Nationwide First-Generation Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are vetted and updated regularly. New opportunities are added throughout the year, so we encourage students to bookmark this page and check back often. Many listed scholarships are national opportunities, and University of Missouri students have successfully received them.

Currently Open

Kadzai First-Gen Law Group Scholarship

  • This scholarship is for first-generation college students who are enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university within the United States.
  • Award:  $2,500
  • Deadline:
    • September 28, 2026 at 11:59PM
  • Access Application

Study Abroad Scholarships-Quick FAQ

Why don’t all study abroad scholarships apply to the First-Gen Abroad (Costa Rica Winter Break 2027) program?

Many scholarships listed online are tied to specific third‑party study abroad companies (like IFSA, IES, CIEE, or Semester at Sea). Those scholarships only apply if you are enrolled in a program run by that organization.

Does that affect the First‑Gen Abroad Costa Rica program?

Yes. The First‑Gen Abroad Costa Rica program is a Mizzou faculty‑led program, not a third‑party provider program. Because of that, scholarships tied to specific companies do not apply. Please see scholarships below.

So which scholarships do apply?

  • Mizzou Study Abroad Office scholarships
    College or department‑specific study abroad scholarships- If you are an A&S student or in the Honors College make sure to fill out those scholarship applications seperately below!
  • National scholarships not tied to a provider, such as the Gilman Scholarship (for Pell‑eligible students)

If a scholarship requires you to be enrolled in a program run by a specific organization, it does not apply. If you’re unsure, ask before spending time on an application — we’re happy to help!

Mizzou Abroad Scholarships

These scholarships support students participating in credit‑bearing study abroad programs through the University of Missouri. Awards may be used for winter break, spring, calendar year, and spring break programs.

Priority Deadline: September 1 for our Winter Break Program to Costa Rica.

View Scholarships.

Access Application: Apply through myStudyAbroad portal

A&S Global Experiences Scholarship

A&S Global Experience Scholarships are available to all undergraduate students pursuing an A&S degree and who are applying for MU-approved programs abroad.

Award amounts reflect available scholarship funds, program cost, number of credit hours, and financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Typical awards range from $2500 to $6500.

Deadline for our Winter Break program is Nov. 1

View Scholarships.

Access Application: Apply through the ScholarshipUniverse portal.

Honors College Study Abroad Awards

As an Honors student, you are eligible for study abroad awards from the Honors College. Apply for Honors College study abroad scholarships in your myStudyAbroad portal.
Deadlines are based on the study abroad term, and scholarship award decisions will be made prior to program application deadlines. Awards range from $500 to $1,000. To be considered for funding, students must be in good standing as an active member of the Honors College. Please contact the Honors College if you have any questions.

View Honors College website.

Gilman International Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports undergraduate students with limited financial means who plan to study or intern abroad. The goal of the Gilman Scholarship Program is to diversify participation in education abroad by providing funding to Pell Grant–eligible students.
  • Award: Up to $5,000 (additional funding available for critical need languages)
  • Deadline: October (Opens mid-August)
  • Access application

General & Career-Based Scholarships:

HPRA National Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports undergraduate students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in public relations and communications. Recipients receive financial support as well as professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities through the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA).
  • Award: Up to $10,000
  • Application Deadline: June 20, 2026
  • Notification: August 2026
  • Recognition: November 2026 at the ¡BRAVO! Awards ceremony
  • Access Application

For High School Students Applying to Mizzou:

Around the Corner from College $1,000 Scholarship

  • Open to current high school students who is planning to attend college or university in the US
  • Award: $1,000
  • Deadline: June 30, 2026
  • Access Application

Scholarships to Look Out for Each Year

Currently Closed

Check back often as deadlines and applications open and vary throughout the year.

TIAA First‑Generation Scholarship

  • This scholarship assists first‑generation undergraduate students who plan to continue their education at a four‑year college or university. The program supports students pursuing careers related to financial services, asset management, and related fields.
  • Mizzou students have been successful recipients of this highly competitive national scholarship. In 2025, two University of Missouri students were selected among only 15 recipients nationwide—demonstrating that first‑generation students should apply and not self‑select out of national opportunities.
  • Award: $5,000–$10,000
  • Deadline: Spring (Varies each year)
  • Access Application

RSM US Foundation Scholarship

  • The program is open to legal residents of the 50 states and Washington, D.C., who are at least 18 years old, full-time students with a 3.3 GPA or above at an accredited college or university, and studying business or technology in a bachelor's degree program.
  • Award:  $10,000
  • Deadline: Applications accepted Dec. 1 until Feb. 28 annually
  • Access Application

The Flourish Initiative

  • Open to First-Generation college students currently pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree within 50-miles of Boone County.
  • Award: $1000-7,500
  • Deadline: March (Occurs yearly)
  • Access Application