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Authentica SCALE Scholars Application Process

Authentica SCALE Scholars — sustainability scholarships covering up to 100% of your study abroad program fee
SCALE Scholars — sustainability scholarships covering up to 100% of your program fee.
Study Abroad Scholarships

Sustainability scholarships for changemakers

Sustainability Champions Abroad Learning Experience

SCALE Scholars are merit-based awards for students who lead with purpose. Across four tiers, a scholarship can cover from a starter credit up to 100% of your study abroad program fee — so financial barriers never ground your ambitions.

Apply for a Scholarship Explore the four tiers
4
Award tiers
100%
Max program fee
Merit
& need based
Sustainability
At the core
First steps

Before you apply

Two things to know before starting your application.

Be accepted into a Standard Program.

All applicants must be accepted into an Authentica Standard Program and apply by the stated deadline.

Awards are merit-based.

Selection focuses on sustainability, leadership, and impact — with financial need considered, especially for the higher tiers.

Watch the deadline.

Your scholarship application is due by the application deadline for your program term (see the dates below). Momentum and Spark tiers are reviewed on a rolling basis until then.

Upcoming scholarship deadlines

Your scholarship deadline matches your program's application deadline for the term you're joining.

Program termScholarship application deadline
Barcelona and Florence — Spring 2027November 16, 2026
Barcelona and Florence — Summer 2027May 10, 2027
Barcelona and Florence — Fall 2027July 19, 2027
Seoul — Spring 2027December 28, 2026
Seoul — Summer 2027April 26, 2027
Seoul — Fall 2027June 28, 2027

All dates are subject to change — confirm your term with our team before applying.

Choose your level

The four award tiers

Choose the tier that best matches your experience. Strong candidates not selected for a higher tier may be offered a Momentum or Spark award.

Summit Scholar
"Reaching the peak of impact"
100%of program fee
1–2 students per term
For proven sustainability leaders with significant financial need.
Catalyst Scholar
"Sparking transformative change"
50%of program fee
1–2 students per term
For emerging leaders with demonstrated initiative and real need.
Momentum Scholar
"Building unstoppable progress"
25%of program fee
1–2 students per term
For curious students ready to engage and grow.
Spark Scholar
"Seed Impact Awards"
$100–$200credit toward fees
Up to 10 students per term
For first steps — curiosity and interest, with minimal requirements.
The details

Requirements by tier

Expand a tier to see its criteria, required materials, selection process, commitments, and how applications are scored.

Summit Scholar 100% of program fee

Selection criteria

  • Strong alignment with Authentica's sustainability mission
  • Demonstrated leadership and initiative
  • Significant financial need
  • Proof of meaningful sustainability action

Required materials

  • Personal Statement (1000 words) — a time you took action on a sustainability issue, your motivation, and its impact
  • Video Pitch (1–2 minutes) — "Why you? Why now?"
  • Proof of Sustainability Action (photos, links, flyers)
  • Resume or CV
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Financial Aid Documentation

Selection process

  • Review committee scoring
  • Shortlist plus a live 30-minute interview
  • Final selection and notification

Post-award commitments

  • Pre-departure leadership orientation
  • Sustainability project during the program
  • 2 social or blog contributions
  • A 3–5 minute reflection story after the program
  • Serve as an Insider and Mentor

How it's scored

CategoryPoints
Personal Statement/20
Video Pitch/15
Proof of Action/10
Resume or CV/10
Letters of Recommendation/10
Financial Need/15
Interview/20
Total/100
Catalyst Scholar 50% of program fee

Selection criteria

  • Strong interest and emerging leadership in sustainability or social impact
  • Demonstrated initiative — project participation, volunteer work, or campus activism
  • Moderate to high financial need
  • Clear articulation of how study abroad will amplify their impact

Required materials

  • Short Essay (750 words) — a sustainability initiative you've been involved in, your role, and what you learned
  • Video Pitch (1 minute max) — "Why you? Why now?"
  • Supporting Evidence of Action
  • Resume or CV
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Financial Documentation (encouraged)

Selection process

  • Reviewed and scored by the selection committee
  • Top candidates may be invited to a short 10-minute virtual interview
  • 1–2 scholars selected per term
  • Strong candidates not selected may be offered Momentum or Spark awards

Post-award commitments

  • One sustainability reflection project during the program (blog, short video, or photo essay)
  • A final reflection after the program (500-word blog or 2-minute video)
  • Participate in at least one Scholar Circle discussion
  • Optional: nominate and mentor a future applicant

