CIEE Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded & Partial Awards for Study Abroad Programs

CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) strives to increase access to study abroad and intercultural exchange programs. Each year, CIEE provides millions in scholarships and grants to help high school and college students from the United States and around the world make their dreams of studying abroad a reality.

From fully funded exchange programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State to merit scholarships and travel grants, CIEE opens doors to transformative educational experiences. If you are looking for similar opportunities, explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students.

Scholarships for High School Students to Go Abroad

Global Navigator Scholarships – Full or partial scholarships for Global Navigator High School Summer Abroad programs at more than 30 international destinations.

Congress‑Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) – A fully funded scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag. American students attend high school in Germany and live with a German host family for a year.

Host Family Scholarships – $1,000 toward a Global Navigator High School Study Abroad Program for families who have hosted a CIEE student in the United States.

For students seeking other funded programs in Europe, check latest scholarships in Germany for all nationalities.

Scholarships for College Students to Go Abroad

GAIN Travel Grant – Up to $1,500 toward airfare for high‑need students participating in a CIEE program.

Gilman Go Global Grant – Up to $2,500 toward program costs for any qualified applicant for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, regardless of whether they are selected as a Gilman Scholar.

Merit Scholarships – A variety of scholarships for students of high academic achievement interested in programs in tropical and marine ecology, comparative studies, public health, or other select themes.

The Douglass‑O'Connell Global Internship – A fully funded summer internship program in Dublin, Ireland, designed for exceptional student leaders.

Scholarships for International Students to Come to the United States

Congress‑Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) – A fully funded scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag for German students to attend high school in the United States and live with an American host family for a year.

Kennedy‑Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) – Administered by the U.S. Department of State, this program provides scholarships for high school students from countries of strategic importance around the world to spend an academic year in the United States.

Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) – Administered by the U.S. Department of State, this scholarship provides opportunities for high school students from Eurasia to spend a year in the United States.

Baltic‑America Freedom Foundation (BAFF) Leadership Academy – A full scholarship for students from Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania to participate in a three‑week CIEE Global Navigator High School Summer Program for Entrepreneurship and a five‑day tour of New York and Washington, D.C., upon completion of the CIEE program.

For applicants interested in other exchange programs, see United Kingdom's latest scholarships in 2026.

Work & Travel Scholarships

Civic Leadership Summit – Fellowships that cover the costs for young leaders from around the world who are participating in the summer Work & Travel USA program to attend a late‑summer event in Washington, D.C., where they can network with peers and learn about leadership, social entrepreneurship, and cultural understanding.

Scholarships for CIEE Alumni

Go Abroad Again Grant – Up to $1,500 off for CIEE study abroad alumni and their siblings if they enroll in another non‑consecutive CIEE program.

Alumni Child Global Navigator Discount – A 10% discount on Global Navigator High School Study Abroad Programs for the child of a CIEE program alum.

For additional financial aid options across North America, explore financial aids for students in North America.

How to Apply for CIEE Scholarships

Step 1: Visit the official CIEE Scholarships website at ciee.org/scholarships.

Step 2: Choose your program type: high school study abroad, college study abroad, or exchange to the United States.

Step 3: Review the specific eligibility criteria and deadlines for your chosen scholarship.

Step 4: Complete the online application for your desired CIEE program.

Step 5: Submit any additional scholarship applications or essays required.

Step 6: Await notification from CIEE regarding your scholarship award.

Support CIEE Scholarship Funds

You can help democratize intercultural exchange by donating to the Global Navigator Scholarship Fund to prepare American high school students for a bright future. Or donate to the CIEE BridgeUSA Program to help exceptional young people from around the world immerse themselves in American culture. For other giving opportunities, contact Jennifer Pitre at jpitre@ciee.org.

Final Thoughts

CIEE offers millions in scholarships and grants annually to make study abroad accessible for high school and college students. Whether you are an American student looking to study in Germany, a German student wanting to experience life in the U.S., or a young leader from Eurasia or the Baltics, there is a CIEE scholarship for you. Explore the opportunities and apply today.

For a complete list of open scholarships in North America, visit list of all open scholarships in North America.

Apply Now for CIEE Scholarships