As of April 25, 2026, the best time to apply for winter scholarships (for sessions from December to February) is now. Winter “short-term” cycles are often more specialised than summer programmes. They focus on things like intensive language study, field research, or “Jan-Term” credit recovery.
The following are the main ways to obtain money for programmes in the winter of 2026–2027.
1. Grants for Global Mobility and Language
Several national agencies donate money to winter programmes that help people learn about other cultures and strengthen their language skills.
- DAAD Winter University Classes in Germany:
- Goal: Students and graduates from other countries.
- Focus: Studying German language and culture in depth during the “winter semester” break (January/February).
- Benefit: a scholarship of about €992 to €1,300, plus money for travel and insurance.
- Deadline: Applications for the winter courses in January 2027 usually close in August or September 2026.
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (US):
- Target: College students in the U.S. who receive Pell Grants.
- Eligibility for Winter: The “October Cycle” only pays for programmes that start between December 1, 2026, and October 31, 2027.
- Prize: Up to $5,000 (plus an extra $3,000 for languages that are “critically needed”).
- The deadline is October 1, 2026.
2. Scholarships for the “Winter Session” run by the university
Many colleges and universities offer study abroad programmes during the “Jan-Term” or “Winter-mester”, funded by the school itself.
- IU Indianapolis International Experience Grant:
- Goal: Students enrolled in approved programmes receive credit.
- • Benefit: Scholarships worth $1,000 to $2,000, like the Shreve Scholarship.
- Deadline: October 15, 2026, for winter term programmes.
- Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs):
- Format: A combination of online study and a 5- to 30-day winter session in Europe.
- Funding: Daily payments of about €79 plus “Green Travel” bonuses for students who take the train or bus.
- How to apply: Go to your home university’s International Office. Look for “Winter Mobility” calls in September 2026.
3. Winter Fellowships for Specific Fields
The Southern Hemisphere’s main time for field research is in the winter or in specialised “Arctic” studies.
- Child Family Health International (CFHI) Grants for school
- Focus: Global health internships and clinical rotations over the winter break (December/January).
- Award: Partial scholarships, such as the Robinson-Cunningham Scholarship, are available for students from under-represented healthcare backgrounds.
- The Australian Research Training Programme (RTP):
- The “Southern Hemisphere Summer” (December to February) is the best time to research your full degrees. Many scholarships for students starting in the middle of the year are due in September or October 2026.
4. Important Dates for Winter 2026
Because winter programmes are shorter, the administration’s deadlines are often very close.
- May–June 2026: Make your final decision about your winter programme and ensure that the credits transfer.
- August 2026: Obtain your professors’ letters of recommendation before the fall semester rush starts.
- September 2023: This period is the “Main Month” for deadlines for winter scholarships. Most government and institutional winter grants end between September 15 and October 15.
5. The “Academic Fit” for the Winter Strategy of 2026
Your essay must be very specific if you want to win a winter scholarship:
- Justify the Short Duration: Explain why 2 to 4 weeks in the winter is better than a full semester (for example, an intensive field-study module that is only offered in January).
- Focus on “Jan-Term” Credits: If you’re using the winter programme to stay on track to graduate in May 2027, make sure to mention the credits. Donors prefer students who use winter study to get ahead in their studies.
- Travel Safety (2026): ensure that the programme you choose has full Winter Travel Insurance that covers flight cancellations due to weather or public health updates in 2026.