Experience Grants

Making Experiences Possible

Each year, Schreyer funds more than 400 experiences for Scholars, including internships, research, service, international travel, and conferences.

Our goal is to ensure these experiences are available to all Scholars. If you are planning an experience and need funding support, we encourage you to apply.

Application Deadlines

Grant funding is limited each semester. Students must submit their application by the deadline for the semester they are completing the experience.

November 1

Fall semester activites
March 1

Spring semester activities (including December/January)
May 1

Summer activities (including May)
June 1

Final deadline to confirm awards (to avoid cancellation)

Students studying abroad for an entire semester have an earlier application deadline to allow for the completion of the Schreyer pre-departure program. These deadlines will be communicated via the Schreyer newsletter.

Applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a funds-available basis. Email a statement of explanation to the Schreyer Grants Coordinator for applications submitted after the deadline. Note that this does not guarantee funding.

How to Apply for Experience Grants

Student sitting on a stone wall with a computer

To be considered for a grant, complete the grant application in the Student Records System (SRS) with as much detail as possible. If certain details are unknown, update the application as those details become available. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

In addition to applying for a Schreyer Honors College grant, we strongly recommend Scholars explore cost-sharing options and seek funding from their academic college, department, or special program. We receive many grant requests and are unable to fully fund all requested amounts.

Apply for an Experience Grant

Application Status & Funds Disbursement

You can monitor the status of your grant application from the Student Records System (SRS) dashboard. Applications are typically reviewed about 30 days before the start date of the intended experience. Applications will remain in the "In Progress" status until that time. If you are nearing this 30-day window and have not received an update, contact the Schreyer Grants Coordinator for assistance.

Schreyer grant funds are typically processed in 7-10 days upon review and transferred to your student bursar account. If you have any outstanding bills with Penn State, the Bursar will use the funds to pay your balance. If you have a zero balance, you will be issued a refund. You will get the refund by check mailed to the address Penn State has on file or via an eRefund if you have signed up for that option. Because eRefunds are processed much faster, we strongly encourage you to sign up for that option in LionPath.

Receiving an award may lead to an over award, where your aid surpasses your total costs or need. In such cases, the Office of Student Aid may adjust your package to comply with Federal regulations and remove the over award.

Experience Grant Types

Below you will find a breakdown of the types of experiences we fund, along with any specific criteria or funding limits.

Funding for conference travel may be available through departments, schools, divisions, campuses, colleges, and the Schreyer Honors College.

Applicants must provide the contact information for the individual responsible for administering conference travel funding within their units, along with documentation verifying their conference participation. Acceptable documentation includes a paid conference registration receipt or a letter from a faculty member confirming that you will be presenting at the conference, including the conference name and dates.

Schreyer Honors College funding is limited to $400 per conference.

This funding is available for study abroad, research, internship, and service activities. The funding levels table below lists the maximum travel grants available by destination and program duration. Multi-region maximums are $1,600 for summer programs and $2,200 for semester programs. Additional need-based funding may be available for Schreyer Scholars. For more information, contact Schreyer's Grants Coordinator.

Scholars who are studying abroad for the entire Spring 2027 semester and would like funding must apply for a travel grant by October 2. Scholars must also complete the Schreyer Global Experience Pre-Departure Program, which runs from October 12 - December 2. This 6-week, asynchronous program will prepare you to engage globally with confidence, curiosity, and respect. Expect an email from Schreyer with more information following the October 2 grant application deadline.

Through short videos, readings, and self-reflection, you will build core skills in cultural awareness, intercultural communication, global competencies, and cultural humility. You will complete a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) assessment, develop strategies for effective engagement abroad, and create a final project that applies what you've learned to your specific destination or goals.

Funding Levels Table

Region	1-3 Weeks	3-4 Weeks	4-5 Weeks	5-6 Weeks	6-7 Weeks	7-8 Weeks	8-9 Weeks	9-10 Weeks	Over 10 Weeks
Europe	$1,000	$1,100	$1,200	$1,300	$1,400	$1,500	$1,600	$1,700	$1,900
Middle East/North Africa	$1,000	$1,200	$1,300	$1,400	$1,500	$1,600	$1,700	$1,800	$2,000
Africa	$1,200	$1,375	$1,550	$1,725	$1,900	$2,075	$2,250	$2,400	$2,600
Canada/Caribbean/Central America/Mexico	$800	$850	$900	$950	$1,000	$1,050	$1,100	$1,150	$1,350
South America	$1,000	$1,100	$1,200	$1,300	$1,400	$1,500	$1,600	$1,700	$1,900
Asia	$1,200	$1,400	$1,600	$1,800	$2,000	$2,200	$2,250	$2,600	$2,800
Australia/New Zealand/Pacific	$1,200	$1,375	$1,550	$1,725	$1,900	$2,075	$2,250	$2,400	$2,600

All Penn State-affiliated international travel requires Global Safety Network (GSN) registration at least 30 days before departure. If you are participating in a Penn State study abroad program, Penn State Global handles registration and no further action is required from you. For programs not officially affiliated with Penn State Global, such as conference presentation, research, or service, GSN approval is mandatory. Register via the Penn State Global Safety Network website. You will need GSN approval to begin the Schreyer grant application.

Internship funding is primarily intended to support students pursuing unpaid internships in high-cost areas. However, requests for funding for paid internships will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A confirmation letter from the internship supervisor is required, including the expected start and end dates as well as details of any compensation.

Grant applications for innovation and entrepreneurship experiences are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please include your program commitment and all related receipts with your application. Awards (processed as reimbursements) are contingent upon submission of both documents and are capped at $400.

Grants to address the barriers-to-entry to complete service are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Funds can be used for transportation, housing, or other needs. Please include information about which community organization you will be serving and what your role will be in your application.

For questions about service grants, contact Schreyer's Experiential Learning Coordinator.

Summer research funding is intended to help cover living expenses for students engaged in research projects. All funding requests must include a confirmation letter from the research supervisor outlining the research period, a summary of responsibilities, and details regarding any compensation.

Thesis research grants are one-time awards of up to $400. While requests for materials are considered on a case-by-case basis, the purchase of computer hardware is not eligible for funding. Grants are disbursed directly to the student via their Bursar's account and cannot be transferred to a research budget.

Applications must include a confirmation letter from the thesis supervisor or adviser that specifies the item requested, its cost or subscription rate (including a link), and a statement confirming its necessity for thesis research.

Contact Our Grants Coordinator

If you have questions about any of the grants listed, contact Schreyer’s Coordinator of Academic and International Programs or make an appointment to explore your options.

Incoming Scholar Tuition & Financial Aid

Incoming Scholars should visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page to learn more about financial aid for incoming students, the FAFSA application, and the Schreyer Honors College Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES).

Tuition & Financial Aid