Home > Student Travel > Volunteer Abroad > Planning > Scholarships
Quick Facts
- Over $500,000 in scholarship opportunities awarded annually for international and volunteer abroad programs
- Typical awards range from $500 to $15,000
- Average success rate: 1 in 3 well-prepared applicants
- Most application deadlines: October through March
Volunteer abroad programs typically cost $3,000–$5,000, but finances shouldn’t stop your teen—or your college student—from making a global impact.
This guide outlines the best scholarship opportunities, funded volunteer options, and proven strategies to help families plan affordable, high-impact international service programs.
At Rustic Pathways, we make global service accessible through transparent pricing, payment plans, and targeted scholarships for students ready to learn, lead, and serve abroad. Use this resource to compare funding options, apply early, and secure your place on next year’s programs.
Major Volunteer Abroad Scholarships
$5,000+ Awards
1. Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
- Amount: $10,000–$15,000 for public service (funds cover project and living expenses)
- Eligibility: Graduating college seniors enrolled at participating universities; eligible applicants must be prepared to manage projects abroad anywhere in the world
- Focus: One-year volunteer opportunity through an established organization
- Deadline: January (annually)
- Why it’s great: Provides resources to create and deliver extended service abroad
2. Travel for Good Voluntourism Grant (Travelocity)
- Amount: $5,000 covering project and transportation costs
- Eligibility: Open to all volunteer travelers and international programs
- Focus: Four winners each year who want to volunteer abroad
- Partners: American Hiking Society, Cross-Cultural Solutions, Earthwatch, GlobeAware (established organization partners)
- Deadline: Rolling
3. Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $5,000 in financial aid
- Eligibility: Pell Grant recipients; undergraduate students enrolled at a U.S. university
- Focus: Study abroad and volunteer program options with an educational or service component
- Deadlines: March and October cycles
$1,000–$5,000 Awards
4. Rustic Pathways Global Perspectives Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000 toward program fees
- Eligibility: High school and college students; eligible applicants should demonstrate financial need or strong merit
- Focus: Essay on global engagement and community impact
- Deadline: August 24, 2025
- Advantage: Tailored for affordable volunteer abroad programs with Rustic
5. IVHQ Volunteer Abroad Scholarships (four types)
- Amount: Two-week program plus $1,000 flight voucher and travel insurance
- Categories: Teach Abroad and Volunteer Scholarship, Medical Volunteer Abroad, Travel Blogger Scholarship, Volunteer of the Year
- Deadline: Quarterly
- Notes: Combines merit based scholarships with support from community-based NGOs and international network partners
6. GoEco Volunteer Scholarship
- Amount: Full program cost plus $1,000 flight voucher
- Eligibility: College students receiving financial aid
- Requirement: Professor recommendation
- Special: Third week free on select affordable programs; ideal for projects abroad focused on conservation
7. GVI Trust Scholar
- Amount: £2,000 (approximately $2,500)
- Eligibility: Ages 15–24 enrolled in education
- Focus: Field-based experience exploring ethics and sustainability in international programs
- Deadline: Rolling
8. Katie Evans Memorial Scholarship
- Amount: $3,000 for health-focused international programs
- Eligibility: Graduate public health students
- Focus: FSD placements that explore ethics in service
- Background: Honors Katie Evans; emphasis on safety and learning while abroad
$500–$1,000 Awards
9. Go Overseas Volunteer Scholarship
- Amount: $500 (twice yearly; one award per cycle)
- Eligibility: Open to all who want to volunteer abroad
- Focus: Any established organization; widely recognized in the volunteer abroad world
- Deadline: Spring and Fall
10. Volunteer Forever Travel Scholarship
- Amount: $500–$1,000
- Eligibility: US, Canada, Australia, NZ, UK, EU permanent residents; undergraduate and gap-year travelers
- Focus: International programs including study abroad and service-learning
11. AUA Mosaic Grant
