Diversity and Equity scholarships

EF Study Abroad's Diversity and Equity Scholarships are awarded to students who identify with communities that are traditionally underserved and underrepresented within study abroad. As a commitment to increasing equity, accessibility, and diversity of study abroad around the world, EF encourages applications from students who identify with historically marginalized groups in areas including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, first generation status, and disability. Apply to win one of our $1,000 scholarships today!

To be eligible, you must be:

1. Enrolled on a 2023-2024 EF Study Abroad program
2. 18 years of age or older
3. A current part-time or full-time student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
4. In good standing with your institution
5. In good financial account standing with EF Study Abroad payments

Affiliated community members, spouses, or friends of Group Leaders are not eligible.

View our full terms and conditions here.

What you need to apply for this scholarship:

We recommend having these two materials ready to go before you start your application. You will have the ability to copy and paste your responses in the entry boxes supplied on the application form.

1. Letter of recommendation

Ask an educator (a professor, administrator, or teacher, for example) to write a letter that paints a holistic view of you as an individual and as a student and speaks to your character, passion, drive, and why you deserve this scholarship. The letter should be about 250 to 500 words. There is no need for a paper copy—you'll simply be copying and pasting your recommendation in the application once you're ready.  

Below are some suggestions of things to include if the person writing your recommendation is looking for inspiration:

Your passion or connection to your identity
Your personal qualities
Your academic strengths, interests, and pursuits
Why you deserve an EF scholarship

Please provide the first name, last name, and email address of the educator who has written your recommendation for verification purposes.

2. Mini reflection essay

Describe how your lived experience and your identity have impacted your desire to study abroad.

How we evaluate Diversity & Equity scholarship applicants:

For this scholarship we are considering applicants who identify with communities that are historically marginalized or underrepresented in study abroad, in areas including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, first generation status, and disability.

Applications will be scored in the following categories, with 1 – 4 points awarded in each category:

Applicant’s ability to compellingly express the impact of their lived experience and identity on their desire to study abroad
Applicant's desire to expand their global perspective and cultural knowledge
Demonstration of passion and character, connection to identity, and personal qualities, as indicated in the letter of recommendation
Professor's assessment of why this student deserves a scholarship, as indicated in the letter of recommendation

Timing and application deadlines

Deadlines are based on your program departure date as outlined below.

Program Departure Date	Deadline
For Travel February 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024	October 31, 2023
For Travel May 1, 2024 - December 15, 2024	February 7, 2024

*We will notify all applicants if they have been awarded a scholarship or not approximately 6 weeks after the scholarship deadline for your travel window.