Financial Aid and Scholarships
Funding for Study Abroad
Financing a Study Abroad trip almost always seems impossible or unobtainable. But it does not need to be. Financial Aid may assist qualifying students to make studying abroad a possibility. Keep in mind that the financial aid programs that a student is eligible for are the same for all students, including students participating in study abroad. However, some students may still have additional loan eligibility for the academic year that has not been used and may be eligible to request other aid in the form of student loans. Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships at UTRGV as well as external scholarship funds.
Financial Aid
Make sure to complete your FASFA if you have not done so. Keep in mind that you must be in Good Standing (SAP) and submit a summer notification beginning January 2. Once you have decided to participate in a Study Abroad Program, set-up an appointment with a financial aid advisor to discuss what additional loan options you have available to make your trip possible. Things to keep in mind are that student loans require at least 6 hours of enrollment, and loans are always split into two equal disbursements. Your Study Abroad class should count towards your degree, and you should not graduate before your trip.
Summer Pell
You may now receive total Federal Pell Grant funds for Summer 2021, even if you received a full Federal Pell Grant during the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer Pell will make it more affordable for you to enroll in the summer, and you can finish your degree faster.
Requirements:
- Eligible for Pell Grant
- Enroll in at least 6 hours total during the Summer.
- Meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress. For more information about SAP, please visit www.utrgv.edu/finaid.
Important Note: The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds is limited by federal law to 12 full-time semesters. You can log on to by clicking here to understand your Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).
UTRGV Financial Aid Office will review student records to determine eligibility for a Summer Pell award. Summer awards will be based on full-time enrollment, and award amounts will be adjusted or canceled once registration is confirmed and academic progress is reviewed. You will be notified by email once the Summer awards are complete, and you can check your award via your ASSIST account at www.my.utrgv.edu.
Summer Notification: https://www.utrgv.edu/ucentral/paying-for-college/financial-aid/summer-pell/index.htm
Tuition & Fees for Summer Courses: https://www.utrgv.edu/ucentral/paying-for-college/tuition-fees/tuition-recent/index.htm
Study Abroad Financial Aid Advisor
Marlee Olivarez
956-665-5256
marlee.olivarez01@utrgv.edu
Scholarships
Scholarships available to UTRGV students are as follows:
- International Education Fee Scholarship
- Apply Now. The extended deadline for completed applications is March 1st, 2023, at midnight.
- Awards are typically announced in early April for Summer and Fall programs.
- You cannot apply more than once in the same academic year even if you are planning to go on multiple programs.
- Gilman International Scholarship
- Federal scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are Pell recipients and U.S. citizens.
- 33 UTRGV students were awarded $147,500 to pay for international education experiences for FY2020. 54 UTRGV students were awarded $243,000 recently to pay for their international education expenses as of FY2021.
- IPP will assist with your application and your essay. Informational sessions are scheduled for February 2022. Please email us for the Zoom links at ipp@utrgv.edu.
- Apply Now. Application open and the deadline is October 6th, 2022.
- Still not convinced? Watch this webinar we did last fall about the Gilman.
Other Funding Opportunities:
- FAFSA
- Fund for Education Abroad
- Boren Awards
Informational Flyer
Schedule an advising session with Boren - General Study Abroad Scholarships
- U.S. Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants List
- 63 Study Abroad Grants & Scholarships
- Critical Language Scholarship
The CLS Program is an intensive overseas language, and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 14 critical languages. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.
CLS, a program of the U.S. Department of State, is part of a broader government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages critical to national security and economic prosperity. CLS plays an important role in preparing students for the 21st century's globalized workforce and increasing national competitiveness.