Explorer Scholarship
Here at EF, our goal has always been Opening the World Through Education. And our Explorer Scholarship Fund is designed to make that happen for more students than ever. Our needs- and merit-based scholarship awards $500 to as many as 100 students from around the country. That’s up to $50,000 in scholarships every year to help students discover North America—while also discovering more about themselves and their place in the world at large.
Read on to learn more about the scholarship and visit our application page to get started.
What is the Explorer Scholarship Fund?
The Explorer Scholarship Fund is a needs- and merit-based scholarship for students enrolled on an EF Explore America class trip.
How much is awarded and how many scholarships are available?
EF is awarding up to 100 students $500 scholarships each year—up to $50,000 in total to 2025 travelers and up to $50,000 in total to 2026 travelers.
When does the application period open? When does it close?
The 2025 and 2026 Explorer Scholarship application period opens on July 31, 2024 for 2025 travelers and on July 31, 2025 for 2026 travelers. Application deadlines vary based on the traveler’s departure date. Make sure to check your travel dates below.
Applications are received on a rolling basis, starting as soon as a traveler enrolls on tour. If a student has already submitted an essay prior to their application period, their submission will still be reviewed and considered.
When will I know if my traveler has won?
All winners will be announced on the winner announcement date associated with the travel dates via email. Please view the table below.
Will I be notified if my traveler does not win?
No, you will only be notified if your traveler wins.
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All students traveling between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026 are eligible to apply for the 2025 and 2026 Explorer Scholarships. Deadline dates for applications vary depending on your travel date:
| Travel dates | Deadline | Winner Announcement |
|---|---|---|
| Jan.-Feb. 2025 | Jul. 31, 2024 | Aug. 15, 2024 |
| Mar.-Apr. 2025 | Sep. 30, 2024 | Oct. 15, 2024 |
| May-Jun. 2025 | Nov. 30, 2024 | Dec. 15, 2024 |
| Jul.-Aug. 2025 | Jan. 31, 2025 | Feb. 15, 2025 |
| Sep.-Oct. 2025 | Mar. 31, 2025 | Apr. 15, 2025 |
| Nov.-Dec. 2025 | May 31, 2025 | Jun. 15, 2025 |
| Jan.-Feb. 2026 | Jul. 31, 2025 | Aug. 15, 2025 |
| Mar.-Apr. 2026 | Sep. 30, 2025 | Oct. 15, 2025 |
| May-Jun. 2026 | Nov. 30, 2025 | Dec. 15, 2025 |
| Jul.-Aug. 2026 | Jan. 31, 2026 | Feb. 15, 2026 |
| Sep.-Oct. 2026 | Mar. 31, 2026 | Apr. 15, 2026 |
| Nov.-Dec. 2026 | May 31, 2026 | Jun. 15, 2026 |
What are the eligibility requirements of the scholarship?
- Applicants must be enrolled on an EF Explore America class trip traveling between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026.
- A parent or guardian must complete the Explorer Scholarship application.
- Applicants must submit their family income and household size.
- Travelers must write a brief essay (no more than 250 words) answering the question: Why do you want to go on this EF Explore America class trip?
What if I missed the application date?
Due to the high volume of applicants, we are not able to accept late applications.
How will my submission be graded?
Your submission will be graded based on our Explorer Scholarship rubric. Each submission will be reviewed by members of the EF Explore America team.
What if I already made my final payment?
If you have already made your final payment, you will receive a refund for $500 if you have paid in full. If you are enrolled in the Automatic Payment Plan, your payments will automatically recalculate and lower.
What do I do if I have to cancel?
If you cancel, you will not receive the $500 in scholarship money and you will not be eligible to apply again until the following year.
Can this be applied to any tour at any time?
This scholarship is applicable for any EF Explore America class trip with a departure date in 2025 or 2026. Any traveler on a tour that is departing between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026 can apply.
Why do I need to select my family’s income level?
Our Explorer Scholarship Fund is a needs- and merit-based scholarship, which means our winners are selected based on their essays and family income.
Can I apply if I am related to the Group Leader?
Yes, you can still apply.
Can I apply if I am receiving a prorated spot?
Yes, you can still apply.
What if I still have questions?
If you still have questions that are not answered above, please contact our Traveler Support team.