Gap year scholarships for 2025 range from $1,000 to $40,000, with major opportunities including Boren Awards (up to $25,000), Gilman International Scholarship (up to $5,000), and program-specific funding from ARCC, Rustic Pathways, and EF Gap Year. These scholarships fall into two primary categories—need-based and merit-based—with most requiring FAFSA completion, detailed gap year plans, and applications submitted 3-6 months before your intended start date.
Research from Harvard and Princeton demonstrates that 98% of gap year participants report positive experiences, with students achieving higher GPAs than peers who enrolled immediately after high school. With proper planning and strategic applications, you can secure substantial funding to make your gap year dream financially accessible.
What is a Gap Year? Before diving into scholarship opportunities, understanding the gap year concept is essential. A gap year is an intentional break from formal education, typically lasting 6-12 months, where students pursue experiential learning through travel, work, volunteering, or personal development activities. Research shows that 98% of gap year students report positive experiences, with participants achieving higher GPAs than their peers throughout college.
For comprehensive guidance on what gap years entail and why they’re becoming increasingly popular, explore our detailed guide on What is a Gap Year.
What Are Gap Year Scholarships and How Much Funding Is Available?
Gap year scholarships are financial awards ranging from $500 to $40,000 that support students taking intentional breaks from formal education for travel, volunteering, work experience, or personal development. These scholarships are available to both high school graduates and current undergraduate students, with eligibility varying by scholarship provider.
Quick Reference: Scholarship Amount Ranges
Major Federal & International Programs:
- Boren Awards: Up to $25,000 for study in countries critical to U.S. national security
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: Up to $5,000 for students with financial need
- Davis Projects for Peace: Up to $10,000 for peace-building projects
- InterExchange Christianson Fellowship: Up to $10,000 for international volunteer projects (minimum 6 months)
Program-Specific Scholarships:
- Rustic Pathways: Up to $40,000 based on merit and financial need
- ARCC Voyagers Scholarship: $5,000-$8,000 plus gear lending and mentorship for BIPOC students
- Freeman Scholarship: Up to $7,000 for study abroad in Asia
- EF Gap Year: Up to $5,000 through various fellowships
- USA Gap Year Fairs: Up to $5,000 plus expert mentorship
Smaller Awards & Support:
- Tortuga x GYA Scholarship: $2,500 plus travel backpack
- Free To Roam Adventures: $1,475 in gap year consulting services
- Operation Groundswell: $500-$1,500
- CanGap Association: $750 for new gappers and alumni
According to Gap Year Association research, in 2016, GYA members distributed over $4.2 million in scholarships, with need-based aid averaging $6,825 per award across 514 students.
Understanding Scholarship Types: Need-Based vs. Merit-Based
Gap year scholarships fall into two primary categories: need-based scholarships that consider your family’s financial situation and merit-based scholarships that reward academic excellence, leadership, or specific talents. Most gap year scholarships combine elements of both, requiring applicants to demonstrate financial need while also showcasing achievements and clear gap year objectives.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships consider your financial situation when determining award amounts, typically requiring completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to establish eligibility.
Key Requirements:
- Demonstration of “significant financial need” through FAFSA or tax documentation
- Award amounts vary based on family’s estimated family contribution (EFC)
- May require parent financial statements explaining circumstances
Major Programs:
- Federal Pell Grant: Available for certain approved gap year programs
- Freeman Scholarship: Up to $7,000 for students with demonstrated financial need
- ARCC Gap Financial Aid: Combined with tax documentation to determine support
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships reward achievements, leadership qualities, creative abilities, or specific skills without primary focus on financial circumstances.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Academic performance and GPA
- Leadership roles and community service
- Creative portfolios (photography, videography, writing)
- Specific demographic representation
- Gap year plan quality and intentionality
Major Programs:
- EF Gap Year Digital Media Fellowships: Based on content creation abilities
- Pollination Project: $1,000 grants for social change projects
- EnRoute Consulting BIPOC Scholarships: Merit-based awards for underrepresented students
Understanding your gap year budget is crucial before applying for scholarships. Our comprehensive guide How Much Does a Gap Year Cost: Complete 2025 Budget Breakdown ($3,000-$40,000) breaks down all expenses and helps you determine exactly how much scholarship funding you’ll need.
Top 15 Gap Year Scholarships to Apply For in 2025
The most substantial gap year funding comes from federal programs, international study organizations, and gap year-specific providers offering awards from $2,500 to $40,000. These scholarships prioritize students with clear gap year plans, demonstrated financial need or merit, and commitment to experiential learning.
