Scholarships

Scholarship deadlines

Spring semester
October 15
Fall semester
April 1
Summer
March 15
Apply
Making study abroad possible

At DIS, we are committed to making study abroad accessible. Each year, we grant over $2,500,000 to deserving students through four types of scholarships: need-based, diversity, green, and merit scholarships. Learn more about our scholarships from DIS and beyond, hear from past DIS students about their scholarship experiences, and find out how to contact us for more information.

Scholarship snapshot
$2.5
million granted per year
50%
of students receive financial support from DIS

What you need to know before you apply

If you receive scholarships and aid from your home university and are considering applying for a DIS scholarship, contact your study abroad advisor before you apply to discuss:

+ If you can transfer your financial aid to study abroad
+ How receiving a DIS scholarship will affect your aid



Regardless of your situation, you can always apply for DIS scholarships.

International applicants

We want our scholarships to be accessible to all students
who study with DIS.

That’s why every student enrolled in DIS is welcome to apply for our scholarships, including international (non-U.S.) students.


Receiving multiple scholarships

We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that you are eligible for. If you apply for both need-based and diversity scholarships, the combined maximum award is $6,000 per semester and $500 per three-week summer session.

Merit scholarships supersede any previously awarded need-based or diversity scholarships, and Green scholarships supersede any previously awarded need-based, diversity, or merit scholarships.

DIS Scholarships

Need-based scholarships

Need-based scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. We welcome applications from all students facing financial barriers, regardless of whether you currently receive aid at your home institution.

What do applicants need to submit?

  • + A short personal statement that is at least two paragraphs
  • + FAFSA information (Student Aid Index score) if available
  • + Cost of attendance, which could include:
    1. Scholarships
    2. Pell Grant eligibility
    3. Other grants
    4. Work-study eligibility at your home institution
    5. Federal loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS loans)
    6. Loans received from your home institution

Any information regarding loans, grants, and/or work study is appreciated, but not required.

Diversity scholarships

Diversity scholarships support students from underrepresented populations in study abroad, including but not limited to diverse ethnic, racial, cultural, or educational backgrounds, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, and more.

What do applicants need to submit?

  • + A short personal statement that is at least two paragraphs
Award range
for need-based and diversity scholarships

Award decisions and late applications

When will applicants hear back? Need-based and diversity scholarship decisions are announced on a rolling basis, meaning we process applications in the order in which they come in. Most students hear back within two to three weeks of submitting their application.

Can students apply after the deadline? For need-based and diversity scholarships, we accept applications submitted after the deadline—particularly if a student’s financial situation has changed—but funds may be limited.

DIS Green Education Fund

Are you passionate about tackling the climate crisis and creating real, lasting change in your community?

Covering the cost of Green scholarships and a sustainability-focused Summer Session in Greenland, the Green Education Fund removes financial barriers so you can focus on what really matters: gaining the skills and expertise to transform our world. Learn more about opportunities offered through the Green Education Fund below.

Green Scholarships
Each fall and spring semester, our Green scholarships award $10,000 to 10 students who are deeply committed to sustainability. Whether your background is in science, business, policy, or community organizing, we believe every discipline brings essential perspectives to holistic, future-focused innovation. With our Green Scholarship, you can gain international expertise and tackle the challenges that matter most to you and our world.

What are the application requirements?

  • +A passion for pursuing a career with a sustainability focus in fields such as politics, activism, research, business, etc.
  • +An aspiration to work on solutions to our world’s complicated environmental challenges
  • +Demonstrated involvement in sustainability or environmental efforts through leadership, research, academics, work, volunteering, or extracurricular activities
  • +Enrollment (or intended enrollment) at DIS from a DIS Partner Institution

What do applicants need to submit?

  • +Personal essay with a maximum of 1,000 words
  • +Recommendation letter from a professor, academic advisor, or supervisor
  • +Resumé
  • +FAFSA information (Student Aid Index score) if available
  • +Cost of attendance, which could include:
    1. Scholarships
    2. Pell Grant eligibility
    3. Other grants
    4. Work-study eligibility at your home institution
    5. Federal loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS loans)
    6. Loans received from your home institution

Any information regarding loans, grants, and/or work study is appreciated, but not required.

Can students apply after the deadline?

For green scholarships, we do not accept applications submitted after the deadline.

When will applicants hear back?

Green scholarship decisions are announced three to four weeks after the deadline.

Fully-funded summer session in Greenland
Education as climate action
The Green Education Fund covers the full cost of the summer session in Greenland, where students will see firsthand how the climate crisis affects an entire nation and its people. This is a competitive session of students from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about changing the direction of our future.
Learn more about Arctic Experiential Studies

Merit scholarships

Merit scholarships are available only during fall and spring semesters. Each semester, we grant one award per merit scholarship. These scholarships are highly competitive and supersede any previously awarded need-based and/or diversity scholarships.

What do applicants need to submit?
+ A personal essay with a maximum of 1,000 words
+ A letter of recommendation from a faculty or academic advisor


Can students apply after the deadline?
We do not accept merit scholarship applications submitted after the deadline.


When will applicants hear back?
Merit scholarship winners are announced two to three weeks after the deadline.

Award range
for merit scholarships

Additional study abroad scholarships

These scholarships have historically rewarded funds to DIS students. Please note that some scholarships are specific to either Copenhagen or Stockholm, while others are available in both locations.

Explore our financial planning resources

From DIS tuition to student scholarship stories and budgeting advice, read through our essential planning resources and tips to plan for your time abroad.

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees

Overcoming the unexpected: How Suzi engaged herself in Copenhagen

DIS Blog, Overcoming the unexpected, how Suzi engaged in Copenhagen

Returning to Scandinavia with the help of a scholarship

DIS Blog, Returning to Scandinavia with the help of scholarship

Student Blogger Digest – Tips for managing money abroad

DIS Blog, Tips for managing money abroad

Do you have questions about scholarships and financial aid?

Join an info sessiom
Contact DIS