Texas State Funding Opportunities

The Bobcat Online Scholarships System allows students to search and apply for university scholarships including Education Abroad.

International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS)

Background 

The mission of the Education  Abroad Program at Texas State University is to provide students in all areas of academic interest and levels a variety of educational choices abroad. The International Education Fee (IEF) funds the International Education Fee Scholarship program and assists in that mission by making funds available to qualified students who want to participate in a Education Abroad. The 72nd Texas State Legislature passed the IEF Bill, giving authority to the governing boards of all higher education institutions to charge and collect a $1.00 fee from all students who register each semester or summer session. Texas State University began collecting the fee in the 1992 fall semester and was approved to raise the fee to $3.00 starting in the 2002 fall semester.

Eligibility

The IEF Scholarship is distributed in a competition open to all undergraduate and graduate Texas State students who meet the established eligibility requirements. To be eligible, undergraduate students must be enrolled at least part-time at Texas State with a minimum cumulative Texas State GPA of 2.75. First-semester transfer students must have an admission GPA of at least 2.75. Graduate students must be enrolled at least part-time at Texas State with a minimum cumulative Texas State GPA of 3.25. Each applicant is required to be enrolled full-time in Texas State faculty-led, exchange or affiliated Education Abroad program, unless otherwise stated in the inter-institutional agreement or specified by the program requirements. International students at Texas State, like all other Texas State students, are eligible to apply for a Texas State-approved study abroad program. However, no money will be awarded to international students for study at Texas State University or in their home country. Students who are on academic or disciplinary probation/suspension are not eligible. All applicants must be Texas Success Initiative compliant and must be in attendance at Texas State University during the semester that precedes their study abroad.

Award Selection Process 

All Texas State students who meet basic eligibility requirements may apply. The Texas State IEF Scholarship Committee has established the following criteria based on a point system to award the scholarship funds.

Notes: 

  • Students who apply to a Education Abroad program in a location for which the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory level 3 or 4 are not eligible for IEFS.
  • The IEFS Committee reserves the right to suspend awards to students who have selected programs that are deemed to follow insufficient academic quality and/or health and safety practices. Suspension of awards will be removed once the issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of the university's administration and the IEFS Committee. You are advised to check with Texas State Education Abroad to obtain the most current information.

IEFS Award Criteria* 

* criteria currently under revision

Category Number of Points
1. Texas State GPA Multiply your TXST GPA by 10
2. Financial needs
(determined by Financial Aid and 
scholarships office)

40 if high need 
35 if medium need               
30 if low need
3. Length of program

10 if long term (3+ months abroad)
5 if short term (0-3 months abroad) 
4. Prior to IEFS recipient  10 if first-time recipient 
0 if prior recipient

 

Scholarship Awards

The IEF Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to qualified students based on the availability of funds, the number of applicants, and their qualifications. Often the number of applications exceeds the amount of award funds available, and therefore, not every applicant will receive a scholarship. In the recent years, the average awards have been as follows:

Fall: $1,500    
Spring: $1,500
Summer: $1,000

Education Abroad SemesterIEF Scholarship Application Period Education Abroad Program Application SubmittedScholarship Disbursement Date 
Spring 2026 

August 15, 2025 - September 21, 2025

October 1, 2025November 1, 2025
Summer 2026October 16, 2025 - January 11, 2026January 21, 2026April 1, 2026
Fall 2026March 1, 2026 - April 15, 2026May 1st, 2026July 1, 2026

* Please note that awardees will be notified within 2 weeks after the IEFS application deadline. 

IEFS Follow-on Service Project

All IEF Scholars are required to complete a Follow-on service project to help promote international education at Texas State University. 

Once IEF Scholars have completed their education abroad program and are back in Texas, students must sign up for their Follow-on service projects during the first two weeks of the semester at Texas State via the student portal in Canvas (students will be added to Canvas once they accept the award). 

A hold may be placed on the student's record an may be required to return the IEFS funds for IEF Scholars who do not complete their project a required. 

Notre Dame, France

Underhill-Kens Education Abroad Scholarship

Background

The purpose of the Underhill-Kens scholarship is to enable students with limited financial means to study abroad. Approximately $11,000 is available for awards each academic year. 

