Scholarships & Funding for Custom Program Travelers

$2.4 million in scholarships and grants awarded annually

Three named scholarship programs with $3,000 awards each

International Financial Assistance program offering $500 support

Merit-based and need-based options

Support for students from underrepresented backgrounds

Emphasis on cultural understanding and language exploration

About Scholarships & Funding for Custom Program Travelers Program

This page presents WorldStrides' comprehensive scholarship and financial aid programs designed to make study abroad accessible to undergraduate and graduate students. WorldStrides awards over $2.4 million annually in scholarships and grants to support students pursuing transformational international experiences. The organization offers three primary merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities: the Higher Education Traveler Scholarship ($3,000), the WorldStrides Impact Scholarship ($3,000), and the Natalie Shea Memorial Scholarship ($3,000), each with distinct eligibility criteria and application prompts. Additionally, through partnership with the Foundation for International Education, WorldStrides provides $500 in International Financial Assistance (IFA) for undergraduate students demonstrating significant financial need. These funding opportunities are available for short-term, faculty-led programs departing in Spring (January–April), Summer (May–August), or Fall (September–December), with rolling application deadlines throughout the year. The scholarships are designed to expand access to global learning for students from diverse backgrounds, with particular emphasis on supporting underrepresented students, language and cultural enthusiasts, and those with demonstrated financial barriers to international travel. Student testimonials highlight how these scholarships have enabled meaningful experiences in destinations like Iceland, Japan, and beyond, allowing recipients to pursue hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and professional development opportunities that enhance both academic journeys and career trajectories. If you're an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institution interested in studying abroad through WorldStrides, you can apply for one or more scholarships based on your departure date, though each student may receive only one award. The application requires a personal statement (under 400 words), a letter of recommendation, and unofficial transcript or letter of good standing.

Program Details

Program Type

Faculty-Led

Academic Level

Undergraduate

Application Requirements

Currently enrolled at accredited school of higher education
Undergraduate or graduate student (Executive students not eligible)
Participating in short-term, faculty-led WorldStrides program
Have Program/Trip ID from university or faculty leader
Submit personal statement (under 400 words) based on scholarship-specific prompt
Provide letter of recommendation
Submit unofficial transcript or letter of good standing
For IFA: demonstrate financial need (50% of yearly tuition from financial aid)
For IFA: departure date must be 90+ days from application completion

Cost & Funding

Program Cost

From $500

Scholarships & Aid

Available

Funding Details

Three primary scholarships available: Higher Education Traveler Scholarship ($3,000, merit-based, Spring and Fall departures), WorldStrides Impact Scholarship ($3,000, for students from various backgrounds seeking to create global impact, all seasons), and Natalie Shea Memorial Scholarship ($3,000, for students passionate about language and cultural exploration, Summer and Fall departures). Application deadlines: November 15 (Spring), March 15 (Summer), July 15 (Fall). Additionally, International Financial Assistance ($500) available for undergraduate students demonstrating financial need (50% of yearly tuition from financial aid sources). All applicants must submit personal statement, letter of recommendation, and transcript/letter of good standing. Each student eligible for only one award. Over $2.4 million in total scholarships and grants awarded annually.

Housing & Support

Housing

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Visa Assistance

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Health Insurance

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Application Deadline

Rolling admissions — apply early

Program Starts

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About WorldStrides Higher Ed

WorldStrides Higher Ed

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Reviews for WorldStrides Higher Ed

1,891 Reviews · 4.82/5

4.82

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

1,891 Reviews

4.82/5

Reviews Summary

Participants consistently report transformative experiences studying abroad with WorldStrides, praising the program's ability to facilitate personal growth and cultural immersion. Reviewers highlight the company's responsiveness and supportive staff throughout the entire study abroad journey. While the vast majority of participants describe life-changing experiences and exceptional program quality, one reviewer raised concerns about pricing and questioned whether WorldStrides' services justified the cost compared to booking directly.

Specific strengths mentioned across reviews include comprehensive support before, during, and after departure; well-organized excursions that showcase each destination's best attractions; quality housing arrangements; and staff who go above and beyond to create positive experiences. Participants note that stepping outside their comfort zones led to meaningful personal development, cultural learning, and lasting friendships. Multiple reviewers describe their time abroad as among the most impactful experiences of their lives, with one participant noting how the program helped them gain new perspectives on how they live their daily lives.

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