Scholarships & Fellowships

All Chinese Flagship Scholars are eligible for Flagship Scholarships that support them for intensive summer study of the language, as well as the Capstone Year in China. Flagship Scholars must fill out the following financial aid paperwork annually to be considered:

  • FAFSA.  In light of the significant challenges, delays, and changes to this year’s FAFSA we have decided to waive our March 1 FAFSA priority consideration deadline this year. Our hope is that this will relieve some of the stress that you and your family may be facing in attempting to submit your FAFSA. If you haven’t already done so, please submit your FAFSA as soon as you are able. Watch your email for virtual FAFSA Completion Assistance events, which will be hosted by URI Financial Aid experts!

Based on the information provided in the FAFSA, the University of Rhode Island will prepare a financial aid package most likely featuring a combination of grants, scholarships, and student loans.  If a student is admitted to the Chinese Flagship Program, he or she may also apply for Flagship Scholarships for summer study and the Capstone Year in China. URI Army ROTC students who participate in the Flagship Program are also eligible for Army Foreign Language Flagship Scholarships.

The URI Office of Enrollment Service’s Financial Aid site has a good overview of the financial aid process.

External Scholarships

Flagship Scholars really stand out in competitive national scholarships meant to support students for their time abroad.

Below is a listing of some of these opportunities. Keep in mind that deadlines may be as many as 18 months prior to planned departure!

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Up to $8,000. Must be a U.S. Citizen receiving a Pell Grant. The Gilman Scholarship Program seeks to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go.

Rotary International

Program varies but typically provides a flat grant of US$25,000 for one academic year of study in another country.

NSEP Boren Awards for International Study

Funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), which focuses on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security. Up to $25,000.

Beatrice S. Demers Foreign Language Fellows Program

For Rhode Island residents and anyone who is a student at a Rhode Island college or university who wishes to pursue foreign language study. Applicants can be undergraduate students, graduate students, professors, educators, or other residents of Rhode Island. Successful applicants will all share one thing: a passion for developing fluency in another language. The scholarship may support the costs of tuition, fees, travel, housing, and living expenses. Deadline Month for application: January

Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships

Up to $10,000 for current undergraduates who plan to study abroad for at least four weeks. Multiple scholarships opportunities; U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents eligible for funding. Deadline month for application: January 

Chinese Studies Scholarship

Up to $200 for current undergraduates studying Chinese in either domestic or international immersion programs.

Visit the URI Office of National Scholarships for a more complete listing.

Flagship Scholarships

All awards are competitive and dependent on the availability of funds.

Applications for summer and following Academic Year awards due: TBA

In order to apply for a Flagship Scholarship for the following summer or academic year, submit an online application including a current resume and a letter of application explaining your reasons for applying to the indicated programs; an honest assessment of your financial situation, including how you finance your studies, what level of loan commitments you already have and what financial aid you qualify for; and why you think the Chinese Flagship Program should support you with scholarship aid for this program. Click here to start your Flagship Scholarship application.

Eligibility Criteria for All Awards:

  • URI Flagship Student
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4
  • Commitment to the Flagship Program, demonstrated through:
    • involvement in extracurricular activities related to the target language and culture
    • leadership and community involvement
  • Proof of application for other awards, i.e., Gilman, Boren, Demers.

URI Flagship Scholarships  

Domestic Summer – for study at the URI Chinese Flagship Immersion Program or Indiana University Flagship Chinese Institute (FCI)

  • Chinese OPI Level: Novice High and above
  • URI Course Prerequisite: CHN 112 (H)

Overseas Summer – for study in a Flagship-approved summer program

  • Chinese OPI Level:  Intermediate High and above
  • URI Course Prerequisite:  CHN 312 or above
    • Summer scholarship

Flagship Capstone Year Scholarships