University of Virginia

ISE Scholarships

"Semester at Sea and the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) provide $3.25 million in aid to students each year. ISE offers a broad offering of awards to assist as many students as possible. It is our mission to make sure that all qualified students interested in Semester at Sea are able to sail regardless of financial resources."

Summer 2010

  • Financial Aid Deadline - March 12, 2010
  • Award Notification - March 26, 2010

Fall 2010

  • Financial Aid Deadline - April 16, 2010
  • Award Notification - May 7, 2010

Spring 2011

  • Financial Aid Deadline - September 10, 2010
  • Award Notification - September 24, 2010

 *Only confirmed participants will be considered for financial aid.*

Need-Based Grants: These grants are awarded by the Institute for Shipboard Education to help make the program a reality for all students regardless of financial status. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. Download the Need-Based Grant Application (PDF)

Merit Grants: Students may apply for merit-based aid if they maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above. Additional consideration will be given to those students demonstrating leadership within their campus or community. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. Download the Merit-Based Grant Application (PDF)

Seamans-Kruse Scholarship: This scholarship was made possible by the generosity of SAS alummus Scott Seamans and the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation. This partnership celebrates our shared mission to encourage young people to reach their highest potential, and to create in them the courage to "embrace risk and change" on their way to becoming future global leaders. Students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA to be considered for this award. Three $2,500 grants are awarded per semester. Download the Seamans-Kruse Scholarship Application (PDF)

Diversity Abroad Scholarships: Awarded in partnership with DiversityAbroad.com.  Five scholarships of $13,000 will be awarded for the fall and spring voyages. Five scholarships of $6,500 will be awarded for the summer voyage.

Submit a short video essay on the topic "How does a deep understanding of diversity make you a more effective global citizen?"  See  DiversityAbroad and Semester at Sea scholarships for submission details.

Applicants without access to the necessary technological resources may submit a written essay of approximately 500 words to [This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots; you need JavaScript enabled to view it] . Please include a recent photograph as an attachment to the email submission.

Additionally, applicants must submit to ISE a brief financial aid application form . See this page for more information. Download the Semester at Sea/Diversity Abroad application (PDF).

Janet H. Rothenberg Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is made possible by the family and friends of Janet Rothenberg, a Summer 2004 participant whose life was tragically cut short by a sudden illness while she was participating in the SAS program.  To qualify for review students are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and to have participated in some activity, sport, or club at their home school.  Preference will be given to students currently attending the University of Pittsburgh and/or residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Grants in excess of $2,500 are available on an annual basis. Download the Janet H. Rothenberg Memorial Scholarship application (PDF).

Alumni Scholarships: These awards are made possible by the generosity of gifts from our alumni. Students will be expected to correspond with the donor if selected. Students must have a 3.25 GPA or have exhibited personal leadership. Awards range from $500 to $2,000. Download the Alumni Scholarship Application (PDF)

University of California San Diego Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded by the Programs Abroad Office at UCSD. For more information, see UCSD's website. Students must be an undergraduate at UCSD to qualify. $1,000 awards are available for summer voyages and $2,500 awards are available for spring and fall voyages.

NSCS Scholarship "Scholar at Sea": Members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars are eligible to apply for this award. Requirements and application are available online. One $7,000 award available for fall and spring voyages, and five $2,000 awards available for summer voyages.

University of California- Irvine Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded by the Center for International Education at UCI. For more information, see UCI's website. Students must be an undergraduate at UCI to qualify. $2,000 awards are available for summer voyages and $3,750 awards are available for spring and fall voyages.

Work-Study Grants: These esteemed positions are available for industrious students with the necessary experience to be successful in their assignment. Students will be expected to work two hours per day while at sea. There will be no work expectations while in port. Work-Study grants are $4,000 for spring and fall voyages, and $2,000 for summer voyages. Students are only eligible to apply for one position per voyage. Select a position below for more information and application instructions.