Higher Ed
scholarships
We’re proud to offer scholarships for traveling students each year. This scholarship program evolved from our belief in the value of creating future global leaders and citizens through transformational study abroad experiences.
We’re committed to helping more university students study abroad, experience different perspectives, and immerse themselves in different cultures and perspectives. The following scholarships are open to all undergraduate and graduate students traveling on a WorldStrides faculty-led program. (Executive students are not eligible).
Higher Education Traveler Scholarship
$3,000
We understand the value of higher education global travel and the positive impact it has on a student’s future success, so we created this merit-based scholarship program in 2017 so more students can make education abroad a reality.
When applying for this scholarship, you’ll be asked to submit a personal statement based on this prompt:
Explain the importance and impact of global, experiential student travel in today’s society, and how this scholarship will contribute to you achieving your education and career goals.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship
$3,000
We believe in giving all students the opportunity to learn through experience. This scholarship is intended for students with underrepresented identities in education abroad. This can include, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQ+, first-generation college students, U.S. military veterans, students with disabilities, and/or students at minority-serving institutions.
When applying, you’ll be asked to list all identities that may qualify you for this scholarship, as well as a personal based on this prompt:
How will your identity(ies) and background influence your study abroad experience and contribute to your future personal and academic goals? Your essay should include your rationale for choosing the academic program and location, a specific reference of your identity(ies), your intended major or career, and your future personal and academic goals.
Natalie Shea Memorial Scholarship
$3,000
After her passing in the Fall of 2020, we wanted to celebrate her enthusiasm for travel, cultural understanding, and the Russian language by offering a scholarship in her name. Through Natalie’s legacy, we hope to inspire deserving students to explore the world through a new lens for years to come.
When applying for this scholarship, you’ll be asked to submit a personal statement based on this prompt:
In honor of Natalie’s love of exploration and foreign languages, describe how travel has allowed, or will allow, you to better understand a culture or language different than your own.
Deadlines
Available quantity is based on departure date ranges. Refer to this table:
Scholarships
Spring
January 1 – April 30
Summer
May 1 – August 30
Fall
September 1 – December 31
Higher Education Traveler
1
0
1
Diversity & Inclusion
1
1
1
Natalie Shea Memorial
0
1
0
Application deadline
November 15
March 15
July 15
Scholarships
Spring
January 1 - April 31
Higher Education Traveler
1
Diversity & Inclusion
1
Natalie Shea Memorial
0
Application deadline
November 15
Summer
May 1 - August 30
Higher Education Traveler
0
Diversity & Inclusion
0
Natalie Shea Memorial
1
Application deadline
March 15
Fall
September 1 - December 31
Higher Education Traveler
1
Diversity & Inclusion
1
Natalie Shea Memorial
0
Application deadline
July 15
How to apply
While submitting your application, you can apply for more than one scholarship. However, each student is only eligible to receive 1 scholarship award.
- Selected applicants will be notified approximately 6 weeks after the application deadline.
- Upon submission, each applicant will be asked to read and accept our scholarship terms and conditions.
- Each scholarship application requires the following documents:
- Personal statement based on specific prompt (500–750 words)
- Letter of recommendation
- Unofficial transcript or letter of good standing from the student’s university
Meet some of our past scholarship winners
The WorldStrides Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship is extremely valuable to me because it has allowed me, as a Black student, to travel the world—an opportunity that has historically been difficult for many who look like me. I plan to take full advantage of this opportunity by learning every day of my trip and exploring Iceland to gain exposure and invaluable skills. This experience will not only enrich my academic journey but broaden my personal and professional horizons as I study Supply Chains and Operations Management in Reykjavik.
Bryce E., Villanova University
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship Winner, 2024
Genesis Ordoñez Ramirez, Arizona State University
Natalie Shea Memorial Scholarship Winner, 2024
Elizabeth Kosmidis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Higher Ed Traveler Scholarship Winner, 2023
Carlos Ortega, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship Winner, 2024
We also offer an international financial assistance (IFA) program.