Eligibility and Criteria

  • Eligible candidates must be in the "committed" status in their Texas State Education Abroad program by the scholarship application deadline. 
  • Must have a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate students and a 3.5 GPA for graduate students and be in good standing with Texas State University. 
  • Must be a full-time student preceding the semester of travel (12 hours for undergraduate or 9 hours for graduate students). 
  • Students must have demonstrated financial need (the selection committee may consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to help determine the applicant's financial need). 
  • Candidates will be required to be enrolled in the education abroad programs with a minimum of 4 weeks abroad. 
  • Students can be undergraduate or graduate students with preference given to upperclassmen undergraduates. 
  • Preference will be given to students participating in programs that will spend a minimum of four weeks abroad. 
  • Students from all disciplines may apply, except for those majoring in the McCoy College of Business. 
  • Upon completion of their education abroad programs, recipients of these funds will be required to submit a report detailing what they learned from the experience and make a short presentation. 

Deadlines 

Education Abroad SemesterApplication PeriodDisbursement Date
Spring 2025September 1, 2024 -
October 1, 2024		December 1, 2024
Fall 2025March 1, 2025 -
April 15, 2025		July 1, 2025

Award Details: 

  • Scholarship awards may vary form student to student, however, the minimum award will be $2,000 per student. 
  • Awards will be given to the best-qualified applicants as determined by the selection committee. 
  • Awardees will be notified by mid-November for spring program applications and mid-May for fall program applications. 

Rob Coffin Education Abroad Scholarship for Cultural Exchange

Background 

This scholarship honors the life of Robert (Rob) E. Coffin, proud Texas State alumni (BA, 2000). Rob served his country as part of the U.S. Navy, earning a Combat Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal and several other awards before returning to Texas to pursue a university degree. Rob's exposure to different people and cultures while in the Navy shaped his decision to pursue an International Studies degree at Texas State where he also minored in Spanish and was a member of Sigma Delta Pi (National Spanish Honors Society). Rob passed away on April 11, 2008. 

Eligibility and Criteria

  • Eligible candidates must be in the "committed" status in their Texas State Education Abroad program by the scholarship application deadline. 
  • Must have a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate students and a 3.5 GPA for graduate students and be in good standing with Texas State University. 
  • Must be a full-time student preceding the semester of travel (12 hours for undergraduate or 9 hours for graduate students). 
  • Students must have demonstrated financial need (the selection committee may consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to help determine the applicant's financial need). 
  • Candidates will be required to be enrolled in the education abroad programs with a minimum of 4 weeks abroad. 
  • Students can be undergraduate or graduate students with preference given to upperclassmen undergraduates. 
  • Preference will be given to students participating in programs that will spend a minimum of four weeks abroad. 
  • Students from all disciplines may apply, except for those majoring in the McCoy College of Business. 
  • Upon completion of their education abroad programs, recipients of these funds will be required to submit a report detailing what they learned from the experience and make a short presentation. 

Award details: 

  • Number of awards for Summer 2025: 1 
  • Amount of award: $1,000 
  • The selected awardee will be notified within 2-3 weeks after the scholarship application deadline. 

Application period for Summer 2025 programs: March 6, 2025 - April 1, 2025

First Gen Academic Grant

First-Generation Initiatives seeks to support students' development of highly sought-after academic and professional skills that include adaptability, communication, self-awareness, and confidence. The development of these skills often impact students academic performance, retention, and future opportunities for career success. To support first-generation students in funding co-curricular activities, the First-Generation Initiatives team is offering the First-Gen Student Academic Experience Grant. 

Purpose

If awarded the grant, you can use for the following co-curricular experiences:

  • Travel to present at a conference
  • Training and professional development opportunities
  • Study abroad airfare

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate students in good academic standing during the semester the funds are requested with a minimum TXST GPA of 2.50
  • Enrolled in at least 12 credit hours during the semester the funds are requested
  • Must be a first-generation college student
    • At TXST, we define first-generation college students as students whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) did not graduate from a 4-year college or university degree in the United States.
  • Meet all Texas State University travel regulations (if requesting funds to travel)

External Education Abroad Scholarships

External Funding for Undergraduate students

Undergraduate students, please contact Cathlin Noonan, MFA, in The IDEA Center regarding application assistance with external funding opportunities for study abroad, such as the Gilman International/Gilman McCain Scholarships, Boren Scholarship, and Fulbright U.S. Student Program. 

External Funding for Graduate Students

Graduate students, please contact Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz & Dr. Brian Smith in The Graduate College regarding application assistance with external funding opportunities for study abroad, such as the Critical Language Scholarship, Boren Fellowship, and Fulbright U.S. Student Program. 

