Studying abroad does not always mean staying in one place and focusing only on academics. While earning a degree or certificate, students have the opportunity to explore new cultures, visit historic sites, and gain global exposure in many international programs. Scholarships supporting travel-focused study experiences are increasingly sought by students interested in cultural learning, international relations, tourism, languages, and global leadership.
How these scholarships work, the best travel-study programs, and how you can apply are all explained here.
Scholarships for Travel + Study Abroad
These scholarships are open to students whose interests go beyond academics. Study tours, cultural immersions, fieldwork, exchange programs, short-term study trips, and multi-country programs are among the types of travel programs supported by these foundations.
The following are some of the benefits of scholarships like these:
- Visiting multiple countries
- Get a taste of international learning
- Explore culture, history, tourism, and globalization
- Establish global networks
- Develop cross-cultural communication skills
- Make your CV stand out by adding international experience
Students studying tourism, international business, languages, global studies, arts, sustainability, and development studies will benefit from these courses.
Scholarships that combine tourism and education offer many benefits
- Exploring new places is one of the benefits of studying
- Practical experience is provided by different regions
- It is your goal to build confidence and independence in the global economy
- Real-world experiences are more effective than lectures in the classroom
- You will always cherish the memories and connections you make
- Employers find you more attractive if you have international experience
Through travel-based learning, leaders, creatives, and cultural intelligence can also be developed.
Combined travel and study scholarships
Scholarships that combine tourism and education are available in several categories. Depending on your goals and studies, you can select the program that is right for you.
1. Visiting scholarship programs for short-term study tours
Scholarships cover travel associated with academic learning for a period of one to twelve weeks. Programs often include guided tours, cultural visits, and research field trips.
Destinations: Europe, Japan, Canada, UK, Australia.
For instance:
- Scholarships for Japan Study Tours
- German DAAD Summer Courses
- Grants for Erasmus+ short mobility
- Awards for US Study Tours (Fulbright Program)
2. Scholarships for multi-country degrees
Studying abroad in two or more countries at the same time is possible with these programs. Program participants must travel as a requirement, not as an option.
For instance:
- Joint Master’s Degree Erasmus Mundus (Europe)
- Fulbright Global Student Programs
- Nordic Study Abroad Mobility Grants
- ASEM DUO Mobility Scholarships (Asia-Europe exchange)
In accordance with the program, students may study in France + Germany + Spain, or in Sweden + Italy + Belgium.
3. Scholarships for cultural exchange
Languages, culture, and tourism are among the topics covered in these courses. Combining academics with cultural travel, they offer a unique learning experience.
As an example:
- The Korean Government’s GKS Language and Culture Program
- CSC Summer Camps sponsored by the Chinese Government
- Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program of the United States
- Scholarships for Cultural Exchange with Japan JENESYS
These will appeal to students who are interested in exploring new cultures.
4. Tourism, hospitality, and travel management scholarships
These scholarships are available to students studying travel-related fields:
- Hospitality and tourism
- Management of the travel business
- A sustainable tourism industry
- The study of cultural heritage
Swiss, Australian, Canadian, and Spanish universities offer the most scholarships in this category.
For instance:
- Scholarships for Swiss Hotel Schools
- Spain Tourism Leadership Scholarships
- Australia Destination Tourism Awards
- UNWTO Tourism Scholarships (global)
5. Fieldwork and research grants
A program like this is ideal for postgraduate students who have to travel for data collection, conservation research, or global studies.
For instance:
- Grants from UNESCO for field research
- British Academy Travel Research Fund
- National Geographic Early Career Grants
- World Bank Development Fieldwork Scholarships
What are the benefits of scholarships?
Coverage varies, but many programs include:
- (Flight tickets) Expenses associated with travel
- The accommodation
- Travel insurance and visas
- Tuition fees
- Daily stipend
- Activities related to culture (museum admission, tours, excursions)
- Expenses associated with conferences or fieldwork
Full-funded scholarships cover both travel and living expenses, whereas partially funded scholarships cover only travel expenses.
Is anyone eligible to apply?
The eligibility for scholarships varies from scholarship to scholarship, but in general, you should:
- Graduated or enrolled in a course of study
- Keep a good academic record
- Show an interest in global culture, tourism, and international development
- Demonstrate leadership or participation in the community
- Communicate clearly and effectively
- Your personal statement should describe you well
Travel, culture, and global engagement are more likely to pay off if you are passionate about them.
Writing a Strong Application: What You Need to Know
To qualify for a travel + study scholarship, you must demonstrate how travel contributes to your academic and personal development.
Follow these steps to strengthen your application:
1. Take advantage of your field of study to travel the world
Describe how traveling makes you a better learner. For instance:
- Tourism student studying global travel markets
- Studying ecosystems in different countries as an environmental student
- As a student of international relations, I observe diplomacy and culture
2. Show a curiosity for cultural differences
The scholarship committees favor students who are aware of global issues and open-minded.
3. Demonstrate leadership skills
Give a brief explanation of the impact you will have on society or education as a result of your experience.
4. Describe your future goals
Explain how travel will help you build a career in:
- Development internationally
- Hospitality and tourism
- Global business
- Heritage and culture
- Education
- Working in diplomacy or for an NGO
5. Provide strong references
There is nothing better than a referee who understands your passion for global learning.
Top Countries for Travel + Study Scholarships
The following are some of the best destinations:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- South Korea
- Spain
- France
Cultural immersion programs and scholarships are provided by these governments.
Fields of Study for Travel-Focused Scholarships
- Tourism and hospitality management
- International Relations / Global Studies
- Anthropology of culture
- Languages and Linguistics
- Sustainable Development
- Environmental Studies
- History and Heritage Studies
- Arts and Culture
- Global Business
Tips for Maximizing Your Scholarship Experience
- Make sure you travel with a purpose, not just for fun
- Attend seminars, conferences, and cultural events
- Become a member of a student exchange organization
- Keeping a journal or blog about your travels will allow you to document your adventures
- Get in touch with local and international students
- Join the cultural organization at your university
- Take advantage of travel opportunities to build your career network
Example: What a Travel + Study Experience Looks Like
Can you imagine what it would be like to win an Erasmus Mundus scholarship? The field of your study is:
- France for semester one
- Italy, second semester
- Three semesters in Sweden
- Study abroad in Spain during the summer
As a graduate, you will:
- A master’s degree that focuses on multiple countries
- Friendships with international countries
- Taking part in global tourism, culture, and history
- Career opportunities with high employability around the world
In conclusion
Scholarships for travel provide an opportunity to see the world and grow academically at the same time. Whether you’re interested in tourism, sustainability, global development, or cultural studies, these scholarships can lead to unforgettable international experiences. If you have a high level of motivation, a well-written application, and a passion for global education, you may be able to earn funding that will allow you to travel widely while earning a high-quality degree.