UT Austin is dedicated to ensuring all Longhorns can engage with their degrees on a global scale and gives away almost two million dollars annually to help send students abroad. CNS is committed to working with students to help them find a study abroad program that fits both their goals and budget.
Students typically utilize a combination of scholarships, financial aid, and personal funds to pay for their time abroad.
CNS Scholarships
CNS Experiential Learning Summer Fellowship
CNS Summer Experiential Learning Fellowships (SELF) support undergraduate students in the College of Natural Sciences as they pursue domestic or international experiential learning opportunities—such as research or internships—during the summer. Both UT-affiliated programs and self-sourced experiences are eligible. Preference will be given to unpaid and underpaid opportunities.
Fellowship applications will be reviewed twice during the spring semester:
- Early review for non-UT experiences: Submit by March 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Final deadline for all experiences: Submit by April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Decisions for UT-affiliated experiences will be made after the April 15 deadline
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a full-time, degree-seeking CNS undergraduate student
- Must graduate in Summer 2026 or later
- Home institution must be UT Austin
- Must secure confirmation of the experience before applying
- Domestic experiences must total at least 160 hours; international experiences must total at least 120 hour (No more than 40 hours per week)
- Fellowships cannot be awarded for FRI-related experiences
- Students may apply for funding for only one experience
The CNS SELF Fellowship Application for Summer 2026 will open in LASSO in November 2025.
CNS Faculty-Led Study Abroad Scholarship, May Term
This scholarship supports CNS undergraduate students participating in UT Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs during the May Term. CNS undergraduate students who are applying to a UT Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program will need to complete a scholarship application by November 1 to be considered for this scholarship.
Students should refer to individual program pages for specific program application deadlines. Once program acceptances are released, students will be reviewed for scholarship eligibility and financial need. Scholarship notifications will be sent by December 10.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a full-time, degree-seeking CNS undergraduate student
- Must graduate in Summer 2026 or later
- Home institution must be UT Austin
- Must apply to and be accepted into a UT Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program
Selection Priorities:
- Students with high financial need
- Students participating in programs led by CNS faculty
The CNS Faculty-Led Study Abroad May Term Scholarship Application is open. Apply by November 1, 2025 at 11:59pm.
CNS Faculty-Led Study Abroad Scholarship, Summer Term
This scholarship supports CNS undergraduate students participating in UT Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs during the Summer Term. CNS undergraduate students who are applying to a UT Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program will need to complete a scholarship application by February 1 to be considered for this scholarship.
Students should refer to individual program pages for specific program application deadlines. Once program acceptances are released, students will be reviewed for scholarship eligibility and financial need.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a full-time, degree-seeking CNS undergraduate student
- Must graduate in August 2026 or later
- Home institution must be UT Austin
- Must apply to and be accepted into a UT Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program
Selection Priorities:
- Students with high financial need
- Students participating in programs led by CNS faculty
The CNS Faculty-Led Study Abroad Summer Term Scholarship Application is open. Apply by February 1, 2026 at 11:59pm.
CNS International Exchange Program Scholarship, Spring Term
This scholarship supports CNS undergraduate students participating in UT Spring International Exchange Programs during Spring 2026. CNS undergraduate students who are applying to a UT Spring International Exchange Program will need to complete a scholarship application by October 15 to be considered for this scholarship.
Students should refer to individual program pages for specific program application deadlines. Once program acceptances are released, students will be reviewed for scholarship eligibility and financial need.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a full-time, degree-seeking CNS undergraduate student
- Must graduate in Spring 2026 or later
- Home institution must be UT Austin
- Must apply to and be accepted into a UT Spring International Exchange Program
Selection Priorities:
- Students with high financial need
The CNS Faculty-Led Study Abroad Summer Term Scholarship Application is open. Apply by October 15, 2026 at 11:59pm.
UT & External Scholarship Opportunities
There are many different sources of scholarships to fund your time abroad ranging from college scholarships to international organizations. You can search UT wide scholarships in the LASSO system and explore fellowships available to support research and opportunities supported by the federal government, national science organizations and industry.
- International Education Fee Scholarship - Texas Global (LASSO) – open to all UT students pursuing education abroad including research and internships.
- First Abroad Scholarship – Texas Global (LASSO) - supports first-generation students planning for a study abroad experience.
- Gilman International Scholarship - US Department of State - supports Pell grant eligible undergraduate students who might not otherwise participate in international programs due to financial constraints.
- Destination Specific Scholarships - there are many destination-specific scholarships that may match the your international program destination.
- Freeman Scholars - Texas Global (LASSO) - a prestigious award that provides generous funding to undergraduate and graduate students completing internships in East and Southeast Asia.
More Experiential Learning Funding
Career Success provides career-related scholarships to help reduce the financial barriers to career exploration and internship participation.
Want more guidance? CNS Undergraduates can make a “Study Abroad & International Opportunities Advising" Appointment with our team in 12twenty@Texas.