Brandeis University Study Abroad Scholarships
For the past 30 years, thanks to the inspiration of President Abram Sachar and the continued support of Brandeis alumni, professors, and staff, the Undergraduate Committee for Study and Research Abroad has administered a grant competition for students on need-based financial aid planning to study abroad during their college career. Please see the list of available scholarships below.
We encourage applications from all qualified undergraduates, especially sophomores whose G.P.A. is at least a 3.0. Typical awards range from $500 to $1,500.
- The George and Gertrude Gerzon Endowed Scholarship for Eastern European Holocaust Studies was established to support students whose study abroad program includes projects related to Holocaust studies, with a preference first for those studying in Poland and second for those studying in Eastern Europe. Awardees shall be selected based on academic merit and achievement and on financial need. If no awardees met the financial need criteria, then the award will be based on academic and achievement only.
- The Edward Cohen Scholarship supports students interested in studying abroad at Hebrew University or the Technion in Israel. This scholarship may be awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.
- The Helen Ke Memorial Scholarship is available to students interested in studying abroad in China and who have completed at least one semester of Chinese language. This scholarship may be awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.
- Saul Epstein and Meyer Schindler Endowed Scholarship for Overseas Study gives preference to female Humanities students interested in studying overseas.
- The Joel Friedland '76 Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship gives preference to students from the Midwest but any student with need-based financial aid may apply.
- The Alberta Gotthardt and Henry Strage International Scholarship supports students wishing to study abroad in a developing country outside of the U.S., Canada or western Europe, or studying in India, Japan, or Russia. This award is not meant for students planning to study in their home country.
Application
Applications for students studying abroad in Academic Year 2025-26, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 are due on February 13, 2025 as part of a student's study abroad application (under the Sachar Scholarship Eligibility question). The Undergraduate Committee for Study and Research Abroad will evaluate applications based on academic record, study abroad application essays, and the stipulations of each award.
Eligibility
Students eligible to receive need-based financial aid may apply for a grant to study abroad for Fall, Spring, or Academic Year. Preference will be given to students who are planning to study abroad for the full year or fall semester only. The only merit scholars (e.g., JBS, Presidential) who may apply for a Brandeis Study Abroad Scholarship are those who also qualify for need-based institutional financial aid.
Exception: Applicants for the Helen Ke, Edward Cohen, or Gerzon scholarships may be considered regardless of their financial aid status. Please email abroad@brandeis.edu to learn how to apply through your study abroad application.