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 mid-spring for awards in the 2025-26 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 Global Education (Study Abroad) Scholarship - a student activity fee supported scholarship - to help defray costs associated with an SDSU-approved international experience (study abroad, internship, research, etc.).
Students apply through the Aztecs Abroad portal. This is a competitive scholarship, not an automatic travel grant. Make use of the available funds!
Requirements and Key Info:
- The scholarship is eligible to all class levels and all majors.
- Those who will graduate prior to the academic term in which they participate in a study abroad program are not eligible.
- The scholarship is for matriculated students only from both San Diego and Imperial Valley campuses.
- To have a complete application, students must write an essay describing their study abroad program, how it will enhance their education, and advance their long-term goals.
- Recipients must have at least a cumulative 2.50 minimum GPA.
- Recipients may only receive the scholarship one time.
The scholarship is awarded based on program participation and is subject to cancellation if students postpone or withdraw from their travel plans.
Visit the Aztecs Abroad database and Global Education Office for information on partner scholarship opportunities based on the type of study abroad program you are participating in.