If you’ve spent some time looking for content about gap years on our website, you’ve also come across tips about everything from budgeting to creating checklists to choosing where to go and what to do. Taking a gap year, if you’re a student looking for an exciting break after years of schooling or a parent helping your child as they embark on their first experience of independent traveling, studying, or working, can be an overwhelming method.

Organizations all around the globe have recognized the importance of young people taking time off to plan their own travel adventures or to partake in gap year services. When the number of people taking gap years to move more extensively grows, so do the funding options. Along with conventional offers for study abroad, essential language learning, and volunteering abroad, gap year scholarships and grants are also available.

Serving a little, fundraising a little, and asking for grants a little is the perfect way to finance your gap year, whether domestically or abroad. Although working might not be the most enjoyable activity, it is an excellent way to save money for your adventure. We do, however, advocate that you contribute financially to your Gap Year experience in any case: true to the essence of a Gap Year, working hard to contribute financially demonstrates your desire to take charge of your own experience. In order to aid in your scholarship search, here is a concise list of 10 scholarships to get you started!

Travel Access Project Gap Year Grants

Up to ten scholarships are available through the Travel Access Project (TAP) for gap year students planning to travel abroad during the current academic year. This privilege is available to everyone, regardless of age or citizenship. You’re eligible regardless of where you’re from! Not only can outstanding applicants receive a good lump sum of cash, but they also receive membership of the Gap Year Association, sponsorship from the TAP office, travel gear, and special incentives for travelers. You can, yes, get your adventure cake and eat it as well. This scholarship is more than just a gap year chance. For any more information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.

Provided By: Travel Access Project
Award: $3000
Education level: All
Subject: All
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Rustic Pathways Gap Year Scholarship

The Rustic Pathways Gap Year Scholarship grants up to $40,000 to students who show a dedication to academic achievement as well as the financial need to make their aspirations a reality. While this vast sum of money sounds incredible, and it is, the amount of the prize is dictated by financial necessity. There are a few requirements for this grant, the most important of which is that the scholarship is applied to a single semester program. Support for a gap year has never looked so cool. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.

Provided By: Rustic Pathways
Award: Up to $ 40,000 
Education level: High School Senior and above
Subject: All
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Dr. Natalia Gómez Passport Scholarship

The Dr. Natalia Gómez Passport Scholarship was created in 2014 in honor of a former Grand Valley State University Laker to assist individuals with disabilities in traveling abroad while defraying the (often high) cost of vital travel goods. Individuals with disabilities, as specified by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are eligible for this modest gap year scholarship (ADA). Interested applicants must have valid documents indicating that they will be taking a gap year in the fall and that they have recently purchased a passport. With this one-of-a-kind scholarship for gap year pupils, you can save where you can! For information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.

Provided By: Grand Valley State University
Award: $135
Education level: High School Senior and above
Subject: All
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EF Gap Year Scholarships

Education First, also known as EF around the world, is currently offering up to $20,000 in gap year program scholarships to the most eligible applicants. Both gap years and gap semesters are eligible for these ambassador scholarships. There are two $2,000 gap year scholarships and six $1,000 gap semester scholarships available for gap year (or semester) students. EF is looking for bright people who are proficient in publishing, painting, or videography. This isn’t your typical gap year funding application; if you’re a blogger, you can apply a short essay; if you’re a filmmaker, they’d love to see a couple of your best shots; and for the film, they’d love to see a few of your best clips. For information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.

Provided By: Education First
Award: $2,000
Education level: High School Senior and above
Subject: All
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Omprakash Ethikal Global Engagement Grants

For the most outstanding students, Omprakash’s do-good gap year program scholarships are meant to help cover the burden of not only flying but also housing and tuition expenses. Successful applicants will have the chance to participate in Omprakash’s creative EdGE learning environment while volunteering or interning abroad with one of their foreign member organizations for three months or more. Anyone, regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, religion, or any other background characteristics, is qualified to apply for an Omprakash Grant, but it should be noted that this gap year financial aid policy is only open to applicants who are 22 years old or younger. For information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.

Provided By: Omprakash Foundation
Award: $2500
Education level: High School Senior and above (22 years old or younger)
Subject: All
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Gap Year Escape Scholarship Programme

This clever gap year scholarship scheme (in American English) is designed to honor one lucky duck who has shown foundational e-commerce skills. Do you have evidence of your abilities in fields like marketing, business, journalism, media, or communications? If that’s the case, make a note of the deadline. Since 2009, Gap Year Escape has provided one $500 gap year scholarship to eligible applicants to encourage whilst ensuring mobility. For information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.

Provided By: Gap Year Escape
Award: $500
Education level: Undergraduate and Masters
Subject: All
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Link Year Scholarship

This fantastic gap year scholarships are designed for students who have physical, moral, or emotional needs. The admirable concept behind Link Year is to assist those who want to build dynamic Christian leadership skills through life-changing experiences. There are a few basic steps to requesting financial aid, including completing a Link Year questionnaire, writing a 1,000-word document, and providing evidence of financial necessity. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.

Provided By: Link Year
Award: Varies
Education level: All
Subject: All
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Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students of any age who can demonstrate financial need. Your financial need, the cost of tuition for your desired degree, and whether you attend college part-time or full-time decide the amount of the award. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant you could get was $6,345, although the limit changes per year. Please see the page below for more detail about the scholarship and to apply.

Provided By: FAFSA
Award: $6,345
Education level: Undergraduate 
Subject: All
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Unigo $10K Scholarship

Anyone who is at least 13 years old at the time of admission is entitled to participate. By the fall of 2024, applicants must be lawful residents of the United States and enrolled (or planning to enroll) in an accredited post-secondary college. Fill out the questionnaire on the website. Applicants must also apply a 250-word essay on the most recent writing prompt. Please see the page below for more detail about the scholarship and to apply.

Provided By: Unigo
Award: $10,000
Education level:  All
Subject: All
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Imagine America Foundation Scholarships

Nontraditional candidates above the age of 21 are eligible for the $1,000 Imagine America scholarship. This scholarship is for adults who want to improve themselves through education and want to work in a profession. You must join the Imagine America Foundation to complete the application process. Please see the page below for more detail about the scholarship and to apply.

Provided By: Imagine America Foundation
Award: $1,000
Education level: Undergraduate 
Subject: All
Apply Now