Study Abroad as an HBCU Student: Scholarships, Programs, and How to Make It Happen

Quick Answer: Yes — HBCU students absolutely can study abroad, and there are scholarships specifically designed to remove the financial and informational barriers that keep many from going. Joy Worldwide, the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, the Fund for Education Abroad, and Diversity Abroad all offer funding for underrepresented and first-generation students, including those attending HBCUs. The biggest obstacle isn't eligibility — it's knowing where to look.

Only about 8 percent of first-generation college students study abroad — a number that barely moves, year after year, even as the benefits of international experience become harder to dispute. For students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the gap is even wider.

HBCUs produce a disproportionately high percentage of Black professionals in STEM, law, and business, and yet their students are consistently underrepresented in study abroad programs.

That's not a coincidence. It's a resource problem. It's an information problem. And it's the exact problem Joy Worldwide exists to solve.

This post is for every HBCU student who's wondered if study abroad is really for them — and every first-generation student who's assumed it wasn't. It is. Here's how to make it happen.

Why don't more HBCU students study abroad?

The barriers are real, and they're worth naming plainly:

Cost

Study abroad programs carry tuition, housing, flights, visas, and daily expenses. For students managing loans, working jobs, or sending money home, an extra semester overseas can feel financially impossible — even before asking whether financial aid applies.

Information gaps

Many HBCUs have smaller or under-resourced study abroad offices compared to large research universities. Students may not even know programs exist, let alone which ones accept FAFSA or offer external scholarships.

Feeling like it "isn't for people like me"

Study abroad marketing still over-indexes on students who look one particular way and come from families with passports in the drawer. That messaging is changing, but it hasn't changed enough.

Concerns about safety, belonging, and support

Going abroad as a Black student means thinking about things white students often don't have to — racism in the destination country, being the only person who looks like you in the program, and what happens if something goes wrong.

These are legitimate concerns. They deserve real answers, not dismissal. And they're precisely why organizations focused on underrepresented and first-generation students matter.

What scholarships are available for HBCU students to study abroad?

Several strong funding options exist — and they can often be stacked. Here are the ones worth knowing:

Joy Worldwide Scholarships

Joy Worldwide offers scholarships specifically for underrepresented undergraduate students, with a strong focus on first-generation students, students of color, and students from underrepresented communities.

JWW recipients have studied in 17 countries and attended 64 universities across the U.S., including a number of HBCUs.

Scholarships are available regardless of GPA or prior travel experience. Applications run four times a year for each semester and for summer/winter short-term programs.

Apply: joyworldwideinc.com/apply

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Gilman Scholarship is a U.S. Department of State program that awards up to $5,000 (and up to $8,000 for students studying a critical language) to undergraduates who receive Pell Grants.

Because Gilman eligibility is tied to Pell rather than institution type, HBCU students are well-positioned to apply. Gilman also accepts applicants going to non-traditional destinations, making it a great option for students interested in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)

FEA awards scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, prioritizing first-generation students, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with financial need.

Their application process includes an essay component that encourages applicants to explain why studying abroad matters within their own personal journey.

Diversity Abroad

Diversity Abroad is both a scholarship provider and a resource platform. Their scholarship database allows students to search for funding opportunities based on destination, field of study, and institution type.

Boren Awards

The Boren Awards fund study in world regions underrepresented in U.S. foreign policy, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Awards can provide up to $20,000 for undergraduate students interested in international relations, public service, or national security.

The biggest mistake is assuming you have to pick one scholarship or another. Many of these scholarships are stackable—you can apply to Joy Worldwide, Gilman, and FEA simultaneously and receive funding from more than one source.

Are there study abroad programs designed specifically for HBCU students?

A few, though the landscape is still developing:

• ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs) partners with HBCUs and offers programs in more than 50 countries, making it an excellent option for schools with limited study abroad infrastructure.

• CIEE and IES Abroad both have diversity initiatives and continue expanding partnerships with HBCUs.

• Some universities, such as Howard University, have alumni networks abroad that provide community and support.

• HBCUConnect and the National HBCU Alumni Alliance occasionally share study abroad opportunities worth exploring.

If your school's study abroad office is limited, don't stop there. Many external scholarships and providers allow you to apply directly.

Am I eligible for study abroad scholarships as an HBCU student?

For most scholarships, yes.

General eligibility includes:

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student at an accredited U.S. institution (HBCUs qualify)

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident for programs such as Gilman and Boren

• Planning to participate in a credit-bearing study abroad program lasting at least four weeks

Additional notes:

• Gilman: Requires recipients to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

• Joy Worldwide: Prioritizes first-generation students, students of color, and students with demonstrated financial need. No minimum GPA is required.

If you're unsure about eligibility, reach out directly to the scholarship provider. Asking questions will never hurt your chances.

What if my HBCU doesn't have a dedicated study abroad office?

This is more common than you think, and it doesn't have to stop you.

• Find a faculty member or advisor who supports international education.

• Consider providers like ISEP, CIEE, or IES Abroad, which manage much of the administrative process.

• Use organizations like Joy Worldwide, Gilman, and FEA for guidance throughout the application process.

• Connect with alumni who have previously studied abroad—they can offer practical advice and firsthand insight.

How do I make study abroad work financially?

Even with scholarships, planning ahead makes all the difference.

• Use existing financial aid whenever possible.

• Consider destinations where living costs are lower than your home institution.

• Stack scholarships from multiple organizations.

• Budget for additional expenses like visas, insurance, and flights early in the planning process.

Ready to take the next step?

Joy Worldwide scholarships are open to undergraduate students at U.S. colleges and universities, including HBCUs.

We fund students studying in destinations around the world and especially encourage applications from first-generation students and students of color who have felt that study abroad was out of reach.

If you have questions about eligibility, applications, or choosing the right program, we're here to help.

Apply for a Joy Worldwide Scholarship

You belong in this conversation. You belong in this world. Study abroad is for you.