Scholarships and discounts
Historically, USAC has provided more than $1.25 million in scholarships, grants, and discounts annually. Awards range from $500 to $5,000, with most awarded students receiving $1,000 to $2,500.
Scholarships are awarded three times a year to assist USAC students with their study abroad expenses. While these are competitive and awarded to students based on need, eligibility, and essay score, we aim to provide as many scholarships as possible.
Funding study abroad requires financial planning. It’s our mission to provide accessible study abroad for all, which is why our programs are affordable and created with students’ finances in mind. We also offer interactive budget sheets, which provide a breakdown of program costs, such as fees, housing, and tours, located in a program’s “Fees and Deadlines.” This tool provides a comprehensive overview of study abroad costs.
We encourage students to apply for USAC scholarships and external scholarships, and research home university financial aid options. Studying abroad is possible and often much more affordable than you may realize.
Applying for USAC Scholarships
USAC Scholarships are only available to students who have already applied to a USAC program. Once you've applied, the scholarship application will be available in the student portal called USAC Student Gateway.
No need to apply for individual scholarships! By completing the USAC Scholarship Application after you apply to your program, you will automatically be considered for all scholarships for which you qualify.
- Summer programs:
March 1 - Fall/Yearlong programs:
May 1 - January/Spring programs:
October 1
Our deadlines are firm, no late applications will be accepted. It is strongly encouraged that you apply in advance of the deadline rather than on the last day in case there are any issues with technology.
If you’ve submitted your application and need to make a change, please contact scholarships@usac.edu.
You should hear back about the outcome of your scholarship application within one month after the published deadlines above.
All decisions will be delivered via email. For most students, the scholarship will appear in Gateway reflected as a credit on your invoice.
USAC Discounts
NEW: $1,000 Fall 2026 program fee discount in Gold Coast, Australia
Students who enroll in Griffith University’s Fall 2026 30 Credit Point term will receive a $1,000 program fee discount. This limited-time offer gives international students added flexibility in their course load and more opportunities to explore all the Gold Coast has to offer. Students must apply by April 1, 2026 to receive this discount.
Returning/Extending Student Discount
Students who complete a USAC semester/year program abroad are eligible for a $500 discount towards a future semester/year Specialty Program or a $300 discount for a future on-site summer/January Specialty Program. Students who complete a USAC summer or January program are eligible for a $300 discount towards a future on-site semester/year Specialty Program or a $100 discount for another summer or January Specialty Program.
This discount may not be applied towards our online/virtual internship programs. However, students who complete a USAC online course or virtual internship are eligible for a $300 program fee credit towards a future Semester Specialty Program abroad or a $100 program fee credit towards a future Summer Specialty Program abroad.
Questions about scholarships? Contact scholarships@usac.edu.