How it's scored

CategoryPoints
Short Essay/20
Video Pitch/15
Proof of Action/10
Resume or CV/10
Letters of Recommendation/10
Financial Need/10
Interview/15
Total/90
Momentum Scholar 25% of program fee

Selection criteria

  • Expressed interest in learning more about sustainability
  • Willingness to engage and grow
  • Some prior experience

Required materials

  • Short Response (400–500 words) — what sustainability means to you and why you want to explore it through study abroad (curiosity and openness matter more than expertise)
  • Supporting Evidence of Action
  • Video Pitch (1 minute max) — "Why you? Why now?"
  • Resume (basic — can include informal roles or classwork)
  • 1 Letter of Recommendation
  • Financial documentation optional

Selection process

  • Rolling review
  • Priority given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds
  • Up to 1–2 recipients per term

Post-award commitments

  • Submit a reflection paragraph or visual after the program
  • Optional: attend one Scholar Circle

How it's scored

CategoryPoints
Short Essay/20
Video Pitch/10
Proof of Action/10
Resume or CV/10
Letters of Recommendation/10
Total/60
Spark Scholar $100–$200 credit

Selection criteria

  • Some sustainability experience
  • Expressed interest in learning more about sustainability
  • Willingness to engage and grow

Required materials

  • Short Response (150–200 words) — one thing you're curious about in sustainability or global learning, and how studying abroad could help you explore it

Selection process

  • Rolling review
  • Priority given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds
  • Up to 10 recipients per term

Post-award commitments

  • Submit one visual or short written reflection during or after the program
  • Optional: share one tip or insight for future students on your campus

How it's scored

CategoryPoints
Short Response/15
Proof of Action (optional)/5
Total/20
The process

How selection works

The same three stages guide every tier — with a live interview for our top Summit and Catalyst candidates.

1

Committee scoring

Every application is read and scored by our review committee against the tier rubric.

2

Shortlist and interview

Shortlisted Summit and Catalyst candidates complete a live interview to share their vision and motivation.

3

Final selection

Scholars are selected and notified — and offered the chance to accept and onboard.

Good to know

SCALE Scholars FAQ

What is the Authentica SCALE Scholars program?
SCALE stands for Sustainability Champions Abroad Learning Experience. It's a merit-based scholarship program for students committed to sustainability, leadership, and impact. Across four award tiers, scholarships can cover from a starter credit up to 100% of your study abroad program fee.
How much does a SCALE scholarship cover?
There are four tiers: Summit covers 100% of the program fee, Catalyst covers 50%, Momentum covers 25%, and Spark provides a $100 to $200 credit toward program fees.
Who is eligible for a SCALE scholarship?
You must be accepted into an Authentica Standard Program and apply by the stated deadline. Awards are merit-based, with a focus on sustainability, leadership, and impact. Financial need is considered, especially for the higher tiers.
What materials do I need to apply?
Requirements vary by tier and generally include a written statement or short response, a short video pitch, proof of sustainability action, a resume, letters of recommendation, and financial documentation. The Spark tier needs only a short 150 to 200 word response.
Do I need financial documentation?
Financial aid documentation is required for the Summit tier, encouraged for the Catalyst tier, and optional for the Momentum and Spark tiers.
Is there an interview?
Summit finalists complete a 30-minute live interview, and top Catalyst candidates may be invited to a 10-minute virtual interview. The Momentum and Spark tiers are selected through rolling review.
Can I apply to more than one tier?
Apply to the tier that best matches your experience. Strong candidates who aren't selected for a higher tier may be offered a Momentum or Spark award instead.
How do I apply for a SCALE scholarship?
First, get accepted into an Authentica Standard Program. Then complete the scholarship application for your chosen tier and submit all materials by the deadline. Questions? Contact info@authentica.com.
Applications open

Apply for a scholarship

Start your SCALE Scholars application below. Make sure you've been accepted into an Authentica Standard Program first.

Required materials vary by tier — see the four tiers above.

The fine print

Terms and conditions

  • Applicants must be accepted into an Authentica Standard Program.
  • All materials must be submitted by the stated deadline.
  • Awards are contingent upon full participation in the selected program and completion of all commitments.

Ready to become a SCALE Scholar?

Lead with purpose, study abroad, and help build a more sustainable world — with the funding to make it possible.

Apply for a Scholarship

Questions? Contact us at info@authentica.com or +1 800 414 4138.