Federal & Government Programs (Highest Awards)
1. Boren Awards for International Study
- Award: Up to $25,000
- Focus: Study in countries critical to U.S. national security with language emphasis
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in undergraduate programs
- Requirement: Commitment to federal service upon completion
2. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- Award: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates with limited financial means receiving Federal Pell Grant
- Focus: Diverse students exploring international learning (summer, fall, spring)
3. Davis Projects for Peace
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Focus: Student-designed peace-building, humanitarian, sustainability, or conflict resolution projects
4. InterExchange Christianson Fellowship
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Requirements: Minimum 6-month international volunteer project arranged by applicant
- Deadlines: March 15, July 15, October 15 annually
Major Program Provider Scholarships
5. Rustic Pathways Gap Year Scholarships
- Award: Up to $40,000 determined by merit and financial need
- Annual Investment: Over $850,000 committed in scholarships (2024 data)
- Types: Service scholarships, gap year financial aid, merit-based awards
- Note: Applicable to single semester programs
6. ARCC Voyagers Scholarship
- Award: $5,000-$8,000 plus gear lending and mentorship
- Eligibility: Students ages 17-20 identifying within BIPOC community
- Bonus: Can be combined with ARCC Financial Aid
- Application: Rolling basis
7. EF Gap Year Scholarships & Fellowships
- Award: Up to $5,000 distributed across multiple awards annually
- Types: Digital Media Fellows, Leadership Fellows, Global Influencer Fellows
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in EF Gap Year or Gap Semester programs
- Basis: Merit-based on submission quality
8. Freeman Scholarship (Asia Focus)
- Award: Up to $7,000
- Geographic Focus: Study abroad in Asia
- Eligibility: U.S. students with demonstrated financial need, currently enrolled
Association & Partnership Scholarships
9. Tortuga x GYA Gap Year Scholarship
- Award: $2,500 cash plus Tortuga travel backpack
- Purpose: Support 2025 gap year experiences
- Sponsor: Tortuga Backpacks and Gap Year Association partnership
10. USA Gap Year Fairs Scholarship
- Award: Up to $5,000 tuition scholarship
- Bonus: Mentorship from expert gap year counselor
- Eligibility: Students planning gap year participation
11. EnRoute Consulting BIPOC Scholarships
- Award: Up to three merit-based scholarships per calendar year
- Focus: Address underrepresentation of BIPOC in gap year space
- Requirements: High school senior, accepted to college with deferral plan
- Application: Rolling basis
Consulting & Regional Scholarships
12. Gap Year Consulting Service Scholarships
- Free To Roam Adventures: $1,475 in consulting services
- J2Guides “Explore the Gap”: Full scholarships for planning master class
- Center for Interim Programs: Cornelius Bull Scholarship
13. Regional Location-Specific Opportunities
- Marion Taylor Scholarship: Colorado residents
- Inland Northwest Scholarship: Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho
- Western States Scholarship: 13 western U.S. states
14. Identity-Focused Programs
- Binkley Foundation Grants: Historically marginalized communities
- Dr. Natalia Gómez Passport Scholarship: Individuals with disabilities (ADA-defined)
- Eva Gunther Foundation: Young women in San Francisco area
15. Additional Opportunities
- Operation Groundswell: $500-$1,500
- CanGap Association: $750 for new gappers and alumni
- NOLS Scholarships: Partial coverage for wilderness programs
How to Apply: 7-Step Application Strategy
Begin your scholarship search 6-12 months before your intended gap year start date by researching opportunities, gathering required documents, crafting compelling essays, securing strong recommendations, and submitting applications before deadlines. To maximize funding potential, apply to every scholarship you qualify for since application quantity combined with quality significantly increases success probability.
Step 1: Research Early (8-12 Months Before)
Start researching on Gap Year Association’s website and individual program provider sites to understand eligibility requirements.
Action Items:
- Create tracking spreadsheet: scholarship names, amounts, deadlines, requirements
- Check school/college careers departments for funds
- Network with relatives at large companies for potential sponsorships
Step 2: Gather Documentation (6-8 Months Before)
Most scholarships require FAFSA completion to determine financial need eligibility.
Required Documents:
- FAFSA: Complete each year you wish to receive federal funding
- High school or college transcripts
- Parents’ most recent tax returns OR FAFSA
- Proof of college acceptance (for deferral-based scholarships)
- For disability scholarships: ADA documentation and passport proof
Step 3: Develop Detailed Gap Year Plan (6 Months Before)
Create a well-articulated plan demonstrating intentionality, specific goals with measurable outcomes, and how the experience contributes to growth.
Plan Components:
- Goal setting, budgeting, health & safety considerations
- Specific activities: volunteering, internships, travel, skills development
- Timeline showing commitment
- Connection between activities and future academic/career goals
- Research showing 90% college enrollment rate and higher GPA outcomes
Need help creating your comprehensive plan? Our guide How to Plan a Gap Year: 7 Essential Steps [Complete 2025 Guide] provides detailed frameworks including worksheets, budget templates, and timeline planners.
