AFS Global Citizen Scholarships & Aid

Year and Semester Study Abroad Programs with AFS Card Image

Studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances.

Through the help of generous donors, we offer students $1 million in partial to full scholarships for summer, semester, and yearlong AFS-USA study abroad programs. AFS scholarships honor students’ initiative and commitment while providing financial assistance to help more young people experience life abroad.

When you apply, we will work with you to understand your family’s needs and provide as much financial support as possible, ensuring that the cost of studying abroad does not become a barrier to participation.

Student giving peace sign in front of mountains

How to Apply

To be considered for AFS Global Citizen scholarships and aid, you only need to apply to one of our study abroad programs. You must complete both the initial stage of your AFS-USA study abroad application and the scholarship tasks by the deadlines corresponding to your program departure. We work with you to understand your family’s financial needs and match you with one or more of our many scholarships and aid opportunities. AFS study abroad specialists will be with you every step of the way in case you have questions or need help.

Start your program application. AFS students have an openness to learn and be challenged, are flexible, resilient, compassionate, and curious, and are willing to contribute to ongoing dialogues and become lifelong active global citizens. Applicants must demonstrate these qualities in essay questions and an interview.
Complete scholarship tasks: You must complete all scholarship tasks by the scholarship application deadline for your chosen program, which includes a financial need assessment application completed by your parent(s). You can find all scholarship deadlines here. You will get access to the financial need assessment application after completing the initial stage of your study abroad application and the preliminary scholarship interest form. If we need to ask additional questions for specific scholarship opportunities, we’ll let you know.
Submit your application. You do not need to complete a separate scholarship application. The information you provide in the application process may be enough. If we need to ask additional questions for specific scholarship opportunities, we’ll let you know.

We will review your application and inform you of your acceptance to our program, along with the financial aid and scholarships you qualify for. Students who demonstrate financial need and meet the scholarship deadline are eligible for scholarship funding to help make studying abroad more attainable.

Apply Now

If a local scholarship is available in your area, AFS-USA volunteers will reach out to you to provide guidance. The local scholarship may be awarded towards your program fee or for other purposes such as domestic flight expenses or spending money while on program. Currently, the following local scholarships are available:

Capital Area Team Scholarship
Colorado Rockies Area Team Scholarship
Elita Hawley Scholarship
Greater Los Angeles Area Team Scholarships
Kansas City Area Team Scholarship
Michigan Area Team Scholarship
NYC Metro & Hudson Valley Area Team Scholarship
Silver & Gold Area Team Scholarship
Thomas Duke Memorial Scholarship
Western NY Area Team/Eden Chapter Scholarship
World Class Area Team/Chilton Chapter Scholarship

External Funding Opportunities

Crystal Charitable Fund of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
Crystal Fund offers grants that assist low-income students in the metropolitan Chicago area and Illinois in experiencing extended cultural or educational journeys away from home. Qualified students receive up to $4,000 to support a range of enrichment experiences. Visit their website here to learn more about the Crystal Charitable Fund and apply for their grant.