Scholarships for Custom Program Travelers
We’re committed to helping more university students study abroad, experience different perspectives, and immerse themselves in different cultures and perspectives. The following scholarships are open to all undergraduate and graduate students traveling on a WorldStrides faculty-led program. (Executive students are not eligible).
Higher Education Traveler Scholarship | $3,000
We understand the value of higher education global travel and the positive impact it has on a student’s future success, so we created this merit-based scholarship program in 2017 so more students can make education abroad a reality.
When applying for this scholarship, you’ll be asked to submit a personal statement based on this prompt: Explain the importance and impact of global, experiential student travel in today’s society, and how this scholarship will contribute to you achieving your education and career goals.
Impact Scholarship | $3,000
We believe in expanding access and increasing opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds to become global learners by reducing financial barriers. This scholarship is intended for summer and semester students looking to create an impact on the world around them, bringing their own personal perspectives to an international experience.
When applying, you’ll be asked for a personal statement based on this prompt: How will your unique personal experiences and background influence your study abroad experience and contribute to your future personal and academic goals? Your essay should include your rationale for choosing the academic program and location, a specific reference of your background(s), your intended major or career, and your future personal and academic goals.
Natalie Shea Memorial Scholarship | $3,000
Natalie Shea was a beloved colleague at WorldStrides who became a friend to many. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and Russian Language, she backpacked her way across Europe and Russia. This experience further inspired her love for the study of languages and cultures, which ultimately led her to WorldStrides. Natalie’s passion for travel was infectious, and she was an enthusiastic supporter of higher education travel for all.
After her passing in the Fall of 2020, we wanted to celebrate her enthusiasm for travel, cultural understanding, and the Russian language by offering a scholarship in her name. Through Natalie’s legacy, we hope to inspire deserving students to explore the world through a new lens for years to come.
When applying for this scholarship, you’ll be asked to submit a personal statement based on this prompt: In honor of Natalie’s love of exploration and foreign languages, describe how travel has allowed, or will allow, you to better understand a culture or language different than your own.
Scholarship application deadlines
Available quantity is based on departure date ranges. Refer to this table:
Scholarships | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
Higher Education Traveler | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Impact | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Natalie Shea Memorial | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Application deadline | November 15 | March 15 | July 15 |
How to apply
While submitting your application, you can apply for more than one scholarship. However, each student is only eligible to receive 1 scholarship award.
- Selected applicants will be notified approximately six weeks after the application deadline.
- Upon submission, each applicant will be asked to read and accept our scholarship terms and conditions.
Each scholarship application requires the following documents:
- Personal statement based on specific prompt (under 400 words)
- Letter of recommendation
- Unofficial transcript or letter of good standing from the student’s university
Applications for 2026 travelers will open on August 15, 2025. Please check back at that time.
International Financial Assistance
To support this vision, we make over $2 million in funding available each year for traveling students seeking financial support. Through our partnership with the Foundation for International Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we offer $500 in international financial assistance (IFA) for students registered for WorldStrides university programs in the current and subsequent calendar year.
IFA Application Details
The IFA application process is completely confidential. Please contact our IFA team if you meet the following conditions:
- Currently enrolled at an accredited school of higher education. IFA scholarships are open to only undergraduate students traveling on a WorldStrides faculty-led program. (Executive students are not eligible).
- Financial need, as demonstrated by receiving sources of financial aid totaling at least 50% of yearly tuition
- Registered via WorldStrides’ online portal for a full service, international travel program operated by WorldStrides in the current or subsequent
To qualify, your travel departure date must be more than 90 days from the day we receive your completed application. You must complete and return the enclosed application and supporting documents within 2 weeks of receiving them.
To be considered, please submit the following materials:
- Completed application and student statement
- Supporting documents about your current level of annual financial aid (see application for details)
IFA Terms and conditions
Only a limited number of aid dollars are available each year and are awarded based on eligibility and on a first-come, first-serve basis per program. No more than 2 students per travel program will be awarded IFA aid; no more than 4 students per university will be awarded IFA aid in each fiscal year.
IFA is subject to verification of financial need, the student remaining in good academic standing, and the student attending the program they're registered for. Domestic and limited service programs are not eligible. Final payment totals will be updated to reflect your scholarship either 60 days before departure or at your final payment deadline, whichever occurs first. WorldStrides reserves the right to suspend the program at any time. Students and parents are not entitled to any cash amount under any circumstances, including if the scholarship is not used. Only undergraduate students are eligible for IFA scholarships.
For more information, contact our IFA team at 800-422-2368 or IFA@worldstrides.org.