Scholarships for Spanish Studies

Spanish is one of the most in-demand languages in the U.S., so there are many good reasons to pursue scholarship funding for a Spanish degree. There are also plenty of opportunities for funding. The Hispanic population in this country has outpaced all other minority groups in its growth, and the business and industry sector in Spanish goods and services is exploding with opportunity.

Some of the best scholarships you should keep an eye on are likely to come from major corporations and other private sector sources with their eye on the Spanish consumer market.

Several of these occupations also pair well with a Spanish Studies degree, and you’re likely to find scholarship funding for many of these careers as well.

Interpreter
Social workers and counselors
Politics
Business Administration
Teacher/Educator
School counselor

Potential Tie-Ins with Study Abroad Programs

Many scholarships for Spanish students also come in the form of study abroad programs that encourage students to study Spanish while being absorbed in a foreign culture. Examples of organizations that offer Spanish scholarships as part of a study abroad program include The Center for Cross-Cultural Study, Global Learning Semesters, and the Learning Abroad Center.

Scholarships for Spanish Studies Majors

Use the following list as an indication of the array of scholarship opportunities, and know that there are many more that you can dig up in your field of study.

Gilman International Scholarship

From government funds, one of the best scholarship programs is the Gilman International Scholarship. This federally-funded program is open to undergraduate students receiving Pell Grants. Traditionally, only students who are financially limited haven’t been able to study abroad. In fact, many Pell Grant recipients would have no chance to go abroad to study Spanish without a program like this one. Eligible candidates receive up to $5,000 in scholarship money.

Study abroad organizations like Gilman International are solid sources for scholarship money. Most offer students with demonstrable financial difficulty some scholarship funding for their travel abroad studies. Many university Spanish Studies departments also offer scholarships specifically to help students study abroad.

Fulbright Scholarship

The federally funded Fulbright Scholarship is a prestigious program that offers standout scholars the opportunity to pursue research and study all over the world. To find current opportunities in Spanish-language countries, check out the Fulbright website. Scholarships often allow students at the graduate or post-graduate level the chance to participate in teaching or international exchange research projects.

Selmer Birkelo Scholarship

The Selmer Birkelo Scholarship from the University of Minnesota is awarded annually to eligible students.Candidates must be studying in Spanish Studies alone or in combination with another discipline, such as Political Science or Economics. Awards are $4,000 each.