Funds Through the Office of Study Abroad

Please note that this funding is only available to students applying through the Office of Study Abroad. 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.

The opportunities listed below are funded by the Office of Study Abroad and entirely separate from Rice financial aid. Click here for our page on financial aid for studying abroad.

Office of Study Abroad Scholarships

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

Eligibility: Those who complete their applications by the priority deadline and secure a faculty recommendation are eligible for scholarship consideration. Extra steps are required for need-based apps (see below).

Merit-Based Scholarships

Simply apply by the priority deadline and secure a faculty recommendation, and you will be considered for a merit scholarship from our office.

Need-Based Scholarships

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.

Need-based scholarships will be awarded to those with the highest demonstrated 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.

Additional funding from our office

Emergency Funds

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.

How to apply: Students in need should submit a formal statement to the Office of Study Abroad by email (abroad@rice.edu), copying their study abroad advisor on the thread, detailing the circumstances and providing an invoice.

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 have committed to participating in a study abroad program through the Office of Study Abroad obtain their first US passport book specifically to participate in a study abroad program through our office are eligible.