SAI Scholarships

SAI is pleased to offer scholarships to deserving students each academic year. These scholarships are open to all SAI participants who meet the eligibility requirements. To be considered, applicants must:

  • Already be accepted into a SAI program
  • Enrolled in a Full Semester or Summer Program
  • Adhere to the SAI Code of Conduct; SAI reserves the right to revoke a scholarship if the recipient fails to adhere to the SAI Code of Conduct.
  • Submit the following materials:
    • SAI Scholarship Application
    • Personal statement & two academic/professional letters of recommendation
    • A copy of applicable 1040 Income Tax Forms (or equivalent for international students)

All students submitting scholarship applications are considered for all scholarships that apply to their enrollment and therefore do not have to specify a particular scholarship. An independent selection committee reviews applications that meet all criteria, and requirements. SAI assumes no responsibility for procuring information. Incomplete or late applications will not be processed. Only original mailed applications postmarked by the application deadline will be eligible for consideration.

Awards are announced two weeks after the application deadline. All scholarship recipients are required to submit 5-10 pictures and 2−3 paragraphs detailing your time abroad to be used in an SAI blog. At the completion of the program, students will also be asked to send a one page experience letter.

Please take a moment to view and/or print the SAI Scholarship Application.

Scholarship application deadlines

Fall Semester programs: June 1st

Spring Semester programs: October 15th

Summer Session programs: March 15th

Want to hear more about how an SAI scholarship helped a young student realize the dream of studying abroad? Click here to read a few of the thoughts from past recipients.

The scholarships listed below are offered to students attending any SAI program:

Chiara Scholarships

  • $2,500 Scholarship
  • Two $1,000 Scholarships
    Applicant must attend a US university or college.. Offered both Fall and Spring semesters. The recipients will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment.

First Generation College Student Scholarship

  • $1,200 Scholarship
    Applicant must attend a US university or college. Offered in the Fall and Summer (not offered in Spring). The recipients will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment.

Summer Session Scholarships

  • Two $500 Scholarships
    Applicant must attend a US university or college. Offered each summer to students enrolled in an SAI Full Program. Students may attend any Summer Session program at any SAI location to qualify. The recipients will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment.

Associazione Giovani Italo-Canadesi Scholarship

  • $1,000 Scholarship
    Applicant must be a Canadian citizen. Available both Fall and Spring semesters. The recipient will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment

Non-US Student Scholarship

  • Two $1,500 Scholarships
    Applicant must be a Non-US student. Available both Fall and Spring semesters. The recipients will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment.

The scholarships listed below are offered to students attending these specific schools:

Florence University of the Arts (FUA)

Applicant must attend a US university or college. SAI and Florence University of the Arts offer these need and merit based scholarships in both Fall and Spring semesters. The recipients will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment.

  • $5,500 Fellowship
    This fellowship requires 5 hours per week of internship in the SAI office on site. Duties include assisting SAI Program Coordinator and lasts the duration of the term, except for holiday or midterm breaks.
  • $2,750 Scholarship


John Cabot University (JCU)

Applicant must attend a US university or college. SAI and John Cabot University offer these scholarships based on need and merit in both Fall and Spring semesters. The recipients will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment.

  • $4,475 Fellowship
    This fellowship requires 5 hours per week of internship in the SAI office on site. Duties include assisting SAI Program Coordinator and lasts the duration of the term, except for holiday or midterm breaks.
  • Two $2,225 Scholarships

Apicius International School of Hospitality (AISH)

Applicant must attend a US university or college. SAI and Apicius offer these scholarships based on need and merit in both Fall and Spring semesters. The recipients will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment.

  • Two $1,000 Scholarships

Sant’Anna Institute - Sorrento Lingue (SASL)

Applicant must attend a US university or college. SAI and Sant’Anna Institute - Sorrento Lingue offer these scholarships to students enrolled a SASL Full Program based on need and merit for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. The recipients will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment.

  • $2,000 Graphic Design Semester Fellowship
    Applicant must be a Graphic Design Major in Junior or Senior standing and submit one printed page with sample of work. The recipient will also be required to complete a minimum of 5 hours of design work per week throughout the term.
  • $1,000 Semester Scholarship
  • $500 Summer Scholarship

Siena Italian Studies (SIS)

Applicant must attend a US university or college. SAI and Siena Italian Studies offer these scholarships to students enrolled a SIS Full Program based on need and merit for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. The recipients will have the scholarship amount applied towards final payment.

  • One $1,000 and one $500 Semester Scholarship
  • $500 Summer Scholarship