SIT Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants

Introduction

SIT (School for International Training) is dedicated to making study abroad accessible, having awarded over $1.3 million annually in scholarships and grants to undergraduate students. 

About the Scholarship

SIT offers a range of need-based scholarships and grants, with amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000 for semester programs, and $500 to $3,000 for summer programs. These are exclusively available to students accepted into SIT Study Abroad programs. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be accepted into an SIT Study Abroad program.
  
• Scholarships are need-based only, not merit-based. No special eligibility beyond demonstrated financial need.
  

Scholarship Benefits

• Pell Grant Match Award: Matches up to $2,500 for semesters, and $1,000 for summer, for students already receiving Federal Pell Grants.
  
• SEO Scholars Award: Flat $2,000 for SEO Scholars.
  
• Experiment in International Living Alumni Scholarship: $1,000 (semester), $500 (summer), or $400 for immediate family members of alumni.
  
• SIT Bonner Award: $2,500 (semester) / $1,000 (summer) for Bonner Scholars.
  
• SIT Boren Scholar Award: $1,000 for Boren Scholars participating in underrepresented world regions.
  
• Big 10 Academic Alliance Scholarship: $1,500 (semester) / $750 (summer) for students from Big Ten schools.
  
• SIT Fund: General need-based grant for all eligible participants.
  
• SIT Study Abroad Alumni Scholarship: $1,000 (semester) / $500 (summer) for returning alumni.
  
• SIT Custom Program Alumni Scholarship: Same amount ($1,000 / $500) for alumni of custom programs. [citeturn0search1]
  

Application Process

1. In your SIT Study Abroad application, select “Yes” to indicate interest in scholarships.
   
2. Provide your home institution’s financial aid officer email to trigger the Financial Assessment Form—this is required for evaluation.
   
3. Sign the FERPA release included in the application.
   Once the Financial Assessment Form is received, your application will be reviewed. (https://studyabroad.sit.edu/admissions-aid/financing-your-study-abroad/scholarships-grants/available-scholarships-grants/)
   

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Summer programs: April 1
  
• Fall programs: May 15
  
• Spring programs: November 1
  SIT reviews applications on a rolling basis and disburses awards directly to your billing account.
  

Selection Process

Selection is competitive and strictly need-based. Merit does not factor in. The review includes your financial assessment and institutional FAFSA data.

Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Begin the process early ensure your home school promptly completes the financial assessment.
  
• Confirm your financial aid documentation is current and complete.
  
• If Pell-eligible, highlight that explicitly to unlock the Pell Match award.
  
• Review eligibility for multiple specific scholarships (e.g., Big 10, Boren, SEO) and mention those in your application.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Additional Resources

• Explore the SIT Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants page for complete information and advisor contacts.
  
• Visit the Scholarship FAQ for extra guidance on FAFSA, FERPA, and review timelines.
  
• Reach out to SIT’s Office of Student Financial Support for customized assistance.
  

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Conclusion

For students aiming to study abroad through SIT, financial support is readily accessible via need-based scholarships ranging up to $5,000 or potentially more through specific awards like the Pell Match or alumni grants. By applying early and ensuring your documentation is in order, you can significantly reduce your program costs and focus on the experience ahead.