11 Tips to Get College & University Scholarships with Gap Year Volunteering

Last Updated: July 25, 2024

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A gap year volunteering can be a lifetime experience of learning new skills, culture, and a pathway to contribute to people in need. Gaining international volunteering experience during a gap year can boost your opportunities for securing scholarships to study abroad.

Best Gap Year Scholarships & Grants in 2024

Gap-year scholarships are financial assistance provided to students or any individuals to explore a different perspective of learning, traveling, working, and building a professional career. This scholarship offers the opportunity to take a break from your academic programs and allows you to contribute your knowledge and skills to the community along with a chance to learn from them.

Some gap year scholarships and grants for 2024 are listed below:

• ARCC Voyagers Scholarship
• Global Citizen Year Scholarships
• EF Gap Year Awards
• Rustic Pathways Scholarships
• CanGap Gap Year Scholarship

Gap Year Crash Course: Scholarships & Funding

Applicants need to explore available scholarships for adequate funding. There are multiple organizations, institutions, and foundations willing to provide scholarships for students wanting to participate in volunteering abroad, especially during their gap year. There are various online platforms where you can find scholarships based on your preferences and merits.

General Volunteer Abroad Scholarships and Grants

A planned financial document is essential for your gap-year volunteering programs. There are mainly two categories of scholarships available for students. A need-based scholarship and a Merit-based scholarship. Students having a lower economic background will be awarded a need-based scholarship. However, students who meet the academic qualifications will be awarded a Merit-based/Program based-scholarship as per their preference for volunteering programs.

Gap-year scholarships for volunteering abroad in 2024

Every scholarship comes with its own unique benefits for those taking a gap year. It's important to carefully go through the requirements and get all the required paperwork ready well before the deadlines. This will help you make the best possible argument for why you should receive the scholarship—and it will also give you the chance to have an amazing gap year experience.

ARCC's Voyagers Scholarship	The Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)	Need-based College Scholarships	United Planet Scholarships
Available to students having significant financial need The application process involves completing the ARCC Gap Scholarship Application, which includes questions about financial circumstances and a personal essay.	Are designed for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with demonstrated financial need planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Applicants must submit an online application along with a budget plan, recommendation letters, and proof of financial need.	Require applicants to demonstrate financial need, with additional requirements varying by scholarship. The application process involves creating a profile and submitting an online application, with some scholarships requiring a personal statement.	Available to applicants who show a strong desire to volunteer abroad and have verifiable financial need. The application process involves filling out the United Planet Merit Scholarship Application, including personal statements and references.

Skills- and Degree-Based Volunteer Abroad Scholarships and Grants

Exploring skill-based scholarships can heavily alleviate the financial pressure of taking a gap year. These scholarships are linked to certain programs and can focus on specific interests like volunteering, cultural immersion, or environmental studies.

1. Education Major Scholarships are open to applicants accepted into or planning to apply to accredited education programs, requiring the creation of a free profile and submission of an online application, which may include essays.

2. Medical School Scholarships target students planning to attend medical school and also require a profile, along with transcripts and a personal statement.

3. Alzar Gap's Merit-Based Scholarships focus on leadership qualities and academic achievement, necessitating essay submissions that detail leadership experience.

4. Journalism College Scholarships are designed for students intending to pursue a career in journalism, requiring a streamlined online application with some options available that do not require essays.

5. Omprakash Grants and Scholarships are for individuals involved in Omprakash partner volunteer opportunities, requiring a thoughtful essay on social impact and an interview process.

Volunteer Abroad Scholarships for High School Students

The scholarships are offered to any students who are willing to participate in the volunteering programs during their gap year. Although the eligibility criteria differ between scholarships, there are some distinct programs aimed at recent graduates as well. Applicants should be aware of their interest areas and merits before submitting their application because these scholarships ensure the requirements are met.

Benefits of Gap Year Volunteering for Scholarships and Grants

Taking a gap year to volunteer comes with many benefits that can improve scholarship and grant applications. It not only enriches personal experiences but also significantly increases the chances of securing scholarships and grants by enhancing applications with unique skills, perspectives, and stories.

• Volunteers can have hands-on experience and can develop various skills required to shape their own careers.
• Volunteers experience unique cultural experience that broadens their perspective, adaptability, and personal growth.
• Opens pathways for future scholarships, employment, and overall networking with like-minded people.

FAQs

Can you get scholarships with gap year volunteering?

Gap-year scholarships are granted based on different criteria. They are typically categorized as either need-based or merit-based. Your eligibility for these scholarships will be assessed based on the specific criteria of each program. Before you apply for scholarships, it's important to thoroughly examine the requirements for each one. Knowing the various types of scholarships and their specific criteria will improve your chances of obtaining the funding you need for your gap year experience.

How do I get funding and grants for gap year volunteering abroad?

Obtaining funding for a gap year requires significant effort, as most participants will need to rely on their savings and earnings in addition to scholarships and donations. To enhance your chances of securing funding, it's crucial to start planning early and apply for all eligible scholarships and grants. Although the search for gap year funding can be lengthy, being proactive and persistent can help turn your transformative gap year experience into a reality.

How do scholarships and grants help me participate in volunteering abroad?

Scholarships and grants are essential for helping people engage in volunteer work overseas by offering financial assistance for program fees, travel costs, and living expenses. These financial aid opportunities are designed to meet various requirements, such as merit-based and need-based scholarships, making it possible for more individuals to be eligible.

How gap year volunteering can help me get a scholarship?

To make your gap-year scholarship a success, you need to follow few steps.

• Prepare a attractive project proposal and make sure it aligns with your career plan and your goal.
• Clearly explain your goals and objectives for your gap year, detailing how they align with your future academic or career ambitions.

To Conclude, We Hope this was Helpful

Many organizations worldwide are recognizing the importance of taking a gap year for experiential travel, which has led to an increase in funding opportunities tailored to these programs. This means that scholarships and grants are now more readily available, offering crucial financial assistance for those embarking on a gap-year journey.

There are different scholarship opportunities out there, each with specific eligibility criteria and requirements. To increase the likelihood of receiving funding, it's important for applicants to thoroughly examine the details of each scholarship, create comprehensive application materials that showcase your strengths and aspirations, and apply to several scholarships. Just one award can make your gap year dreams come true.