Life

Aid


Scholarships can help students defray the costs of the program. For the Summer Seminar 2023, more than $30,000 went to deserving students. Individual awards ranged from $500 to $2,000, but keep in mind that some students won as many as three separate awards. This can add up!

Scholarship funds come from many sources, so different students will be eligible for different scholarships. Please read carefully below, and be sure to email Seminar Staff with any questions (baillargeon@llc.umass.edu).

Most UMass scholarship awards will be announced in mid- to late-March.

UMass Amherst Students Receiving a Pell Grant

The Seminar will award three or more fellowships up to $5000 to support UMass students from underrepresented groups in order to make the program accessible for those who might not otherwise be able to go. In addition to being in good standing at UMass, students must:

  1. Prove that they are currently receiving a Federal Pell Grant or they will receive a Pell Grant during the term of study abroad
  2. Never previously studied abroad for academic credit.

REVISED APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1, 2023

See also the Gilman Scholarship.

Financial Aid for UMass Amherst students

UMass students who receive financial aid during the academic year may be able to access some of their aid package for summer study or take out auxiliary loans. Be sure to make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office to discuss your aid situation so you can see whether you qualify for any more help.

UMass Amherst Students in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts (CHFA)

Oxford Summer Seminar Scholarship Essay

UMass English Majors, History Majors and those with any CHFA major (other than English or History) should fill out the Oxford Summer Seminar Scholarship Essay found on the seminar application site. This will put you in the running for scholarships from some or all of the following bodies:

  • The College of Humanities and Fine Arts (CHFA)
  • The Department of English
  • The Department of History

These scholarships are awarded on a combination of academic merit (first) and financial need (second). You may win more than one scholarship if your application is truly competitive. There is nothing further to do once you fill out the scholarship essay on the seminar application site, but be sure to follow directions carefully.

Application deadline: when you submit your Seminar application.

UMass Amherst Students in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS)

Oxford Summer Seminar Scholarship Essay

UMass Students in SBS should fill out the Oxford Summer Seminar Scholarship Essay found on the seminar application site.

Application deadline: when you submit your Seminar application.

Ansin Study Abroad Fellowship

The Ansin Fellowship supports undergraduates in SBS who plan to study abroad during the summer, fall semester or for a full year. Approximately 20 scholarships, averaging $1,000 each are awarded in the spring.

Application deadline: TBD, 2023.

UMass Amherst Students in the Commonwealth Honors College

UMass Students in the Commonwealth Honors College should also apply for the separate Honors funds for the program. These are 6-7 grants of $500-2,000 each. Note: you must fill out a separate application to qualify for these funds. You won't enter into the running simply by being in the Honors College. Students have missed these in the past; don't let that be you this year!

U.S. Citizens with Pell grants from any school

Gilman Scholarship

All U.S. citizens with Pell Grants, regardless of school, should apply for the Gilman Scholarships, worth $3,000-5,000.

The UMass International Programs Office offers workshops for students applying for the Gilman.

When applying, the names of the following advisors may be useful:


Application deadline: March 1, 2023

Smith College Students

In addition to reviewing the options below, Smith students should also talk to their individual departments and their class dean's offices for financial aid.

Smith College Praxis Program

Smith College Students should apply for the Smith College Praxis Program. Designed for Sophomores and Juniors, the program offers a $2000 stipend in return for 220 hours of work in a qualified, unpaid internship during the summer. Because the 2023 Oxford program does not start until July 3, you could complete these hours during the two months before your departure (May-June). Smith Alumnae have done this successfully in past years, and you could be the next.

Smith College International Experience

Smith students can also apply for an International Experience Grant. These can give you up to $3,500 towards the program.

Smith College International Study

Students should also visit the International Study Office, which has a list of scholarships. Some of these may apply to the Oxford program.

Smith Student Aid Society Summer Study

Students can also apply to the Smith Student Aid Society (SSAS). This group gives small grants ($200-600 or so) for various needs, including summer study.

UMass Boston Students

Peter Brooks Butler Memorial Scholarship

UMass Boston sophomore or junior English majors can apply for the Peter Brooks Butler Memorial Scholarship. This was established by the UMass Boston English Department through the generosity of Mrs. E. Mauran Beals and Mrs. Jane B. Butler. The scholarship provides full funds for one student to attend summer school at Oxford University.

For more information, and application details, contact Sari Edelstein and Penelope MacDonald at sari.edelstein@umb.edu and penelope.macdonald@umb.edu

Students at other colleges and universities

Students at other colleges and universities should check to see what your home institutions offer.

Oxford Summer Seminar Scholarship Essay

Students at other colleges and universities may fill out the Oxford Summer Seminar Scholarship Essay found on the seminar application site. This will put you in the running for scholarships from the Seminar itself. These funds are limited, but they can still make a difference.

Application deadline: when you submit your Seminar application.