Travel Not to Escape Study Abroad Scholarship
Travel has the power to change lives. Travel opens minds, builds empathy, and helps us see that life is bigger than the systems we’re born into.
Unfortunately, the many benefits of travel are often inaccessible to students from low-income backgrounds. Without the financial resources necessary to pay for transportation, lodging, and daily living expenses, students may not get the chance to experience the kind of growth that comes from stepping into a new culture, navigating the unfamiliar, and discovering their own potential. Even one opportunity abroad can spark confidence, clarity, and purpose that lasts a lifetime.
This scholarship seeks to support students who show curiosity, courage, and a desire to use travel as a tool for personal growth and global connection.
Any low-income undergraduate student who is applying to, accepted to, or currently engaged in a study-abroad program may apply for this scholarship opportunity. Applicants should be students with big dreams but limited access, whose circumstances might otherwise prevent them from experiencing the world beyond their immediate environment. Students must be curious, resilient, and determined to create a life that reflects who they are, even if they’ve had to work harder than most to get there. What defines them isn’t where they’ve been, but where they’re going. They see studying abroad as more than travel; it’s a chance to expand their perspective, build confidence, and discover what’s possible when they step beyond comfort and familiarity. Above all, they embody courage, curiosity, and hope. They believe that by exploring the world, they can transform how they see themselves and use that insight to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
To apply, tell us about a time when you were resilient or resourceful, how studying abroad will help you create a meaningful life, and what your study abroad plans are. Additionally, upload one or two images that reflect your story or vision for travel. These images could be photos you’ve taken, drawings, art, or even snapshots that represent your community, culture, or dreams.
Many people learn how to survive, but not always how to dream.
Tell us about a time you had to be resourceful, resilient, or hopeful despite difficult circumstances. How would studying abroad help you move from surviving to creating a life that feels like your own?
Please also share at what point in the process you are with your study abroad program. Where are you planning on studying and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
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FAQ
The application deadline is May 23, 2026. Winners will be announced on Jun 24, 2026.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Jun 24, 2026. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.