Funds Through the Office of Study Abroad

Please note this is funding available to students applying through our office and also note that this is not referring to funding received from the Financial Aid Office. For questions regarding your aid for your term abroad, you can reach out the Office of Financial Aid. If you are applying for a faculty-led program, you can reach out to the department or faculty running your program to inquire about funding.

Merit-Based Scholarship Awards

Each application cycle, the Office of Rice Study Abroad awards a limited number of merit scholarships underwritten by generous donors.

  • How to apply: Those who complete their applications by the priority deadline and secure a faculty recommendation will be considered for merit-based scholarship from the Office of Study Abroad.

Need-Based Scholarship Awards

Each application cycle, the Office of Rice Study Abroad awards a limited number of scholarships underwritten by generous donors to assist study abroad students based on demonstrated financial need.

  • How to apply: Students who wish to be considered must provide a short statement with their study abroad program application detailing the nature of their need. While the online prompt is provided to all study abroad applicants, it is an optional component of the program application. Rice study abroad program applications are considered complete without such a statement and the presence or absence of a need statement has no bearing on the program approval. All those who wish to be considered for study abroad scholarship need to secure a faculty recommendation as part of their study abroad application.
  • Eligibility: Demonstrated need: need-based scholarships will be awarded to those with the highest need. Considerations will be based on the information included in the need statement. Students may be asked for additional information regarding their situation. Students supported by the Rice Investment will receive priority consideration for need-based scholarships. Submission of a need statement does not guarantee funding.

Emergency Funds

Due to the nature of study abroad, early deposit payments to secure program participation or overseas housing are sometimes required soon after committing to a program, and before financial aid or scholarship/grant funds are disbursed. When meeting such a requirement poses a challenge, study abroad students may apply for emergency funds to the Office of Study Abroad. Please note these would be costs that are typically not accounted for by the budget worksheet and would not include costs such as flights, fees paid to Rice (such as the enrollment fee), SOR fees, etc.

  • How to apply: Students in need should submit a formal statement to the Director of Study Abroad (abroad@rice.edu) by email, detailing the circumstances and providing an invoice.
  • Eligibility: Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If approved, the Office of Study Abroad will make a direct payment on behalf of the student. No funds will be disbursed to the student directly.

First Passport Initiative

The Office of Study Abroad is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in international education. As a token of this commitment, we will bear the cost of a new US passport book for all first-time applicants who commit to studying abroad through our office.

  • How to apply: Interested students should consult a study abroad advisor regarding potential abroad programs and the timing of their abroad experience. Once a program match is found, students should complete their application early to have ample time for the passport process.
  • Eligibility: Only students who obtain their first US passport book specifically to study abroad, and who are committed to participating in a study abroad program through our office are eligible.