- Amount: $500–$1,000 covering transportation costs
- Eligibility: Open to all eligible applicants
- Focus: Cross-cultural volunteering in Muslim-majority countries; strong international network emphasis
- Duration: Often designed for a few months in summer
12. Hostelling International Travel Scholarship
- Amount: $1,500–$2,000
- Eligibility: Ages 18–30, US citizens; applicants must demonstrate financial need
- Requirement: Educational or service focus tied to study abroad
13. Omprakash Ambassador Travel Grant
- Covers: Travel and living expenses
- Eligibility: All ages and nationalities
- Focus: Grassroots health, education, and environmental projects abroad through partner NGOs
- Includes: Online curriculum about ethics, equity, and power
| Tier | Award Range | Typical Eligibility | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Value | $5,000–$15,000 | Graduating college students or long-term project leads | Samuel Huntington, Gilman, Travelocity Travel for Good |
| Mid Range | $1,000–$5,000 | High school or college students showing need or merit | Rustic Pathways, IVHQ, GoEco, GVI Trust |
| Entry Level | $500–$1,000 | Open to all; ideal for short-term volunteer programs | Go Overseas, Volunteer Forever, AUA Mosaic |
Provider-Specific Opportunities
Rustic Pathways Financial Aid
- Service Scholarship: Need-based and merit based scholarships that cover partial or full program fees
- Teacher Appreciation: Fifteen percent off for teachers’ children
- Gap Year Financial Aid: For those taking a few months or a full year
- Total committed: Over $850,000 in funding to date for students who want to volunteer abroad
Apply for Rustic Pathways Scholarships
Alternative Funding Models
ACDI/VOCA
- Coverage: Up to 100 percent of expenses including flights, housing, meals, insurance, and airport pickup
- Duration: Two to four weeks
- Fields: Agriculture, business, and community development
- Requirement: Relevant expertise for intern abroad or volunteer roles in international programs
WorldTeach Scholarships
- Extension awards: $100–$600
- Namibia program: $1,000 for teach abroad opportunities
- Teacher Fellowship: $3,000
- China Summer: $500+ including travel insurance
- Notes: Strong educational or service component across programs
These non profit organizations emphasize sustainable development and capacity building while abroad, helping travelers create lasting impact.
Study Abroad Scholarships That Support Service
Many study abroad scholarships also fund volunteer components within a study abroad program or semester abroad:
- Freeman-ASIA Awards: $3,000–$7,000 for Asia-based study abroad with service options; often supports an educational or service component
- Boren Scholarships: Up to $20,000 for critical languages and regions; can include volunteer opportunity elements in international programs
- Rotary Foundation Global Grants: Varies by district; international network supporting service with university credit options
These opportunities strengthen global citizenship and help undergraduate travelers connect study abroad with community projects abroad.
Special Demographics and Inclusive Awards
Sara’s Wish Foundation
- Amount: $1,500–$2,000
- For: Young American women showing leadership
- Background: Honors Sara Schewe, who died in a bus crash during a semester abroad, reinforcing the importance of safety in programs abroad
- Focus: Women who serve abroad with purpose
Diversity-Focused Awards
- Gilman Scholarship: For underrepresented students in international education
- HBCU Scholarships: For students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- First-Generation Awards: Expanding access to international programs for students who demonstrate financial need
What Volunteer Abroad Scholarships Usually Cover
Most volunteer abroad scholarships include:
- Program fees (tuition, activities, supervision)
- Transportation costs (sometimes including flights)
- Travel insurance (medical and evacuation)
- Airport pickup and in-country transport
- Housing with group guarantees and meals during program
Some also offer:
- Pre-departure training and advising
- University credit coordination
- Career mentorship and alumni international network access
Coverage varies by program and established organization; always confirm what funds cover project costs versus personal expenses.
