Undergraduate students who are part of a UW-Madison Promise Program (Bucky’s Tuition Promise, Bucky’s Pell Pathway, BANNER, Wisconsin Tribal Education Promise, and Badger Promise) are eligible for the Study Abroad Promise Scholarship from International Academic Programs (IAP).
This scholarship of up to $6,000 is intended to ease some of the financial barriers of study abroad.
This award does not cover pre-departure costs; it is applied to your account during the term you receive your program bill.
This award is contingent upon your acceptance to and completion of the faculty-led study abroad program in winter intersession and summer, as well as fulfilling the scholarship giveback requirements. We will review all accepted students to see if they are eligible for the scholarship and notify those who are of their award amount after the program deadline.
The award is not transferable:
- to a future term should you decide to defer your study abroad experience.
- to another program type.
Eligibility Requirements
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students who:
- will participate on a spring break, summer, or winter intersession faculty-led program (view eligible programs)
- are part of a Promise Program (Bucky’s Tuition Promise, Bucky’s Pell Pathway, BANNER, Wisconsin Tribal Education Promise, and Badger Promise)
- are full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at UW-Madison
- have not previously participated (at time that the Promise scholarship is applied) in any UW-Madison study abroad, study away, or international internship program
Additional consideration will be given to:
- class standing
- first generation college students
Give Back
Students who receive this scholarship participate in engagement activities to highlight their experience. There are many exciting engagement activities to choose from:
- Blogger (submit 2 blog entries while on your program)
- Social Media Takeover (complete a 24-hour Instagram Stories takeover of the @IAPStudyAbroad account during your program)
- Snail Mailer (send a postcard while on your program)
- Photographer (submit 10 photos & captions)
- Videographer (create a 1-4 minute video)
- Program Reflection (write a reflection at the end of your program)
To Apply
Students who meet the scholarship eligibility requirements will automatically be considered for the scholarship. Students will be notified of scholarship awards at the same time they receive acceptance decisions for the program.
Eligible Programs
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Summer Programs
Winter Programs
Spring Break Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need to do anything to apply for the Promise Scholarship?
You need to:
- apply for any of the eligible study abroad programs and
- meet eligibility requirements for the Promise Scholarship.
We will automatically review and notify all selected students.
Do I need to submit a program application to apply to the Promise Scholarship?
Yes, you must submit an application to an eligible study abroad program to be considered for a Promise scholarship.
I am interested in a Global Gateway summer program. Can I still be considered for a Promise scholarship?
Global Gateway programs are not eligible for the Promise scholarship. If you are not selected for a Global Gateway program and participate on a different faculty-led program, then you may be considered for the Promise program.
I would like to do a program that is not on the list of eligible programs, can I still use the Promise scholarship?
Unfortunately, only the select short-term faculty-led summer and winter programs on the list above are eligible for the Promise scholarship.
What if I don’t get accepted into my program or the program gets canceled? Can I still go abroad and use my scholarship?
We can assist you in finding another program that has space and still accepting applicants. If there is, and it is during the same duration, you will be able to use your Promise scholarship towards the Program.
Can I transfer this scholarship to another duration?
No. The scholarship is only available for the term for which you receive it.
Interested in more information about study abroad scholarships?
For additional scholarship information, visit our scholarship page.
Scholarship Questions
Please email scholarships@studyabroad.wisc.edu if you have questions about any scholarships administered through International Academic Programs.