Step 4: Write Compelling Essays (4-6 Months Before)
Your essay provides opportunity to speak directly to the scholarship committee about your story and how gap year facilitates personal growth.
Essay Strategy:
- Share your unique story demonstrating how gap year fits your journey
- Connect plans to specific academic and career objectives
- Research scholarship’s values to address specific aspects
- Demonstrate maturity, intentionality, clear thinking
- Proofread multiple times and have mentors review
Avoid:
- Generic essays not tailored to specific scholarships
- Spelling, grammar, or clarity issues
- Incorrect personal or academic details
- Vague or unspecific plans
Step 5: Secure Strong Recommendations (4 Months Before)
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak authentically to your character, accomplishments, and potential.
Best Practices:
- Select teachers, counselors, employers, mentors with direct knowledge
- Provide: scholarship details, gap year plan, resume/CV
- Allow minimum 3-4 weeks for completion
- Follow up respectfully 1-2 weeks before deadline
Step 6: Submit Before Deadlines (As Soon As Ready)
Submit applications well ahead of deadlines since some scholarships review on rolling basis.
Submission Checklist:
- Mark deadlines in calendar with reminder alerts
- Give yourself at least two weeks from deadline
- Double-check all sections filled, documents clear and legible
- Follow guidelines exactly
- Respond within stated timeframe (often 7 days) if selected
Step 7: Track and Follow Up
After submitting, track status and maintain organization.
Post-Submission:
- Maintain spreadsheet tracking submission dates and decision timelines
- For deferral requirements, contact organizations with gap year plan
- Prepare for possible interviews or additional requests
- Enable alerts for new scholarship opportunities
Critical Application Mistakes to Avoid
The most critical scholarship application mistakes include missing deadlines, submitting incomplete applications, generic essays, failing to follow guidelines, and grammatical errors—all preventable issues that immediately disqualify otherwise strong candidates. Even minor errors such as incorrect details, blurred documents, or missing mandatory fields can lead to immediate disqualification.
Top 10 Mistakes That Cause Rejection
1. Missing Deadlines
- Guarantees application won’t be considered
- Underestimating completion time leads to last-minute scrambles
- Solution: Set internal deadlines, start at least two weeks early
2. Incomplete Applications
- Missing required sections or documents
- Rushed submissions lack necessary components
- Solution: Review multiple times, check all mandatory fields
3. Ignoring Specific Guidelines
- Most common and detrimental mistake
- Ignoring word counts, file formats, specific prompts
- Solution: Read directions carefully, guarantee all requirements met
4. Generic, Copy-Paste Essays
- Not tailored to specific scholarship objectives
- Fail to address scholarship’s values and requirements
- Solution: Research each scholarship’s mission, customize every essay
5. Grammatical Errors and Typos
- Suggests carelessness, diminishes strong applications
- One typo can ruin captivating essay
- Solution: Proofread multiple times, read aloud, have others review
6. Incorrect Information
- Wrong personal or academic details
- Incorrect contact information causes missed communications
- Solution: Double-check all information for accuracy
7. Low-Quality Documents
- Blurred or illegible uploads
- Missing signatures or unofficial transcripts
- Solution: Ensure clear scans, legible documents, required formats
8. Applying to Too Few Scholarships
- Limiting applications reduces success probability
- Solution: Apply for every scholarship you qualify for
9. Weak Recommenders
- Choosing people who don’t know you well
- Requesting too close to deadlines
- Solution: Choose carefully, provide background information, allow time
10. Not Checking Eligibility
- Wasting time on scholarships you don’t qualify for
- Solution: Review all eligibility criteria before starting
Why Gap Year Scholarships Are Worth Pursuing: Research-Backed Benefits
Gap year scholarships are worth pursuing because research demonstrates 98% of participants report positive experiences, with gap year students achieving higher college GPAs and gaining crucial career clarity. Harvard and Princeton research confirms that gap years serve as better predictors of academic performance than SAT or ACT scores throughout all four college years.
Academic Performance Outcomes
- Middlebury College research (2011-12): Gap years better predict academic performance than standardized tests for all four college years
- This held true whether students “spent $40,000 or flipped hamburgers”
- 90% of gap year students enroll in college within a year, achieving higher GPAs than immediate enrollers
- Students demonstrate clearer sense of educational goals
Personal Development Results
Gap Year Association survey findings:
- 80% learned to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds
- 81% reported increased maturity
- 76% reported increased self-confidence
- 70% reported increased maturity and 60% gained career path clarity
University Endorsement
- Harvard has encouraged gap years for decades
- Princeton launched tuition-free Bridge Year Program (2009)
- Tufts started 1+4 program extending financial aid (2015)
- Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Duke, MIT actively encourage gap years
Financial Investment Returns
- Gap Year Association 2022: $3.5M in need-based aid to 514 students (avg. $6,825 per award)
- Rustic Pathways: Over $850,000 committed in scholarships (2024)
- 4 in 10 gap year alumni earned money during their experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for gap year scholarships if I’m already in college?
