Study Abroad

The RC offers scholarship awards for current RC Students pursuing: Study Away, Internships, Projects, Semester in Detroit and other experiences. Learn more and apply today!

Each year, the RC awards scholarships to support students pursuing study abroad, internships, language immersion, research, and other academic experiences. Since 2008, RC students have received over $250,000 in 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 (500-750 words) in the application form. Your response will help determine your eligibility across multiple scholarships.
Write a short budget statement sharing how you intend to use the funds you are requesting.
OPTIONAL: Request a Letter of Recommendation and ask your recommender to email it to rc.studentfunding@umich.edu (we suggest you allow 3-6 weeks for a letter to be written, so plan accordingly!).
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.

Required Pre-reading for RC Funding

LSA Travel Registration

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?

Each fund has specific requirements for eligibility. Several require that students have submitted a FAFSA for the current aid year.

If you did not complete a FAFSA for the current academic year, and your financial situation has changed since the FAFSA deadline, AND you can demonstrate need, please include that information in your application.

Students without a FAFSA can still apply!

Can I travel anywhere? What about travel restrictions?

Be aware that potential U-M travel restrictions, limitations and changes to requirements/availability for funding (particularly study/internship/research abroad) may occur after publication of this information after you apply, and/or before your program begins, given how public health and other circumstances are in flux.

These changes may require the RC to withhold funds that were offered, though this will be explained in email communications with applicants should this unfortunate circumstance occur.

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

Learn More about the RC Scholarship Funds

You will complete one single application, but your award may come from one of several funds.

You do not need to choose a specific fund. The RC Scholarship Committee will review your essay, budget, and application details to determine which fund(s) are the best fit.

RC Scholarships are made possible by donors, alumni, and community supporters through the following funds: