The Study Abroad Office is committed to removing barriers to increase accessibility for all students to have the chance to study abroad. Many students use scholarships to help reduce the cost of their study abroad programs. Scholarships can be broadly divided into two categories.

Internal scholarships are directed by a Ball State center or academic department. Funds may be available from your academic department or college, and there are also scholarships available from the Rinker Center for Global Affairs.

External scholarships are offered by National agencies or foundations, non-profit organizations, or by specific study abroad program providers. The Study Abroad office may be able to assist with some information, but the responsibility for applying for these scholarships will lie largely with the student.

Internal Scholarships

There are many academic departments or other entities on campus that have scholarships or funds that are either specifically for study abroad or may be used for study abroad. For many of these opportunities, you must be a student within that particular College, School, or Department. Please refer to the application instructions in the document or contact the academic unit in question. These scholarships are detailed in the downloadable document below.

 

Ball State Institutional Scholarships for Study Abroad

The Rinker Center for Global Affairs is committed to helping Ball State students make their experiences abroad affordable. The Rinker Center administers 14 different scholarship funds. Some are need-based, others are merit-based, and eligibility varies. We have a streamlined application process so that applying for one of our scholarships puts you in the pool for all eligible scholarships. Award values typically range from $250 to $1000, and the type, length, or cost of a program and the strength of your application may impact the amounts of each award. The application for Rinker Center Scholarships is done right alongside your study abroad application. When your study abroad application asks if you want to apply for Rinker Center scholarships, simply say ‘YES’ and submit your materials. You will be asked to submit a maximum 500-word Statement of Purpose essay as well as (optionally) up to 2 letters of recommendation from Faculty. While the competitiveness can vary by term and program, we advise students that typically 25% to 40% of applicants receive a scholarship award from our office.  

Your scholarship application is typically due the same date for each term as your study abroad application. Whenever possible, we will make all award decisions after the application deadline and before the commitment deadline. All scholarship applicants who are accepted to a study abroad program will be notified about their scholarship status regardless of whether or not they have been awarded a scholarship. Upon completion of their study abroad program, all scholarship recipients are requested to provide a short letter of appreciation to the BSU Study Abroad Office to share with their award donors.

Rinker Center Scholarship Funds:

  • Marshall E. Rinker Sr. Fund
  • Phyllis Ann Yuhas International Scholarship
  • Jeff and Susanne Prather International Travel Scholarship
  • Jim and Leah Turner Scholarship
  • The Pierce Scholarship Fund
  • Scholarship in Memory of Alexander M. Dollar, Jean R. Dollar, and Cathlin E. Dollar
  • Fox-Williams Scholarship Fund
  • Mary Catherine Sample Study Abroad Scholarship
  • Sanno/Japan Studies Scholarship
  • Alumni Fund for Study Abroad
  • Helen Jane Martin Memorial Scholarship
  • UK Scholarship

The Study Abroad Start Up Fund is a financial resource directed to assist students with securing passports, visas, or other upfront expenses necessary to apply for a study abroad program. The items that can be covered is narrow, but this fund is designed for elements such as passport applications, student visas (and related travel to consulates), required deposits, and required immunizations—expenses that often arise before a study abroad term officially begins.

  • Maximum Award: $500 (most common award amount is $165, the cost of a U.S. passport). Requests that exceed $500 cannot be considered.
  • Eligibility: Students may apply once per academic year. Priority is given to first-generation college students and Pell-eligible students. Eligibility is verified by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
  • What It Covers: Needs prior to study abroad travel that the student would not otherwise be able to afford. Only passports, student visas, and required deposits are eligible. Other start up expenses must be pre-approved by the Study Abroad Office. Applications that request program expenses, tuition, flights, or other items will not be considered.
  • How to Request: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and funds are disbursed directly to the student within two weeks of approval. Students should apply as early as possible and update their Direct Deposit to ensure timely access to funds.

START UP FUND REQUEST FORM

Should a student receive an award, they will be expected to provide a short testimonial about their study abroad experience after their program and how these funds helped them to study abroad.

Don't forget that the Rinker Center offers free passport photos for Ball State students, staff, and faculty! Come visit us in SC 102 anytime during regular business hours.

There are many options outside of Ball State for finding additional funding for your study abroad program. Opportunities for scholarships may be offered by non-profits, companies, or the U.S. government. Some may be identity-based, and others may require applicants to demonstrate financial need. Some of Ball State's study abroad partner providers also offer scholarship opportunities to students participating in one of their programs.

For Nationally Competitive Scholarships (such as the Gilman, Boren, etc.), we encourage you to contact Andrea Wolfe of the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (ONCS). ONCS provides Ball State students and recent alumni with support to apply for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships, which can fund study abroad programs. See the downloadable PDF below which outlines several avenues for external study abroad scholarships.

External Scholarships for Study AbroaD PDF