Scholarships and finances for studying abroad
Studying abroad is an investment in your future, and at Authentica we are committed to making that investment accessible. Whether you are paying out of pocket, using financial aid, or applying for scholarships, we will guide you every step of the way.
Up to $750 in flight credit when you apply early
Apply early to an Authentica program and claim your credit through the JetSet Flight Credit Program. The sooner you apply, the more you save.
Authentica scholarships and awards
Four ways Authentica helps fund your time abroad. You can apply for more than one, each has its own criteria and deadline.
Authentica SEED Scholarship
SEED stands for Social, Environmental and Economic Development. Identify a sustainability challenge where you are studying, map it to a UN Sustainable Development Goal, and propose one practical action.
- Open to students at any accredited institution worldwide
- Any program or provider - Authentica not required
- No application fee and no minimum GPA
- One 600-word response or a 2-minute video
- Two cycles a year - Spring and Fall. Summer programs are not eligible
Authentica SCALE Scholars
Merit-based sustainability scholarships for students committed to leadership and impact, across four award tiers - Summit, Catalyst, Momentum, and Spark.
- Four tiers, from partial awards up to the full program fee
- Merit-based, with financial need considered
- Requires acceptance into an Authentica Signature Program
- Momentum and Spark reviewed on a rolling basis
JetSet Flight Credit
Apply early to an eligible Authentica program and earn flight credit applied straight to your program invoice. The earlier you apply, the larger the credit.
- Applied to your invoice, not paid as cash
- Book with our flight partner or independently
- One credit per participant
Changemaker Crew
A paid, remote student ambassador program for students passionate about sustainability and purpose-driven study abroad. Earn while you build your resume.
- 16-week terms, with Spring and Fall cohorts
- Resume workshops, mentoring, and references
- Open to currently enrolled students
Can I apply for more than one?
Yes. The SEED Scholarship, SCALE Scholars, and the JetSet Flight Credit each have their own criteria, and students often hold more than one. Email info@authentica.com and we will help you work out the best combination.
Upcoming deadlines at a glance
Deadlines differ by award and by term. Confirm your exact date on each award page before you apply.
| Award | Spring 2027 | Summer 2027 | Fall 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEED Scholarship Spring and Fall cycles | Nov 13, 2026 (Spring cycle) | — | Apr 30, 2027 (Fall cycle) |
| SCALE Scholars | Oct 16, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | Mar 15, 2027 |
| JetSet Flight Credit Early deadline shown | — | Mar 1, 2027 (Cohort 1) Apr 1, 2027 (Cohort 2) |
Apr 15, 2027 |
| Changemaker Crew | Nov 15, 2026 | — | Jul 15, 2027 |
All dates are subject to change. JetSet also has later standard deadlines at a reduced credit, see the JetSet page for the full schedule.
Payment options
We offer several flexible ways to pay your program fees.
Credit or debit card
Pay securely via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover through your student portal.
ACH or bank transfer
Avoid processing fees with a direct bank transfer.
529 college savings plans
Many families use 529 plans for eligible study abroad expenses. Talk to your plan administrator about what is covered.
Third-party payments
Payments from home institutions, parents, or sponsors can be applied directly to your student account.
Installment plans Coming Soon
Spread payments over time with a monthly installment plan. Coming soon — contact us to be notified.
Flight credit
Reduce your invoice by up to $750 with the JetSet Flight Credit when you apply early.
Using financial aid
Many students use federal or institutional financial aid to fund their Authentica experience.
- Work with your home institution’s financial aid office to transfer aid toward your program costs.
- Submit the Home Institution Approval Form to confirm eligibility.
- If needed, we can provide cost of attendance breakdowns or work directly with your aid advisor.
Tip: Start early. Aid and scholarship deadlines at your home institution often fall months before an Authentica program deadline, so speak to your study abroad office as soon as you start planning.
External scholarships worth applying for
There is a world of funding available beyond our own awards. These are the national programs we most often recommend to students.
Fund for Education Abroad
Awards for students underrepresented in education abroad.
fundforeducationabroad.orgBoren Awards
Funding for the study of languages and regions critical to US interests.
borenawards.orgDiversity Abroad
Scholarships supporting access and inclusion in education abroad.
diversityabroad.orgDo not overlook your own campus. Check with your study abroad office and your major department - institution-specific and departmental grants are among the least competitive funding a student can apply for.
Invoicing and receipts
Once enrolled, you will receive everything you need to keep your records straight.
- A detailed invoice accessible via your Authentica Student Portal.
- Automatic receipts for every payment submitted.
- Customized invoices available on request for 529 plans or employer tuition benefits.
Have questions? Let’s talk.
Whether you need help understanding payment deadlines, require documentation for financial aid, or want to work out which scholarships you qualify for, we are here to help.