Gilman International Scholarship 

The Gilman Scholarship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by the Institute of International Education. Gilman Scholarships provide awards of up to $5,000 for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Over 2,000 scholarships are usually awarded every year. 

For more information about the Gilman Scholarship, application deadlines and timeline, and the application process, please visit the Gilman website. 

Gilman McCain Scholarship

The U.S. Department of State's Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Developed under the framework of the Gilman Program, this scholarship is open to eligible students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges and universities who receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid. 

Fulbright U.S. Student Program 

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers funded research, study, and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to U.S. citizens. Students may apply for Fulbright Study/Research awards in all academic and creative & performing arts fields, which provide grants for individually designed research/creative projects, or English Teaching Assistant (ETA) awards, through which grantees are placed in schools overseas to supplement local English language instruction. 

Grant benefits for all Fulbright U.S. Student grants include round-trip transportation to the host country; funding to cover room, board, and incidental costs, based on the cost of living in the host country; and accident and sickness health benefits. 

Fulbright Program Advisers

Fulbright U.S. Student Program applications take several months to prepare and are typically due in October. Students and recent alumni interested in applying should contact a TXST Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA) corresponding to their degree level.

New Horizon Scholarship

HISTORY OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

Lauren Darby is a Texas State University graduate, Housley Principled Leadership Program graduate, and sits on the Stelos Alliance Board. Lauren attributes many personal and professional successes to her time at Texas State, and the opportunities provided that allowed her to expand her learning outside of the classroom. Through this scholarship, she aims to help provide an opportunity to a fellow Bobcat to study abroad as she was able to through support while attending Texas State University.

The New Horizons Scholarship, worth $2,000, was awarded for the first time in Fall 2024. It will be awarded annually and funded by Lauren Darby and designated donations to the Stelos Alliance.

External Education Abroad Scholarships

Korea Society Undergraduate Korea Study Abroad Travel Grant

This is a ‘topping off’ grant for undergraduates, in good-standing, who plan or desire to study abroad in the Republic of Korea during a semester OR who will be engaged in a full year of academic study in Korea. This ‘topping off’ $2,000 grant aims to help defray the high cost of travel to Korea and is intended to help those students for whom travel costs might prove to be a barrier. The grant is awarded directly to the student.  

Each year the Society offers two travel grant competitions—fall and spring term. Students must be engaged in full-time study for a full academic term (10 to 15 weeks).  Summer term awards are not available. 

The deadline to apply is May 4, 2025. 

  • Click here to visit our website.
  • Click here to access the application.

French Funding Opportunities

TAPIF - Teaching Assistant Program in France 

The Teaching Assistant Program in France offers you the opportunity to work in France for 7 months, teaching English to French students of all ages. Each year, over 1,100 American citizens and permanent residents teach in public schools across all regions of Metropolitan France and in the overseas departments of French such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. 

The application for the school year is available in October. 

France on Campus Award 

The Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States, in partnership with GoFundMe, with support from NAFSA and the APLU (Association of Public and Land-grant Universities), has launched the third edition of the France on Campus Award under the patronage of film director Wes Anderson, to discover, celebrate and support initiatives that explore France in new and creative ways. 

This Award is intended to help student organizations eager to launch or continue a major France-related project on campus by providing a unique package of funding, mentorship and networking. With this support, awardees will be expected to expose new audiences to France and French culture on their campus and beyond. Please note that the call is not limited to student organization with strong ties to France. 

Study Abroad Scholarship for Studying in Italy

Each year, the Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston awards $2,500 scholarships to college students participating in study abroad programs in Italy. This year, applications are due March 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. and must be delivered to the Italian Cultural & Community Center in person, via mail, or by overnight delivery (email submissions are not accepted). Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

For more details and to download the application, you can go to https://www.iccchouston.com/scholarships/.

Semester at Sea C.Y. Tung Scholarship

C.Y. Tung Scholarship is a $25,000 award for students who are enrolled in coursework related to Chinese Studies, U.S.-Sino Relations, or Chinese Language Studies to participate on a Semester at Sea voyage. This scholarship is in honor of C.Y. Tung who was instrumental in the founding of Semester at Sea and was a Chinese shipping magnate. The curriculum focuses on the socio-cultural, policy, and economic interactions between Chinese and Americans to prepare leaders to better understand each other's cultures and work together for mutual benefit. 

Student will need to apply for the voyage on Semester at Sea website, and once accepted, can complete the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is March 24 for both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 voyages. 

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