Top 15 Gap Year Scholarships & Grants to Apply For in 2025
Gap years are an exciting opportunity for students to explore the world, pursue internships, or engage in meaningful study. Fortunately, many organizations offer scholarships and grants to help fund these experiences. Below is a curated list of scholarships and grants that will help you make the most of your gap year, whether you’re planning to study, intern, or explore new cultures. Check out these opportunities to get financial support for your 2025 gap year plans.
1. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to U.S. undergraduate students with limited financial means to study abroad. Awarded up to $5,000, this scholarship encourages diverse students to explore international learning opportunities. It is open to students planning to study abroad in the summer, fall, or spring semesters. This is a fantastic option for those seeking to immerse themselves in a global education experience.
Link: Gilman Scholarship Program
2. The Boren Awards for International Study
The Boren Awards support U.S. students who want to study abroad in countries that are critical to U.S. interests and national security. The program offers up to $25,000 for study abroad, with a focus on language acquisition and international relations. This scholarship is a great fit for students interested in languages, cultural immersion, or careers in diplomacy and international affairs.
Link: Boren Awards
3. The Global Citizen Year Fellowship
If you’re taking a gap year and want to make a difference, the Global Citizen Year Fellowship is an excellent opportunity. This program offers fellowships to students who wish to work on social change projects in countries like Brazil, Ecuador, India, and Senegal. The fellowship covers living expenses, travel, and more, providing a meaningful and transformative gap year experience.
Link: Global Citizen Year
4. The Davis Projects for Peace
The Davis Projects for Peace offers grants of up to $10,000 for students who want to carry out peace-building projects during their gap year. Whether you’re interested in working on humanitarian efforts, sustainability, or conflict resolution, this program provides funding to support innovative projects aimed at promoting peace.
Link: Davis Projects for Peace
5. The National Security Education Program (NSEP)
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) offers the Boren Scholarship for undergraduate students planning to study abroad in countries critical to national security. This award helps students pursue programs in underrepresented regions like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The program offers both scholarships and internship opportunities to engage students in international relations and public service.
Link: National Security Education Program
6. The Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship that funds graduate-level study and internships in peace and conflict resolution. Rotary offers fully-funded fellowships for students to study at one of their peace centers around the world, including in Europe. It’s a top choice for those interested in gaining skills in diplomacy and peace-building while exploring new cultures.
Link: Rotary Peace Fellowship
7. The Work & Travel Australia Program Scholarships
For students looking to combine work and travel, the Work & Travel Australia Program offers a variety of scholarships for gap years. The program provides funding for students to work while traveling around Australia, offering a chance to explore the country’s culture, wildlife, and history. Scholarships typically cover airfare, accommodation, and visa costs.
Link: Work & Travel Australia
8. The Intern Abroad Scholarships by CIEE
The CIEE Intern Abroad Program offers scholarships to students who wish to participate in internships overseas. With locations in Europe, Australia, and beyond, CIEE provides opportunities in fields ranging from business to engineering. This scholarship helps students gain hands-on international experience while covering significant portions of the program fees.
Link: CIEE Intern Abroad
9. The Australia Award Scholarships
The Australia Award Scholarships are offered by the Australian government to students from developing countries. These scholarships help students pursue higher education or vocational training in Australia. They cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, making them an excellent option for gap year students interested in studying or interning in Australia.
Link: Australia Awards
10. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) scholarships provide full financial support for students who want to study at universities across Europe. This prestigious program is available to students from all over the world and offers a chance to pursue a master’s degree while exploring multiple European countries. Perfect for those considering a long-term study abroad experience in Europe.
Link: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
11. The Freeman-ASIA Program
The Freeman-ASIA Program provides financial support for U.S. undergraduate students who are studying abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The program helps cover tuition, airfare, and living expenses for students who are committed to international engagement. This scholarship is ideal for students considering study abroad opportunities in Asia.
Link: Freeman-ASIA Program
12. The Mountbatten Internship Program
The Mountbatten Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain professional work experience while living in New York or London. This program is a fantastic way to build your resume, offering internships in a range of industries such as business, finance, and media. The scholarship helps cover living expenses, and the experience is designed for students on a gap year looking for a structured, international work placement.
Link: Mountbatten Internship
13. The Toptal Scholarships for Women
For women pursuing a career in tech, the Toptal Scholarships for Women offer a $10,000 scholarship and internship opportunity. Toptal is an exclusive talent marketplace for freelancers, and this program provides funding for women to take on internships in the tech field during their gap year, along with mentorship and professional growth opportunities.
Link: Toptal Scholarships for Women
14. The AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships
The AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships offer a wide variety of awards to U.S. students interested in studying abroad. These scholarships help cover part of the program costs for students studying in Europe, Australia, or Asia. Whether you’re looking to take a semester abroad or embark on a summer program, AIFS has a scholarship to match your goals.
Link: AIFS Study Abroad
15. The DAAD Scholarships for Study in Germany
For those considering study abroad options in Europe, the DAAD Scholarships for study in Germany provide full funding for students who want to pursue a master’s degree or short-term research programs in Germany. These prestigious scholarships cover all living and tuition expenses, making them ideal for gap year students looking to further their education in Germany.
Link: DAAD Scholarships
Top 5 Reasons Why Scholarships Can Help During Your Gap Year
Taking a gap year can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, offering opportunities to travel, work, study, and grow. However, the financial burden of such an endeavor can be overwhelming. That’s where scholarships and grants come in. Here are the top five reasons why scholarships for gap years and other funding opportunities are essential:
1. They Provide Financial Relief
One of the most immediate and practical benefits of scholarships is that they provide crucial financial assistance. Many students struggle to fund their gap year activities, such as studying abroad, participating in internships, or taking part in volunteer work. Scholarships help reduce the financial barriers that may otherwise prevent students from pursuing these enriching experiences. With funding covering tuition, living expenses, or travel costs, you can focus on the experience itself rather than worrying about how to pay for it.
2. They Open Up Global Opportunities
Scholarships for international programs and gap years give you access to global opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Whether you’re looking to work in Australia, study in Europe, or intern in Asia, there are scholarships that make these opportunities more accessible. These experiences can provide you with the cultural, academic, and professional skills that will set you apart in the future, giving you a competitive edge in both academics and the workforce.
3. They Encourage Personal Growth
A gap year is more than just an academic break; it’s an opportunity for personal development. Scholarships enable you to immerse yourself in new environments, engage with different cultures, and learn outside the classroom. Whether you’re participating in a humanitarian project, working an internship, or studying abroad, scholarships allow you to step outside your comfort zone, become more independent, and gain a broader understanding of the world.
4. They Strengthen Your Resume
Taking a gap year and participating in internships or study abroad
programs can make your resume stand out to future employers or academic institutions. Scholarships often accompany prestigious programs that are recognized internationally, and this recognition can enhance your career prospects. Additionally, the skills you gain during your gap year—such as adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving—are highly valued by employers.
5. They Make Learning More Accessible
Scholarships reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education, enabling you to take part in valuable programs and internships that contribute to your academic and professional growth. Instead of taking on a massive student loan or skipping the experience altogether, scholarships make it possible for you to gain hands-on knowledge, further your education, and experience the world without the stress of incurring heavy debt.
Taking a gap year is an exciting adventure, and securing funding can make the experience more accessible. These scholarships and grants provide amazing opportunities to explore the world, gain work experience, and further your education. Be sure to explore each program’s requirements and deadlines to make the most of these opportunities in 2025!
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