SDSU Scholarships and Study Abroad
Q: Can I receive an SDSU scholarship while I am studying abroad?
A: Yes, If you plan to study abroad in the upcoming academic year, you are highly encouraged to apply for scholarships. There are a wide variety of study abroad scholarships available, and the SDSU Global Education Office can help you choose a study abroad program that is eligible for financial aid and scholarship consideration. You will still need to follow the same requirements and deadlines as students studying on campus.
Aztec Scholarships
Submit your general application in Aztec Scholarships during the application window. Even if you do not have firm plans yet, indicate that you plan to study abroad in the upcoming academic year on the general application. Enter the term you plan to go, and the country you plan to visit. The general application will automatically match you to study abroad scholarships for which you are eligible. If a scholarship requires additional materials, submit these in Aztec Scholarships by the deadline. Travel verification will be done both at the time the study abroad scholarship is offered and when it is time to disburse. Keep track of your scholarships within Aztec Scholarships so you don't miss any important deadlines.
All deadlines apply
The SDSU Scholarship Office is unable to grant extensions on deadlines if you are studying abroad. If you receive a scholarship offer, a thank you note must also be submitted within 14 calendar days of official award notification.
Please note that the Aztec Scholarships general application will open March 9, 2026, for awards in the 2026-27 academic year.
Thank you note
If you receive a study abroad scholarship through Aztec Scholarships, you are required to submit a thank you note in the system within 14 calendar days of award notification, or your scholarship will be canceled. There are no extensions if you are already abroad, so be sure to check Aztec Scholarships frequently.
Also See:
Find more information about financial aid and study abroad issues, including extra costs of study abroad, and how to apply for and receive financial aid funds while studying abroad.
Associated Students (Global Education) Study Abroad Scholarship
All San Diego State University students are encouraged to apply for the Associated Students (A.S.) Global Education (Study Abroad) Scholarship, a student activity fee-supported award that helps defray the costs of an SDSU-approved international experience (study abroad, internship, research, or volunteer program).
Students apply through the SDSU Global Education Portal, first completing their program-specific application and then the A.S. Study Abroad Scholarship application.
Take advantage of this funding opportunity!
Please note: This is a competitive scholarship and is not an automatic travel grant.
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to all class levels and all majors
- Available to matriculated undergraduate, credential, and graduate students at both the San Diego and Imperial Valley campuses
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
- Students who graduate before the academic term in which they will participate in a study abroad program are not eligible
- Applicants must submit an essay describing their study abroad program, how it will enhance their education, and how it advances their long-term goals
- Applicants must identify a specific study abroad program of interest but do not need to have been nominated or accepted into into the program before applying
- Recipients may receive this scholarship one time only
- Recipients are not required to submit a thank-you note (Recipients do complete a short post-program Google Form so A.S. can collect feedback and data.)
Award Information
- Each award is valued at a minimum of $400 (San Diego campus) or $800 (Imperial Valley campus)
- Scholarship awards are posted to recipients' my.SDSU accounts by the SDSU Scholarship Office and are disbursed in accordance with university procedures
Application Cycles
- There are two application deadlines each academic year: September 15* (for travel during winter break, spring semester, spring break, or the calendar year) and February 15* (for travel during summer, fall semester, or the academic year)
*or the first SDSU business day to fall after this date.
The scholarship is awarded based on program participation and is subject to cancellation if students postpone or withdraw from their travel plans.