Scholarships
Scholarship information
Thanks to our generous donors who view study abroad as an integral part of the college experience, the School of Business awards up to $300,000 worth of Global Business Studies (GBS) scholarships every year.
Awards are determined by assessing FAFSA-designated student need first. The university must have FAFSA data on file for the current academic year to be considered for need-based awards. Academic merit is considered based on students’ GPA, resumes and scholarship essays.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a GBS scholarship, students must:
- Be enrolled full-time as a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student in the KU School of Business; business minors are not considered for awards
- Meet the minimum GPA requirements of their study abroad program
How to apply
Please submit the following, combined into one PDF file with your name, travel destination and student ID number in the title:
- Cover page detailing your name, location, and dates of your study abroad program
- Resume
- Essay (500 words) answering the following questions:
- Why do you wish to study abroad (professional and academic reasoning) and why did you choose your study abroad program?
- Which experiences and skills make you a good candidate for the program?
- How will this experience impact your career?
- Also, please provide a brief statement regarding any special circumstances of financial need.
Email these three items, combined into one PDF file, to kubusglobal@ku.edu.
Charles and Frances Curless
The Charles and Frances Curless Study Abroad Scholarship was established in 2001 by Frances and her daughter, Cathleen S. "Cathy" Curless. It was named in honor of Cathy's father, and Frances' name was added upon her death in 2003. Frances and Charles married in 1938 and in 1945, they moved to Hiawatha, Kansas. From 1961 to 1966, Frances taught sixth grade in Powhattan, then taught junior high math in Hiawatha until her retirement in 1976. That same year, Cathy Curless received a bachelor's degree in microbiology from KU. In 1978, she earned a Master of Business Administration from KU.
This scholarship is for students in the School of Business for the purpose of studying abroad.
John E. and Mary Claire Peppercorn
The John E. and Mary Claire Peppercorn Scholarship was established in 1990 by John and Mary Claire Peppercorn. John received a bachelor's degree in business from KU in 1960. He played football and basketball while at KU, was active in Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and lived in Stouffer Place with his wife. Mary Claire received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from KU in 1959 and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. John enjoyed a career with Chevron Chemical Co. in San Francisco, serving as its senior vice-president and then president. He travelled worldwide for Chevron and came to realize that a strong background in international business benefits students entering the workforce.
This scholarship is for undergraduates in the School of Business who are furthering their international business education through study abroad and internships.
Megan E. Taylor Memorial Scholarship
The Megan Taylor Memorial Scholarship was established in 2004 to encourage KU School of Business students to gain international experience.
The scholarship is targeted to students, especially women, with financial need.
Award information
| Term of departure | Scholarship deadline | Award range* | Eligibility | Notification** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | October 1 | Up to $4,000 | Merit and need | Mid-October |
| Spring | October 1 | Up to $2,000 | Merit and need | Mid-October |
| Summer | March 15 | Up to $4,000 | Merit and need | Early April |
| Fall | March 15 | Up to $2,000 | Merit and need | Early April |
*Need-based awards can be higher than the range identified.
**Notification of awards for KU School of Business faculty-led trips will be provided before commitment dates.