholarship (HES)
Provides scholarships for US and international students to study Chinese language (Mandarin) in Taiwan for summer, semester or full academic year.
United Kingdom
£500 scholarships available for a semester or a year at universities in the U.K. Students participating on direct exchange as well as recommended programs are eligible. The application deadline is once a year in late May for both fall and spring semesters abroad.
The U.S. – U.K. Fulbright Commission offers special Summer Institutes for US citizens to come to the UK for three to six week academic and cultural summer program. The Summer Institutes will cover the majority of participant costs. This includes round-trip airfare from the US to the UK, tuition and fees at the host university/institution, accommodation and meals and in some cases a small daily allowance. The deadline is early March each year.
Recommended Program Scholarships
USAC
University Studies Abroad Consortium Scholarships
USAC offers many scholarships for specific programs. See their website for exact information.
API
Academic Programs International Scholarships
All UMaine students will receive a $200 discount for semester and yearlong programs and a $150 discount for students participating in a summer program or credit-bearing internship. This discount will be applied directly to your API bill.
SIT
School for International Training Scholarships
Offers automatic matches for Federal Pell Grant funding for all SIT semester programs. Many SIT scholarships and grants are available for both terms of study: semester and summer. Individual awards generally range from $500 to $5,000. Special scholarship for engineering students applying to SIT programs.
CIS Abroad
Center for International Studies Scholarships
All UMaine students receive a $250 discount for semester programs and $100 for summer programs automatically. Additional scholarships of $250-$1,000 are available as well which require an application. Early Bird discounts of $100 are available (check the CISAbroad website for deadlines). Bring a Friend discount of $250 for semester and $100 for summer programs are offered. Just be sure that you put your friend’s name on your online application (in the “Bring a Friend Grant, Name of Friend” box) and have your friend put your name, and you will both receive the grant. Note: this must be done at the time of application!
CIEE
Council on International Educational Exchange
All UMaine students applying to CIEE semester programs will automatically receive a $1,500 scholarship. A $500 scholarship is automatically awarded for any CIEE summer program (excluding May Semester sessions).
ISA
International Studies Abroad Scholarships
Up to $2,500 scholarship awarded to students accepted in ISA programs. Deadlines are Feb. 28 for summer, April 30 for fall and year programs, and October 30 for winter and spring programs.
IES
Institute for International Education of Students Scholarships
All UMaine students applying to an IES semester or year program will receive a public university scholarship for $2,000 automatically (starting in the 2016-17 academic year). Students applying to IES summer programs may apply for IES need-based scholarships.
SAS
Need-based and merit-based scholarships available.
External Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman
Students who receive a federal Pell Grant and are applying to or have been accepted to an education abroad program may apply for the Gilman Scholarship. Awards are $1,500- $5,000 with a possible Critical Need Language Supplement of $3,000 for semester or full-year programs. The deadline for summer and fall programs is in early March. For spring programs, the deadline is early October. Benjamin A Gilman website
- Contact Nives Dal Bo-Wheeler for advising on this scholarship
Fund for Education Abroad
Awards are intended to support students planning to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs for a summer, semester or year. Applicants must plan to be abroad for at least 4 weeks and may apply to both the General and Rainbow awards. Great for first gen, Pell Grant recipients, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented students. The application deadline is early each semester, so check their website for deadlines during the summer and late fall to apply on time.
Joy Worldwide
Joy Worldwide Inc. is committed to creating a pathway of self-discovery, cross-cultural connection, and impactful change for African American students. Their scholarships range from $500 to $750 and must go towards your study abroad program and incidentals. They are seeking students with: open minds, volunteer experience, interest in community engagement, growth–mindsets, and strong goals.
Critical Language Scholarship
Full funding for intensive language instruction of critical languages for seven to ten weeks for undergraduate and graduate students. The application deadline is in mid November each year.
Golden Key Study Abroad Scholarship
$1,000 awards for undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate members who are currently enrolled in a study abroad program. Golden Key members are eligible to apply.
Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship
$1,000 for education abroad programs. Students who have been accepted to an education abroad program may apply for the Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours and maximum of 90 credit hours prior to going abroad; have a minimum GPA of 3.75; and have at least two semesters remaining at UMaine after completing their education abroad program. The application deadline is April 1 each year.
Project GO Scholarship
Project GO (Global Officers) is a collaborative initiative that promotes critical language education, education abroad, and intercultural dialogue opportunities for ROTC students. Project GO programs focus exclusively on the languages and countries of the Middle East, Asia, Central Asia, and Africa. The grants may cover the full cost of both domestic and international language programs.
Rotary Scholarship
Rotary clubs offer scholarships for secondary, undergraduate, or graduate study. Rotary club scholarships are given by individual clubs and are open to anyone except Rotary members and their families. Contact your local club for application information and eligibility requirements
The Rotary Foundation offers scholarships for college graduates and professionals to study peace and conflict resolution or water and sanitation.
Boren Schilarships & Fellowships
The National Security Education Program offers education abroad scholarships for undergraduates, graduate students and intensive language training. U.S. citizens may study in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Western European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada excluded. Foreign language study is a required component of the program, and there is a required service component upon graduation. Up to $20,000 for American students for study abroad in world regions critical to U.S. interests (excludes Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada). Boren Fellowships – up to $30,000 for U.S. graduate students to add an important international and language component to their graduate education through specialization in area study, language study, or increased language proficiency. All materials must be submitted to OIP by January 31. The Boren advisor at UMaine is Erika L Clement, Education Abroad Advisor.
Fulbright Scholars Program
Established in 1946, the Fulbright program aims to increase mutual understanding between peoples of the United States and other countries. There are over 250 Fulbright programs for faculty, students, professional staff members, teachers, etc. Fulbright offices are in the United States and around the world, providing funding programs for both U.S. citizens to go abroad, and for citizens of other countries who wish to come to America. The Maine Fulbright chapter was inaugurated on June 11, 2007. The Fulbright program offers many scholarship opportunities. Please check their website for most recent information. The Fulbright advisors at UMaine are:
- Nives Dal Bo-Wheeler – Scholarship Coordinator – contact her first!
- Christine Beitl – UMaine Primary Advisor
- Francois Amar – for undergraduate students
- Mario Teisl – for faculty and graduate students
- Jane Smith – coordinates the Fulbright Foreign Student Program to bring foreign students to teach their native language at UMaine
Fulbright UK Summer Institute
For US citizens with a GPA 3.7+, at least 18-years-old, and either a freshman or sophomore. Students new to study abroad will have the opportunity to study at a UK institution and experience the culture for 3-4 weeks during summer. Any academic area is welcomed and the award covers the following:
- Airfare
- Tuition at host university
- Accommodation
Deadline is Mid-February
DAAD-Rise
For undergraduate students holding either sophomore or junior standing with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Earth Sciences or Engineering (or related fields). Scholarship includes the following:
- Monthly stipend
- International travel insurance
Deadline is Mid-December
Other Scholarship Websites
Institute for International Education
Study Abroad Scholarship Information
AllAbroad Scholarship Information
College Board General Scholarships