| Expense Type | Commonly Covered | Sometimes Covered | Rarely Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program fees | ✅ | ||
| Flights & transport | ✅ | ||
| Meals & housing | ✅ | ||
| Insurance | ✅ | ||
| Pre-departure training | ✅ | ||
| Personal expenses | 🚫 | ||
| University credit or mentorship | ✅ |
Maximizing Your Success
Build Your Profile Early
- Start local volunteering to demonstrate financial stewardship and commitment
- Document service hours and leadership for scholarship applications
- Develop language skills for cross-cultural volunteering
- Maintain strong academics for merit based scholarships
- Connect with references at an established organization or university
Strategic Application Timeline (For Summer Programs)
- September: Research affordable volunteer abroad programs and international programs
- October: Start scholarship essays tailored to the volunteer opportunity
- November–January: Submit applications; confirm references; track program fees requirements
- February–March: Follow up, interview, finalize eligible status
- April: Confirm scholarship, flights, and program selection abroad
| Month | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| September | Research affordable volunteer abroad programs |
| October | Start essays and gather recommendations |
| November–January | Submit major applications and confirm references |
| February–March | Interview and finalize eligibility |
| April | Confirm awards, book travel, and finalize program |
Creative Funding Beyond Scholarships
Crowdfunding vs. Traditional Scholarships
Use platforms designed for travelers. Share how you will serve abroad and the community impact of your volunteer program. Highlight the educational or service component and update supporters regularly on your goals.
| Aspect | Crowdfunding | Scholarships & Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | Community and social networks | Institutions and organizations |
| Application Process | Create campaign, promote story | Formal application and essay |
| Selection Criteria | Audience engagement | Merit, need, or project alignment |
| Flexibility | High — funds can cover any expense | Restricted to approved uses |
| Accountability | Must report back to donors | Requires receipts or impact reports |
Local Community Support
- Rotary Clubs: Often fund youth who want to volunteer abroad
- Religious organizations: Mission trip grants for programs abroad
- School PTAs: Student enrichment funding
- Local businesses: Sponsorships for students representing their community
Community fundraising complements financial aid and scholarships to create a complete funding plan.
Next Steps
- Choose Your Path: Identify five to ten scholarship opportunities that match your profile and goals
- Start Early: Most application cycles run October through March
- Get Specific: Tailor each essay to the volunteer opportunity and study abroad program details
- Document Everything: Keep records for future career applications and university credit
- Share Impact: Report back to funders after your abroad program to strengthen your international network
Read the Volunteer Abroad Program Costs Guide
Benefits of Volunteer Abroad Programs
Schedule a Free Consultation
Success Story
“I thought affordable programs were out of reach until I discovered these grants. With Rustic’s guidance, I applied to eight scholarships and won three—covering my entire Costa Rica conservation experience. Starting early and getting specific about my volunteer abroad goals made all the difference.” — Maya, California
This approach helped Maya serve abroad through projects abroad while building a network of travelers and mentors who supported her goals.
Related: What Parents Say About Volunteer Abroad Programs
What People Ask Most About Volunteer Abroad Costs:
What’s the best time to apply for volunteer abroad scholarships?
Most deadlines run October–March. Start essays and recommendation requests early.
Can high school students apply?
Yes—many scholarship programs like Rustic Pathways’ Global Perspectives Scholarship and GVI Trust accept applicants ages 15–18.
Are scholarships only for college students?
No—there are awards for high school, gap year, and college students alike.
Do scholarships cover flights and insurance?
Some do. Always confirm whether funds apply to tuition, flights, or travel insurance.
Can I combine multiple funding sources?
Absolutely. Students often mix scholarships, fundraising, and family support for full coverage.
Final Takeaway
Financial barriers should not stop your global engagement. With planning, persistence, and the right combination of scholarship, grants, financial aid, and community support, students can access meaningful programs abroad. Compare options, confirm program fees, and apply widely so you can create a sustainable plan to study abroad, volunteer abroad, or intern abroad with confidence.
Transparent funding, vetted partners, and structured support help families decide which opportunities are eligible, credible, and aligned with their goals in the world.
Read the Program Costs Guide
Apply for Rustic Pathways Scholarships
Explore Affordable Volunteer Abroad Programs