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Embarking on a journey with Semester at Sea is a dream for many students, and scholarships are key to making this a reality for international students. Through its parent organization, the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), Semester at Sea offers a range of scholarships, including the International Student Advancement Award and the Tutu Ubuntu Scholarship. These are offered for both the Fall and Spring intakes, with deadlines typically a few months before each voyage. On average, 60% of voyagers receive some form of financial aid, with awards based on academic merit, leadership, and financial need.
In this blog, we will explore the different semester at sea scholarship opportunities, their eligibility criteria, and the application process to help you navigate your path to a global education. Applying early and highlighting your unique perspective as a global citizen can significantly increase your chances of securing funding and joining this life-changing program.
This Blog Includes:
- What are Semester at Sea Scholarships?
- Why Choose Semester at Sea Scholarships?
- Intake Periods in Semester at Sea Scholarships
- Important Deadlines for Semester at Sea Scholarships
- List of Semester at Sea Scholarships and Grants
- Eligibility Criteria for Semester at Sea Scholarships
- Application Process for Semester at Sea Scholarships
- Important Tips to Get Semester at Sea Scholarships
- FAQs
What are Semester at Sea Scholarships?
A Semester at Sea scholarship is a form of financial aid offered to students who want to participate in the Semester at Sea program. Semester at Sea is a unique study abroad program where students live and take classes on a ship, traveling to multiple countries in a single semester.
The scholarships and grants are offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) and Semester at Sea to help make the program accessible to a wider range of students. The scholarships can be based on various criteria, including:
- Need-based grants: These are for students who demonstrate financial need.
- Merit grants: These awards recognize students for academic excellence and leadership.
- Specific scholarships: There are also awards for students who meet certain criteria, such as attending a specific university (like Colorado State University, which is the academic partner for the program), being a member of an organization like the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), or being from an underrepresented identity or institution.
Why Choose Semester at Sea Scholarships?
As an international student, choosing a Semester at Sea scholarship is a strategic move that offers numerous benefits beyond just financial aid. These scholarships are specifically designed to make the unique, multi-country voyage more accessible to a diverse group of global students.
For an international student, choosing a Semester at Sea scholarship is a strategic decision that offers a multitude of benefits:
- Financial Accessibility: The primary reason is to make the program financially possible. Semester at Sea is a significant financial investment, and scholarships and grants directly reduce the cost of tuition, housing, and other fees.
- Specific Awards for International Students: Semester at Sea offers dedicated scholarships, such as the International Student Advancement Award, which is specifically designed to increase the number of international students in the program. This award is for students enrolled in a university outside of the US and is based on academic achievement, leadership experience, and financial need.
- Diverse Funding Opportunities: International students can apply for a wide range of scholarships and grants, including need-based grants, merit-based grants, and other specific scholarships.
- Flexibility with Existing Aid: Many students can transfer their financial aid from their home university to the Semester at Sea program, which can be used in combination with Semester at Sea scholarships to cover costs.
- Unique Global Experience: The scholarships enable students to participate in a one-of-a-kind study abroad program that offers a comparative learning model across multiple countries. This experience is highly valued and can significantly enhance a student’s intercultural competence and career prospects.
- Commitment to Diversity: Semester at Sea aims to create a diverse and inclusive shipboard community. By offering scholarships to international students, the program actively works to bring together students from various cultural backgrounds, which enriches the learning experience for everyone on board.
Must Read: Scholarships for College Students to Study Abroad
Intake Periods in Semester at Sea Scholarships
Semester at Sea offers scholarships and grants with different intake periods, which align with the program’s fall and spring voyages.
Fall Voyage
- The application period for financial aid for the Fall voyage typically opens around February.
- The standard deadline for many awards is usually in April.
- Notifications about scholarship and grant decisions are typically made in May.
Spring Voyage
- The application period for financial aid for the Spring voyage typically opens in July.
- The standard deadline for many awards is usually in September.
- Notifications are generally sent out in September.
Important Deadlines for Semester at Sea Scholarships
To be eligible for any of these scholarships, you must first be accepted into the Semester at Sea program and pay your deposit. Once you have a confirmed spot, you can access the financial aid portal to apply for scholarships and grants. Applying early is highly recommended, especially for grants with rolling deadlines.
| Voyage | Application Opens | Application Deadline | Announcement Date |
| Fall 2025 | February 10, 2025 | April 25, 2025 | May 12, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | July 7, 2025 | September 5, 2025 | September 15, 2025 |
List of Semester at Sea Scholarships and Grants
Semester at Sea offers a diverse range of scholarships and grants to help students from all backgrounds afford the program. Here is a table outlining some of the important awards, their amounts, and eligibility criteria.
