Funding Sources

Before you begin applying for a program, it is important to think about how you will cover the costs of your program. We've outlined some of the most common sources that other Pitt students use to fund their experiences, but this list is not exhaustive.

PittFund$Me

PittFund$Me connects you with real, relevant scholarships. As a current Pitt student, you can log into PittFund$Me – hosted on the Scholarship Universe system – and answer a series of profile questions. The adaptive matching engine will display scholarship opportunities that are tailored to you. And don’t worry – you’ll only see institutional scholarships and vetted outside scholarships so you can be confident as you submit scholarship applications. You’ll be able to manage  all scholarship applications in a personalized dashboard – and will even post alerts for new scholarships for which you may be eligible.    Be proactive and take ownership of the scholarship search process. We know the difference that that funding can make and we want to help streamline this process as much as possible.

Check out common scholarships for Global Experiences that are posted on PittFund$me.  

Providers Scholarships

The following study abroad program providers offer scholarships that are need-based, merit-based, and diversity-based. Click on the provider’s name to access the most up-to-date information on their respective website.

Provider Needs-Based Merit-Based Diversity-Based
AIFS  X X X
API X X X
Arcadia X X  
CEA X X X
CET X X X
CIEE X X X
DIS X X X
IES Abroad X   X
IFSA-Butler X   X
ISA X X X
SFS X   X
SIT X   X
SRAS X X  
TEAN X X X
Tel Aviv Unviersity X X X
UNIC X X X

Scholarships, Grants, and Private Student Loans 

If you receive any scholarships or financial aid from the University, including any state or federal grants, you may be able to use at least a portion of it to help fund your global experience. Because study abroad programs are considered educational experiences, most costs related to participating are eligible to be covered by federal or private student loans. It is your responsibility to check with your loan servicer or provider to determine what you can and cannot use loans for.

Your study abroad advisor can give you a general idea of how your financial aid package may apply to your experience, but it is your responsibility to verify eligibility with your financial aid advisor. Oakland campus students should make an appointment with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. If you are on a regional campus, talk to your campus coordinator or financial aid advisor.

 

Federal and Private Student Loans

Because study abroad programs are considered educational experiences, most costs related to participating are eligible to be covered by federal or private student loans.  It is your responsibility to check with your loan servicer or provider to determine what you can and cannot use loans for.

Your study abroad advisor can give you a general idea of how your financial aid package may apply to your experience but it is your responsibility to verify eligibility with your financial aid advisor.  Oakland campus students should make an appointment with an advisor in OAFA.  If you are on a regional campus, talk to your campus coordinator or financial aid advisor.

 

National Scholarships

Scholarships are also available for global programs from national and government agencies as well as foundations and non-profit groups. Please visit our National Scholarships page to learn more.

Personal Funds and Other Funding Sources 

You should expect to use some of your own funds towards the cost of your program or related expenses. You should expect to use some of your own funds towards the cost of your program and related expenses. There are many local, community, regional, and national organizations that offer funding for study abroad experiences. Organizations like the Rotary Club, community centers, and others may have funding available - it never hurts to ask! Or, consider setting up a ‘Go Fund Me’ account.