LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Scholarships

Up to $20,000. No loans. No repayment. Just the experience.

We are actively building the scholarship fund before our first awards in 2027. Applications are open now so you're first in line. We review every application personally — no algorithm, no automated rejections.

Applications open — Deadline January 15, 2027

Who can apply

Eligibility requirements.

These are designed to be as accessible as possible. If you're unsure whether you qualify, apply. We'd rather review an ineligible application than have a qualified student not apply.

Identify as LGBTQ+ (includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, nonbinary, and all identities under the queer umbrella)

Currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university, OR accepted to a graduate program beginning in 2027

Demonstrate financial need — you don't have to show tax returns, but you should be able to describe your financial situation honestly

Have a specific study-abroad program, language immersion program, or international exchange in mind (or be actively researching one) beginning no earlier than Summer 2027

U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency required for initial cohort

$20K

Maximum award per scholar. Covers flights, housing, tuition fees, program costs, and living expenses.

"We built the eligibility criteria around the students who need this most, not the students who are easiest to fund."

Michael Eisinger, Founder & CEO

What's covered

The scholarship covers real costs.

Up to $20,000 total. Funds are disbursed directly to your program or institution where possible, with remaining funds going to you for documented costs.

Flights

Round-trip airfare

International round-trip from your nearest major airport to your program destination.

Housing

Program housing

University dormitories, approved homestays, or program-affiliated housing for the full duration.

Tuition

Program fees

Enrollment fees, tuition, and required course materials not covered by your existing financial aid.

Living

Living expenses

A stipend for meals, local transit, and incidentals based on documented cost-of-living at your destination.

Application timeline

Key dates for the first cohort.

Now — Open

Applications open

Submit your application anytime. Early applicants receive an acknowledgment within two weeks.

January 15, 2027

Application deadline

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern. No exceptions.

February–March 2027

Review period

Independent review committee evaluates all applications. Some applicants may be contacted for follow-up.

April 2027

Award notifications

All applicants notified of decisions. Recipients contacted to confirm acceptance and begin disbursement process.

Summer / Fall 2027

Scholars depart

First WWP scholars study abroad. WanderLearn Scholar Prep programming begins before departure.

Included with every scholarship

WanderLearn Scholar Prep

Every Wandering With Pride scholar receives access to WanderLearn Scholar Prep before departure. This is not optional or extra — it is part of the scholarship.

01

LGBTQ+ Safety Training

Destination-specific safety briefings, local LGBTQ+ resources, emergency contacts, and how to navigate queer visibility in different cultural contexts.

02

Cohort Community

You'll meet your fellow scholars before you leave. A community of queer students going abroad at the same time, available before, during, and after your trip.

03

Practical Prep

Travel logistics, financial planning for life abroad, insurance, medication access in your destination, and how to handle the practical realities of being queer in a new country.