Study Abroad

The Residential College offers scholarships to support current RC students pursuing study abroad, internships, language immersion, research, academic projects, Semester in Detroit, and other educational experiences.

Since 2008, RC students have received more than $250,000 in scholarship funding.

Overview

Award Range: $150 - $2,500
Eligibility: Current Residential College students (or LSA students with declared RC Major/Minor)
Need-based Awards: Some scholarships require FAFSA submission (see below).
Application Materials: Online form, one essay response, budget summary.
Deadline: Rolling review. Apply at least 6 weeks before you need funding.
Note: 2027 Spring/Summer requests due by April 20, 2027.

Hannah Brauer, RC '20, in Heredia Province, Costa Rica at La Catarata de La Paz [La Paz Waterfall]. "Someone yelled 'Go Blue!' from the top of the waterfall as this photo was taken!"

Application Process

Review the required prereading (found below)
Complete the personal information and program/experience sections of the application.
Write a short essay (300-500 words) in the application form. Your response will help determine your eligibility across multiple scholarships.
Write a short budget summary identifying how much funding you are requesting and the estimated expenses the funding will support. Your budget summary should total the amount you are requesting.
OPTIONAL: Request a Letter of Recommendation by providing your recommender's name and email in the application. The RC Scholarships Committee will contact your recommender with instructions for submitting their letter.
Submit materials 6-8 weeks before your program begins (allow additional time if submitting during semester break).

Note: Traveling outside the US? Your travel must be registered with CGIS / LSA Travel prior to any funding. Use the button below to complete this process.

Read the Scholarship Pre-reading

Start the Scholarship Application

LSA Travel Registration

Office of Financial Aid

FAQs

I'm not accepted to my program yet, can I still apply for funding?

Do I need a FAFSA to be eligible for RC funding?

Not necessarily. Some RC scholarships are need-based and require a FAFSA for the current aid year, while others do not. Students without a FAFSA are still encouraged to apply.

If your financial circumstances have changed since the FAFSA deadline, you may provide additional information about your circumstances in your application.

Questions or clarifications about your financial aid should be directed to the U-M Office of Financial Aid (linked above).

Can I travel anywhere? What about travel restrictions?

I'm confused about the application. Who can I talk to?

Learn More about the RC Scholarship Funds

One application. Multiple scholarship opportunities.

You only need to submit one application. The RC Scholarship Committee will review your application to determine which scholarships you may be eligible for based on your experience, funding request, and eligibility.

RC scholarships are made possible by donors, alumni, and community supporters through donated and endowed funds. If selected, your award notification will identify the fund that makes your scholarship possible.