How to pay for study abroad

Q: Who is eligible to become a Delaware Diplomat?

Any highly engaged student interested in travelling the world, embracing new cultures and developing a global mindset. While the program is best suited for current first-year students and sophomores, it is also open to juniors. 

Q: How do I become a Delaware Diplomat?

Each semester, CGPS invites students to apply for the Delaware Diplomats Scholarship Program. This process includes completing an online application, attending an orientation session and completing a brief online assessment. Throughout the year, students attend monthly meetings and participate in at least three badge activities per semester. 

The spring application is already open and will close on Feb. 20, 2025. Students who join this semester can earn funds for Winter 2026 programs and after. To learn more about the Delaware Diplomats Scholarship Program, please visit the website or contact [email protected].

Q: Are there other scholarships to study abroad? 

Yes. The University offers advising for students interested in applying for prestigious United States government scholarships. Past Blue Hens have been honored with the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, Boren Awards, Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) and U.S. Fulbright Scholarship. Applications are currently open for the Boren and Gilman Scholarships. Visit the CGPS Study Abroad Government Scholarships webpage to learn more.

In addition, colleges and departments across campus offer scholarships that support international education, including: 

• The Richard A. Zipser Study Abroad Scholarship is available to students spending a semester in Europe with the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. This $1,000 award supports students with interests in studying French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. 

• The Janet Murdock Prize is awarded to participants in semester-long study abroad programs to Spanish-speaking countries. For more information, please visit the Department of Language, Literatures, and Cultures. 

• The Center For Black Culture (CBC) Educational Enrichment Scholarship offers financial assistance to Black students, which can be applied to study abroad programs.

• The Danish Institute Abroad (DIS) Scholarship supports students who plan to participate in DIS Copenhagen and Stockholm study abroad programs. Since 1985, professor emeritus Peter Rees from the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences has coordinated the programs. 

• The Undergraduate Research Program connects students interested in conducting research abroad with different scholarship opportunities. For instance, the Summer Scholars and Winter Fellows programs may be applied to independent research abroad. Additionally, the Plastino Scholars Program may be applied to international research. Contact the Undergraduate Research Program for more details. 

Ask your faculty director or Dean’s office to find out if there are additional funding opportunities available to bring your study abroad dreams to life. 

Q: Does financial aid apply to study abroad programs? 

Yes. Students may use the federal financial aid they receive to offset the cost of study abroad tuition and fees. For Winter or Summer sessions, students may be eligible for a very limited amount of federal Pell grants. 

Q: How can I apply financial aid to my study abroad program? 

Aid is applied to the student account in the same way it is when studying on-campus. Please note that all financial aid must be received and processed before you depart for your program. Also, please check that you have a current Academic Year FAFSA on file (UD code 001431). 

Q: Are there any additional resources available to financially prepare me to study abroad?

Absolutely. In the CGPS “Before You Explore: Financing Your Study Abroad” webinar, Study Abroad staff break down the financial pros and cons of studying abroad for a semester versus a short-term program, note creative ways other students have used to find extra support, and discuss CGPS financial need-based scholarships and how to earn a scholarship towards a future study abroad program. The next BYE webinar will be on April 8. To register, please visit the Before You Explore webpage.

In addition, Study Abroad Ambassadors are available to offer a student perspective on budgeting before and while abroad. Study Abroad Ambassadors are a carefully selected group of experienced study abroad students and peer mentors, who are willing to share their tips and advice from their own travels. To connect with a Study Abroad Ambassador, please visit the SAA webpage.

Lastly, CGPS staff is always available to discuss students’ study abroad goals. To contact a member of the Study Abroad team, please do not hesitate to visit Alumni Hall or email [email protected]. Find more information at udel.edu/studyabroad. 

If your goal is to study abroad, it is our goal to support you. 

About the Center for Global Programs and Services

The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the University of Delaware is home to the operations of UD Global, which includes Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, World Scholars Program and Global Outreach and Partnerships. The Center provides leadership and collaborative innovation in support of all of the University’s global initiatives and campus internationalization efforts, with its Global 360 Strategy serving as a roadmap for infusing international perspectives throughout the University’s scholarship, research, and service missions. Focused on a student-centered approach, CGPS provides expert advising and a wealth of global engagement opportunities to the UD campus community, including the weekly International Coffee Hour in the fall and spring semesters.

Follow and engage with @UDGlobal on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates on everything global happening at UD.