What You Need to Know About Semester at Sea Scholarships & Grants
Even students who do not qualify for standard forms of financial aid (such as Pell Grants) on their home campuses may be eligible for scholarships through the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) and Semester at Sea. Applicants are strongly encouraged to file the FAFSA and submit the Student Aid Report to the ISE along with tax returns from the most recent tax year and any supplemental information that might be helpful in our review. International students are also welcome to apply for any ISE scholarships. We ask that you submit a statement of your parents’ income, with an English translation and conversion to U.S. dollars, in lieu of the FAFSA and tax forms.
Important Deadlines
Award
Fall 2024
Spring 2025
Rolling Deadline Awards • Need and Merit Grants • Pell Grant Match
These awards are reviewed on a rolling basis while aid is available, so apply early! View scholarship pages below for more information.
These awards are reviewed on a rolling basis while aid is available, so apply early! View scholarship pages below for more information.
Davis UWC Scholarship for Undergraduates
Application Opens: January 15, 2024 Deadline: March 29, 2024 Notification: April 5, 2024
Application Opens: January, 15 2024 Deadline: March 29, 2024 Notification: April 5, 2024
Tutu Ubuntu Scholarship (Spring Voyages only)
CY Tung Scholarship (Spring and Fall)
Not available on fall voyages
Application Opens: January 15, 2024 Deadline: March 15, 2024 Notification: March 25, 2024
Applications Open: July 8, 2024 Deadline: September 19, 2024 Notification: September 30, 2024
All Other ISE Awards • Alumni Support • CMI/Sunstone Scholarship (Fall Voyages only) • Global Journalism Fellowship • HACU/HSI Scholarship • HBCU Scholarship • Inclusive Engagement Scholarship • International Student Advancement • Minority Serving Institution • Student Assistant Grants • Tung Legacy (Fall Voyages only)
Application Opens: February 5, 2024 Deadline: April 26, 2024 Notification: May 6, 2024
Application Opens: July 8, 2024 Deadline: September 19, 2024 Notification: September 30, 2024
CMI/Sunstone Scholarship Honoring the partnership between Cruise Management International (CMI), Sunstone, and SAS
$25,000
Fall
Applicants must provide proof of parental employment at CMI or Sunstone in order to be considered for the award. Applicants must also provide proof of demonstrated need for this award via the FAFSA Student Aid Report or, for international students, other proof of parental yearly income.
C.Y. Tung Scholarship Supporting students engaged in a curriculum focused on interactions between Chinese and Americans
$25,000
Spring & Fall
Enrolled in Chinese Studies for U.S. students or enrolled in American Studies for Chinese students.
Davis UWC Scholarship Need-based scholarship to foster global awareness and understanding
HBCU Research Fellowship This scholarship is designed to encourage young people to reach their highest potential, to create in them the courage to embrace risk and change on their way to becoming future global leaders
Open to all students. Preference will be given to students from underrepresented identities (race/ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, first-generation, low-income, LGBTQIA+, religion, veterans)
Available to the children or grandchildren of SAS alumni Demonstrated financial need via the FAFSA Student Aid Report 3.0 cumulative GPA
Tutu Ubuntu Scholarship Promoting Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s legacy of forgiveness, empowerment, and peace
$30,000
Spring
Must be a current undergraduate student who graduated from a high school located in an African Country
School & Institution Specific Awards
Amount: $7,500
Chapman University Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by the Center for Global Education, for more information please email globaled@chapman.edu. Students must be an undergraduate at Chapman to qualify.
Amount: Varies
Colorado State University
The CSU/SAS need-based grant is awarded by Student Financial Services based on your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) through your CSU institutional aid application. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The CSU Education Abroad office nominates students for the CSU/SAS merit grant. Need and merit applications will not be reviewed in the SAS office.
Amount: $3,500
Morehouse College Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by the Study Abroad Office. Please contact Julius Coles at jcoles@morehouse.edu for more information. Students must be an undergraduate at Morehouse to qualify.
Amount: $5,000-$10,000
NSCS Scholarship “Scholar at Sea”
Members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars are eligible to apply for this award. Two $10,000 awards, three $5,000 awards, and one $5,000 award for CSU NSCS members are available per voyage. Requirements and application are available online.
Amount: $10,000
The Society of Torch & Laurel Scholarship
High-achieving Torch & Laurel Scholars are eligible to apply for this award. Requirements and the application are available online.
Amount: $2,000-$3,750
UC Irvine Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by the Center for International Education at UCI. For more information, see UCI’s website. Students must be an undergraduate at UCI to qualify. Scholarships range from $2,000-$3,750.
Amount: $1,000-$2,500
UC San Diego Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by the Institute for Shipboard Education. Students must be an undergraduate at UCSD and submit an ISE need and/or merit grant application to qualify. Scholarships range from $1,000-$2,500.
Amount: Varies
CU Boulder Scholarships
The CU/SAS scholarships are awarded by the Office of International Education. Please complete the CU-Boulder Study Abroad Scholarship to be nominated, or you may email abroad@colorado.edu for more information. Students must be an undergraduate at CU to qualify. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and merit. Students do not need to submit an ISE need or merit grant application.
Amount: Varies
University of Hawaii — Hilo Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by the Center for Global Education and Exchange. For more information, please contact Carolina Lam at uhhglobe@hawaii.edu. Students must be an undergraduate at UH-Hilo and have demonstrated financial need to qualify.
Amount: $500-$5,000
University of Virginia Scholarships
The UVa/SAS Merit Scholarship will be awarded on a rolling basis and will range from $500-$5,000. Students must be current UVa undergraduates and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to qualify. To apply, submit the SAS merit scholarship application.
Check Out Some Helpful Videos
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I was privileged to be awarded the Tutu Ubuntu Scholarship for the Spring 2020 voyage. Of all my life experiences, that has been the most challenging yet most fulfilling. It’s not every day you are traversing the world on a cruise ship – doing your coursework while seeing all that the world has to offer! If I had to pick just one element of the voyage – it would have to be the people. Both on land and at sea- every day was a chance to interact with new people of different backgrounds, with unique experiences which were each so beautiful. Beyond the voyage, these very people have become my close network of friends and this is a blessing I would never trade! 128, the world STILL awaits!
Frequenty Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about program costs for Semester at Sea
I’m working very hard to put the financing together. What deadlines to I need to keep in mind?
Payment is due 90 days before the voyages. This due date may be extended with verification of financial aid and disbursement information.
When should I submit the $1,000 deposit to reserve a space?
As soon as you are academically admitted, please submit your deposit within 30 days of admission. The deposit is applied against the tuition and fees for the semester. It is refundable up to 90 days prior to the start of the semester should you decide that you are unable to attend.
Does Semester at Sea offer financial assistance?
Yes. ISE offers a variety of need-based financial awards. Students who qualify for federal aid and loans can also receive ISE assistance. Students who do not typically qualify for federal aid/loans will also be considered for ISE assistance.
Can I use my existing financial aid on Semester at Sea?
Use of any federal aid or loans that you receive, such as Pell Grants and Direct loans, are dependent upon the policies of your home institution. The use of any institutional aid you receive from your home school or from another source must be determined by that source. You must check with the financial aid office at your home institution to determine if your financial aid will transfer.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
For federal aid and loans you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on your home campus. The information that this process generates will be used both for federal aid and loans and for ISE assistance. For international students, please complete the ISE International Student Aid form, found in your student portal. Semester at Sea financial aid deadlines are typically 3.5 months prior to voyage embarkation date. Visit the ISE Scholarships page for applications and deadlines.
