Undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply for the Early Bird Scholarship from International Academic Programs (IAP). You apply to this scholarship earlier than others, and also find out if you got it earlier – which is why we call it the “Early Bird.”
This $2000 scholarship is intended to:
- Provide assurance of some funding earlier in the study abroad process and encourage early financial planning.
- Ease some of the financial barriers of study abroad.
This award does not cover pre-departure costs. Instead it is applied to your account during the term you receive your program bill.
Eligibility Requirements
This scholarship is open to students who:
- are in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an approved study abroad, intern abroad, or domestic study away program (find and apply to approved programs at studyabroad.wisc.edu);
- have a Student Aid Index of $8,000 or less (as determined by FAFSA) or are a part of Bucky’s Pell Pathway; and
- are full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at UW-Madison.
Additional consideration is given to students who have the following attributes:
- First time traveling abroad
- First generation college student
- Have not been awarded a scholarship from UW-Madison study abroad offices or participated on a Global Gateway program
To Apply
Completed applications must be submitted online by the deadline posted.
| Program Duration | Scholarship Applications Open | Deadline to Apply |
| Calendar Year Spring Winter Intersession |
Early May | End May |
| Academic Year Fall Summer |
Early November | End November |
Students will be notified of their award status within two weeks of the deadline.
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Do I need to have started a program application in order to apply?
We do ask that you have started an application for a program, but you do not need to have completed the application at the time you apply for this scholarship.
Do I have to be accepted to my program in order to apply?
No! This scholarship is to help you know you have funding for your program.
Can I use the scholarship to pay for airfare?
No. The Early Bird Scholarship will be automatically applied to your program fee.
Am I eligible for other scholarships?
Yes! You can, and are encouraged, to apply for other scholarships through our office and nationally. Check out our full scholarship chart here.
Can I defer my Early Bird Scholarship to another year?
No. Early Bird Scholarships must be used towards the program durations indicated in your award notification.
Can I apply again if I don't use my Early Bird Scholarship?
Yes, you may apply again.
Scholarship Questions
Please email scholarships@studyabroad.wisc.edu, if you have questions about any scholarships administered through International Academic Programs.