Scholarships
Scholarships can be an important piece of a student’s funding plan for your education abroad experience. Scholarship applications may be overwhelming, so the Education Abroad Advisors can assist you through the process.
As you search for scholarships, consider checking with your PCC academic department, place of worship, or other organization(s) that you participate in. Think of the scholarship application process as an hourly job. If you spent 5 hours putting together a quality application and you earn $1500, that is a pretty good hourly rate.
Here are the scholarships that we recommend to students interested in studying abroad with PCC:
The PCC Foundation Scholarship: Deadline Feb 1, 2026
The PCC Foundation offers scholarships for PCC students. With one application, students are considered for more than 250 different PCC Foundation Scholarships, including our own Education Abroad Scholarship!
The PCC Foundation offers many scholarship support services, including free scholarship workshops and drop-in Zoom sessions during December, January, and February. The application deadline is February 1, 2026.
The Education Abroad Scholarship: Deadline Feb 1, 2026
The Education Abroad Scholarship is available within the PCC Foundation scholarship application. To apply for the Education Abroad Scholarship, submit your PCC Foundation Scholarship application, then follow these steps:
- Click the “Opportunities” tab in blue at the top of your application page
- Go to the “All” option from this tab
- Type “Education Abroad” in the keyword box
- Click “Apply” when you see the Education Abroad Scholarship option
- Answer the supplemental questions included
Pro Tip: Need someone to review your scholarship essays? Reach out to Education Abroad Advisors for assistance by emailing studyabroad@pcc.edu.
The Gilman Scholarship (Pell-eligible students)
The Gilman Scholarship is a national scholarship through the U.S. Department of State that offers $1000-$5000 for a summer study abroad experience. To be eligible for the Gilman Scholarship, applicants must receive a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will receive a Pell Grant during their study abroad program or internship. The next Gilman Scholarship deadline is October 3, 2025.
The Gilman application requirements include four essays, unofficial transcripts, and information about the study abroad program you are applying to. The website also provides great resources for how to craft a competitive application, including essay guidelines. Check out these links below:
- Gilman essay tips
- Gilman selection criteria
- Gilman application submission tips
- Gilman application walk through video
- Step by Step Application Guide for PCC students
When writing your Gilman Scholarship application essays, it is important to both answer the essay prompt AND tell your story in a clear and compelling way. Check out these resources for additional guidance with your essay reviews:
Tips for Gilman Essays
Motivations for Studying Abroad Essay
- Make the case for why a global academic or professional experience would contribute to your future academic and/or career goals.
- Why did you select your specific program or internship and host country?
Knowledge and Skill Development through Studying Abroad Essay
- Please describe specific examples in which your knowledge, skills, and/or experiences (academic, professional, extracurricular and/or volunteer activities, etc.) have equipped you to effectively adapt to and succeed in your host country.
- What specific knowledge and skills do you hope to develop through your experience abroad?
Gilman Scholars as Citizen Diplomats Essay
- Describe your plans and strategies for engaging your host community and showcasing what it means to be an American.
- Articulate any specific plans that involve showcasing America’s 250th anniversary while in your host community.
Contributions to U.S. Communities and Follow-on Service Project Proposal
- How do you plan to leverage and share the knowledge and skills gained overseas on return to the United States?
- How you will raise awareness of the value of study abroad and highlight support available through the Gilman Program.
- Who is the primary audience for your follow-on service project and why have you selected them?
Looking for more info? Here is the latest Gilman Information Session.
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Dates and Due Dates | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCC Foundation | The PCC Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships to students. | Opens Nov 1, 2025 and closes Feb , 1 2026. | Varies |
| PCC Education Abroad Scholarship | The Education Abroad office has its own PCC Foundation Scholarship for students applying for PCC faculty-led programs. The application is found within the Foundation Scholarship application. | Opens Nov 1, 2025 and closes Feb 1, 2026. | Varies |
| Gilman Scholarship | For Pell Eligible students participating in a study abroad program of any length. Detailed application instructions: Gilman Scholarship Application Instructions. | 2 Opportunities to apply: Opens mid Aug 2025 and closes Oct 3, 2025 or Opens mid-Jan and closes March 5, 2026. | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Gilman-McCain Scholarship | For dependent child or spouse of an active duty military member during the time of application and a recipient of any type of Title IV federal financial aid. | Rolling | $5,000 |
| Fund for Education Abroad | Specific for students participating on a study abroad program. General summer category and additional dedicated scholarships, such as the Rainbow Scholarship. | Tentative dates: Opens mid Nov, 2025 and closes Feb 4, 2026. | Varies |
| Pride Foundation | Pride Foundation provides essential financial resources and community support to LGBTQ and allied student leaders in the NW. | Opens early Oct, 2025 and closes Jan 9, 2026. | Varies |
| Explore the World | Open to students ages 18-30 who lack the financial resources to go abroad. Award used for an overseas trip and must involve an educational component. | Look for applications to open in the Fall of 2026. | $2,000 |
| Go Overseas | For any student participating in a study abroad program, award based on the creativity and analytical thinking displayed through writing samples and/or video submissions. | Varies | $500 |
| LewerMark Make your Mark Scholarship | For students enrolled in summer or fall study abroad programs. Must include an advisor recommendation letter. | TBD | $750 |
| OSAC Scholarships | For Oregon college students, up to 40 different eligible scholarships in one application. | Early Bird Deadline Feb 17, 2026 or regular Deadline March 2, 2026. | varies |
Many PCC students are awarded multiple scholarships for education abroad!