Study Abroad Merit Scholarship

This application is for all merit-based scholarships offered by the Study Abroad office (list of donor awards below).

Eligibility requirements:

  • Undergraduate, full-time, degree-seeking UI student in good academic standing
  • Minimum 3.5 overall cumulative GPA with at least 12 semester hours earned by application deadline
  • Application to an approved, academic credit granting study abroad program earning at least twelve (12) semester hours

Completing the application includes:

  • A statement of Proposed Study
  • A Personal Profile
  • An unofficial Grade Report
  • Two Letters of Recommendation. Referees must be Professors and/or Teaching Assistants that you know well from the University of Iowa

Deadlines:

  • Winter: October 1
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: March 1
  • Fall: March 15

Applications must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. on the date listed. Late applications will not be accepted. Please inform your referees of the deadline as all Letters of Recommendation must arrive prior to the published deadline.

Merit-based Awards
Bedell World Experience Asia Scholarship: The Bedell World Experience Asia Scholarship is available for an eligible undergraduate student wishing to study in a geographical area where Japanese, Chinese, or Korean is the primary language. This competitive, merit-based scholarship is designed for undergraduate students who are native residents of Iowa. In addition to the merit component, successful applicants will also show demonstrated financial need.

Drs. Michael L. and Darlene M. McNulty Scholarship: The Drs. Michael L. and Darlene M. McNulty Scholarship will provide competitive, merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students who study abroad in West Africa, preference Ghana.

James L. and Rubie S. Watson Study Abroad Scholarship: The James L. and Rubie S. Watson Study Abroad Scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate students who study abroad in one or more of the following countries and territories: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India. Students with diverse majors in a variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

Joel D. and Sandra Barkan Scholarship: The Joel D. and Sandra Barkan Scholarship will be awarded to students who study abroad in various non-Western European geographical areas (also excluding Australia and New Zealand). Eligible undergraduate, full-time, degree-seeking students may be pursuing study abroad in countries including sub-Saharan Africa, Asia (including Central Asia), Latin America, and the Middle East (including North Africa).

Naomi Gunderson Scholarship For Foreign Language Study Abroad: The Naomi Gunderson Scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students who are committed to developing advanced language proficiency. Students must have completed at least one year of language study prior to the application deadline.

Richard J. Tyner Scholarship: The Richard J. Tyner Scholarship will provide competitive, merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences majoring in a world language, political science, international relations, or international studies, who are participating in a study abroad program or an international internship program through International Programs.

Stanley Merit-Based Scholarship: The Stanley Merit-Based Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based scholarship designed for undergraduate students who will study abroad.

Stuart A. Lundquist Memorial Fund Scholarship: This competitive, merit-based scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student who is majoring in French (first preference) or English (second preference) and studying abroad in France for at least one semester. In addition to the merit component, successful applicants should also show demonstrated financial need. Students who graduated from Rockford Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois (primary) or Illinois (secondary), in addition to other requirements, will be shown preference.

If you have additional questions, you may contact Teresa Kout, assistant director – scholarships teresa-kout@uiowa.edu.

Selection Process:

After the deadline, all applications will be reviewed by the Study Abroad Scholarship Committee. At least three members will review each application independently. You will be notified of the outcome at the conclusion of the process. Note: It may take several weeks. Please be patient!

Award
varies
Scopes
Study Abroad
Deadline
03/15/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. In which session will you be studying abroad?
  2. Please answer the following questions:
    • Description of previous experience in foreign countries:
    • Destination:
    • Expected date of graduation:
    • Major:
    • Minor/Certificate:
    • Sponsoring Institution:
  3. Statement of Proposed Study: In 750 words or less, describe the study abroad program in which you intend to participate and/or the independent study project you are planning to undertake, and explain how you expect your time abroad to contribute to your academic and personal goals.
  4. Personal Profile: Write a narrative description of yourself, explaining why you believe you are a strong candidate for a merit-based study abroad scholarship. This statement should deal with your personal history, family background, intellectual interests, educational achievements, cultural opportunities to which you have been exposed, and the ways in which these experiences have affected you. Include information about awards or recognition you have received, participation in extracurricular activities, and special interests and abilities.
  5. Unofficial Grade Report: Upload your grade report
  6. Letter of Recommendation Request: Please provide the name and email address for two individuals affiliated with your academic record who can provide a recommendation on your behalf. Make sure you have the person’s full name and correct e-mail address. Once the reference name and email address is entered and you click “Save and Keep Editing” or “Finish and Submit”, an e-mail will be automatically sent to the individual completing your recommendation. That e-mail will contain the correct information on how to complete the recommendation. Please notify this person ahead of time to expect an email from us. After entering your reference information, we recommend that you check back on the portal to ensure that the reference has completed the recommendation by the scholarship deadline. You can check the status by clicking on the “References” tab located at the top center of the portal screen.

    Please Note: • You (Applicants) are not able to view the information submitted by the reference. • If you decide to change the reference after an email has already been sent to the original reference, please contact the individual and inform them that the recommendation is no longer needed.

    • First reference:
    • Second reference:
  7. By signing below, I certify that all information contained in this application is true and correct. I also authorize The University of Iowa to release copies of this form and pertinent information to the scholarship selection committee.
    • 1. Signature (Type Full Name):
    • 2. Today's Date
  8. Show 2 more