| Scholarship/Grant | Amount | Eligibility |
| Need-Based Grants | USD 250 – USD 10,000 | Open to all students who demonstrate financial need. U.S. students require a FAFSA and international students need to submit the ISE International Student Aid form. |
| Merit-Based Grants | USD 250 – USD 2,500 | Awarded to students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. |
| Pell Match Grant | Matches the Federal Pell Grant amount for the semester. | For confirmed students who are currently receiving a Federal Pell Grant at their home school. |
| International Student Advancement Award | Up to USD 5,000 | Open to all students, with preference given to those enrolled in a university outside the United States. |
| The Spiegleman Family Scholarship | Full tuition and fees | Awarded to one student each Spring Voyage with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a demonstrated financial need. |
| HBCU Scholarship | USD 10,000 | For students attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or a Predominately Black Institution (PBI). |
| HACU Scholarship | USD 10,000 | For students attending a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) that is a member of HACU. |
| Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Scholarships | USD 5,000 | Four awards for students attending an eligible Minority-Serving Institution. |
| Inclusive Engagement Scholarship | USD 5,000 + Flights | For students from underrepresented identities, including racial/ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, first-generation, low-income, LGBTQIA+, and veterans. |
| Tutu Ubuntu Award | Up to USD 30,000 | A significant award for an undergraduate student who graduated from a high school in an African country. This is offered for the Spring voyage. |
| C.Y. Tung Scholarship | Up to USD 25,000 | For students with a strong interest in China-U.S. relations, particularly those enrolled in a Chinese university. |
| Student Assistant Grants | USD 4,000 | A work-study program where students perform duties in exchange for a grant toward their program fees. Open to all students. |
| Alumni Support Scholarships | USD 500 – USD 10,000 | Merit-based awards supported by alumni donations. |
| Legacy Scholarships | Variable | Need- and merit-based aid for children or grandchildren of Semester at Sea alumni. |
Also Read: Top 9 Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad
Eligibility Criteria for Semester at Sea Scholarships
The eligibility criteria for Semester at Sea scholarships can vary depending on the specific scholarship or grant. However, there are some general requirements that apply to most awards.
- Students must possess citizenship for a particular country or region.
- While some scholarships have a higher GPA requirement, a minimum GPA of 2.50 to 3.0 is often a common requirement for many of the grants and scholarships.
- In some cases, students need to prove their financial need.
- To get an upper hand, students should also have extracurricular certifications to highlight their strengths and skills.
- Students need to submit a personal statement or a statement of purpose to showcase their motivation and goals regarding the university.
Application Process for Semester at Sea Scholarships
The application process for Semester at Sea scholarships for international students is a crucial step in making the program a reality. The process is designed to be as straightforward as possible, with dedicated support available for international applicants.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the application process:
- Before you can apply for any scholarships, you must first apply for and be admitted to the Semester at Sea program.
- After being accepted and paying your deposit, you will gain access to the Semester at Sea financial aid portal.
- International students must fill out the ISE International Student Aid form to demonstrate financial need.
- Apply for specific scholarships like the International Student Advancement Award with a personal statement and other required documents.
- At the official site, fill up the application form and double-check before submission.
- After submission, at Semester at Sea, they will thoroughly review the application form and reach out to you in case of your selection.
Documents Required
The documents required during the application process are:
- Academic transcripts
- Income statements or proof of expenses
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation
Important Tips to Get Semester at Sea Scholarships
Gaining a scholarship for Semester at Sea as an international student requires a well-prepared and thoughtful approach. The scholarships are competitive, so it’s important to make your application stand out.
- Apply for the voyage early to become a confirmed voyager and gain access to scholarship applications.
- Complete the ISE International Student Aid form accurately to be considered for need-based grants.
- Submit a compelling essay that connects your personal story and academic goals directly to the Semester at Sea program.
- Apply for specific awards like the International Student Advancement Award and the Tutu Ubuntu Award if you meet the criteria.
- Adhere to all scholarship deadlines, and apply for awards with rolling deadlines as soon as possible.
- Don’t rely on just Semester at Sea scholarships; look for external scholarships from your home country, university, or other organizations.
- Reach out to a Semester at Sea admissions counselor for personalized advice on your application.
Must Read: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
FAQs
Ans: Yes, an Indian student can apply for Semester at Sea scholarships and grants. Semester at Sea explicitly welcomes international students to apply for any of their scholarships, and they even offer specific awards to encourage more non-U.S. students to participate. When applying for need-based aid, Indian students will submit the ISE International Student Aid form instead of the FAFSA.
Ans: While most Semester at Sea scholarships and grants provide a partial fee reduction, some awards, like The Spiegleman Family Scholarship and the Tutu Ubuntu Award, can provide a significant amount of funding, sometimes covering a large portion of the tuition and fees. Additionally, some partner institutions, like Colorado State University, have offered full tuition scholarships as a grand prize in specific events.
Ans: The required GPA to qualify for Semester at Sea scholarships varies depending on the specific award. While some scholarships, like the Merit-Based Grants and Alumni Support Scholarships, often prefer a minimum GPA of 3.0, other awards may have a lower minimum.
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