Yes, gap year scholarships cater to more than just high school seniors—current undergraduate students contemplating a pause in their formal education can find numerous opportunities tailored to their needs. Many scholarships specifically state eligibility for “high school, undergraduate, or graduate” students. However, requirements vary by scholarship, with some exclusively for high school graduates and others open to college students taking gap semesters or gap years mid-degree.
When applying as a current college student, you’ll need to demonstrate how your gap year fits into your overall academic plan and potentially work with your college’s deferral or leave-of-absence policies. Program-specific scholarships from organizations like Rustic Pathways, ARCC, and EF Gap Year typically accept both high school graduates and current undergraduates.
Do I need to complete FAFSA for gap year scholarships?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required for most need-based gap year scholarships and federal programs, but not all gap year scholarships require FAFSA completion. Need-based scholarships use FAFSA to determine your eligibility based on your family’s estimated family contribution (EFC). Federal programs like the Pell Grant and federally-funded scholarships like the Gilman International Scholarship require FAFSA completion.
However, merit-based scholarships awarded by private organizations, program providers, or foundations typically do not require FAFSA. These scholarships evaluate applications based on achievements, leadership, creative abilities, or specific talents rather than financial need. When researching scholarships, check the “Required Documents” section to determine whether FAFSA is necessary. Even if not required, completing FAFSA can open additional funding opportunities and is recommended for all students seeking financial support.
Will taking a gap year affect my existing scholarships?
Taking a gap year does not affect your ability to receive financial aid in the future, and merit-based scholarships generally remain valid if you defer enrollment for one year. However, the impact varies by scholarship type:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Generally do not change if you defer enrollment. Most colleges allow admitted students to defer admission and associated merit scholarships for one year by submitting a deferral request with a detailed gap year plan between April and mid-June. Approval rates are 70-85% for well-planned requests.
- Need-Based Aid: Only affected if your family’s financial situation changes during your gap year. Since FAFSA uses the most recent year’s tax information, any income earned during your gap year could impact your aid package for the following year.
- Federal Pell Grant: Unless your family’s financial situation drastically changes, you should remain eligible the following year if you submit a new FAFSA form.
- Private Scholarships: Policies vary by provider. Many allow deferrals if you contact the organization, explain your situation, and present your gap year plan. Some may require reapplication.
- Important: FAFSA must be completed each year, so remember to fill it out before starting university after your gap year. Always communicate with your college’s financial aid office and scholarship providers about your gap year plans.
How many gap year scholarships should I apply for?
To maximize your funding potential, apply for every gap year scholarship you qualify for—ideally 10-20 applications—since the more scholarships you apply for, the more likely you are to receive partial or full funding. The quality of your applications is just as important as the quantity, so balance thoroughness with volume.
Strategic Application Approach:
Start by identifying scholarships in three tiers:
- Tier 1 (Highest Priority): Large awards ($5,000+) where you strongly meet eligibility criteria (apply to 5-8)
- Tier 2 (Medium Priority): Mid-range awards ($1,000-$5,000) where you meet most criteria (apply to 5-10)
- Tier 3 (Additional Opportunities): Smaller awards or stretch opportunities (apply to 5-10)
Research shows that students who apply to 15+ scholarships significantly increase their chances of receiving at least one award, with many receiving multiple smaller scholarships that collectively cover substantial gap year costs. Plan to dedicate 3-6 months to the application process, spending 2-4 hours per application on average.
Remember: Even small scholarships ($500-$1,500) add up quickly. Three $1,000 scholarships equal one $3,000 award. Cast a wide net while maintaining application quality by customizing essays, following guidelines precisely, and submitting well before deadlines.
Gap year scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000 make transformative experiential learning financially accessible. With research demonstrating 98% positive outcomes, higher college GPAs, and increased maturity, the benefits extend far beyond the year itself.
Success requires strategic planning: begin 6-12 months early, complete FAFSA requirements, craft compelling tailored essays, secure strong recommendations, and apply to 10-20 opportunities. Most colleges, including Ivy League institutions, actively encourage gap years and allow scholarship deferrals.
Whether pursuing the $25,000 Boren Award, $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace grant, or combining multiple smaller awards, numerous pathways exist to fund your experience. Start your research today and transform your gap year dream into reality.
