Scholarships and Financial Aid

CCSA, a non-profit organization, is deeply committed to making study abroad accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background. We believe that every student should have the opportunity to expand their horizons through international education.

To support this mission, we offer need-based scholarships to assist students who may face financial barriers. Additionally, we offer creative work scholarships that recognize students for their unique talents and contributions, enabling them to share their personal stories while funding their study abroad experience.

Through these scholarships, CCSA helps students discover the world and craft their own meaningful and transformative study-abroad journeys.

Start Early!

Planning ahead gives you the best chance to secure funding. Many scholarships have deadlines that fall well in advance of travel, so don’t wait. Visit your education abroad office, do your homework, and give yourself time to apply!

Have questions? We’re happy to help guide you through the process. CCSA also has flexible payment plans - write finance@ccsa.cc to inquire.

CCSA Traveler Scholarship

The CCSA Traveler Scholarship is designed to encourage participation by offering support to students with demonstrated financial need.

Requirements

Pell Grant eligible
Enrolled in a CCSA program for credit
Enrolled as a full-time student at a CCSA member institution
Submit a completed CCSA application (including deposit)
(If accepted) Submit a completed financial verification form

Award

$300+ per individual award
The award is applied as a reduction to the final payment due to CCSA
You may only receive one CCSA Scholarship per term

CCSA Storyteller Scholarship

The CCSA Storyteller Scholarship is designed to encourage creativity and storytelling through personal narrative

Bring Your Study Abroad Story to Life Through Video!

Your project should creatively capture your CCSA experience using video as the main format. Think of it as your personal highlight reel of the adventure, the academics, and the unforgettable moments along the way. Here are a few fun and engaging video-only project ideas to get you started:

Daily Vlog Series – Film a short video each day showing your surroundings, course activities, meals, and memorable moments. Share what you are learning and discovering as it happens.
Mini Documentary – Create a short, polished film (5 to 10 minutes) that tells a story from your time abroad, such as your class project, the local culture, or how the experience changed you.
Vertical Video Journal – Use Instagram Reels or TikTok-style clips to post quick, creative reflections and cultural snapshots from each day of the program. Add music, captions, and your personality.
Creative Recap – Edit a fast-paced, music-backed highlight reel showing the best parts of your trip such as travel scenes, group moments, and academic discoveries.

Video-only projects should be accessible without requiring a login and hosted on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or similar. Be original, be authentic, and most importantly, have fun with it!

Requirements

Enrolled in a CCSA program for credit
Enrolled as a full-time student at a CCSA member institution
Submit a completed CCSA application (including deposit)
Grant ownership and unrestricted use of the final project to CCSA

The selected student is expected to produce high-quality videography that reflects the standards of a CCSA program. The final video should be suitable for use on the CCSA website. While the focus is video, students may also propose creative formats such as a YouTube series or other accessible digital platforms.

Award

$400+ per individual award
The award is applied as a reduction to the final payment due to CCSA
You may only receive one CCSA Scholarship per term

Other Funding Opportunities

You can also explore a wide range of external scholarships based on your academic focus, destination, background, and more. A little research can go a long way—be sure to search by key terms such as "study abroad scholarships for [your major or destination]."

Here are a few national and regional opportunities that past study abroad students have found helpful:

Your own campus!

Many CCSA member institutions offer study abroad scholarships. Make sure you are looking into those - and be aware of their deadlines.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

A U.S. Department of State program that offers grants of $3,000–$5,000 to students with limited financial means.

Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and currently receiving a Federal Pell Grant
Details & Application: Visit the Gilman website
Apply early, as regular deadline results may arrive after CCSA payment deadlines

Gilman-McCain Scholarship

For child dependents of active duty U.S. military members, this scholarship awards $5,000 to support study abroad.

Eligibility: U.S. citizen and dependent of an active duty service member
Details & Application: Visit the Gilman-McCain website

Additional Scholarship Resources

Fund for Education Abroad
GoAbroad.com Scholarships
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant
Golden Key International Honour Society Scholarships
Bluegrass Community Foundation Scholarships
David Hershberg Scholarship (for Louisville-area students)