Scholarships for Underrepresented Students to Study Abroad: A 2026 Guide
Several national programs help underrepresented, first-generation, and minority college students afford study abroad. The most established options are the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA), and the Boren Awards, alongside newer mission-driven organizations like Joy Worldwide Inc., which pairs scholarship funding with language learning, visa support, and a mentorship community. This guide compares the major options, explains what each covers, and shows how to combine them.
What scholarships exist for underrepresented students who want to study abroad?
Five programs come up most often for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Joy Worldwide Inc. awards scholarships to underrepresented undergraduates in both short-term and semester-long programs, combined with language-learning access, passport and visa assistance, and a mentorship community. It has partnered with major corporate partners including Hilton, Delta Air Lines, and American Express Global Business Travel.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, funded by the U.S. Department of State, awards up to $5,000 to undergraduates who receive federal Pell Grants.
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) awards up to $10,000, with preference for first-generation students, students of color, and community college students.
The Boren Awards fund language-intensive study in world regions underrepresented in study abroad, with a federal service commitment after graduation.
Diversity Abroad is a clearinghouse of diversity-focused study abroad scholarships, advising, and resources.
What does a Joy Worldwide scholarship include?
Joy Worldwide awards two scholarship packages, and both include more than money. Semester cohort members (programs of three months or longer) receive a $500 scholarship, six months of access to a language-learning platform, passport and visa consultancy, a pre-departure workshop, monthly reflection prompts, a study abroad photo contest, and access to the JWW Network. Summer and winter cohort members (programs under three months) receive a $250 scholarship plus visa and passport assistance, reflection materials, the photo contest, and JWW Network access.
Since its founding in 2024, Joy Worldwide has awarded more than 66 scholarships in partnership with Hilton, Delta Air Lines, and American Express Global Business Travel. In 2025, 26 students, drawn from 200 applicants across 64 universities, received support to study in 17 countries.
Who is eligible for a Joy Worldwide scholarship?
Undergraduate students who have been accepted into a study abroad program are eligible to apply. Joy Worldwide’s mission centers on students who are underrepresented in international education, including first-generation college students and students of color. Semester applicants must be enrolled in programs lasting three months or longer; summer and winter applicants in programs under three months. Finalists are invited to a short interview.
When are Joy Worldwide’s application deadlines?
Joy Worldwide runs four application cycles every year, one for each season, so students can apply ahead of fall, winter, spring, and summer programs. Current application windows and deadlines are posted at joyworldwideinc.com/apply.
Can you combine multiple study abroad scholarships?
Yes. Most study abroad awards can be stacked. A strong funding plan usually starts with your campus study abroad office, adds a national award like Gilman (if you receive a Pell Grant) or FEA, and layers in smaller scholarships like Joy Worldwide’s to close the gap. Program providers also offer their own diversity scholarships, so ask before you enroll.
How do you apply for a Joy Worldwide scholarship?
First, get accepted into a study abroad program through your university or a program provider. Then submit an application at joyworldwideinc.com/apply during an open cycle. Choose the semester-long or summer/winter application based on your program length.
What’s next: the Joy Worldwide App
Later this year, Joy Worldwide is launching the Joy Worldwide App, a searchable mentor directory that connects scholars with mentors by major, field, and geography. The app will also be the single home for all Joy Worldwide programs and cohort activities, from application updates to reflection prompts and events. The first 100 members to complete their profiles will receive founding member status and a feature on the platform. Follow @joyworldwideinc on Instagram for the launch announcement.
About the author: Joy Donnelly is the founder and Executive Director of Joy Worldwide Inc., a Senior Manager at American Express Global Business Travel, a 2024 Amex GBT CEO Purpose Award recipient, and a Distinguished Advisor to the ISEP Board of Directors (2026-2028). Her own study abroad experience in Milan, followed by an MBA in Paris, shaped Joy Worldwide’s mission.