Global Scholarship
WPI is committed to ensuring students have access to its transformative Global Projects Program, an internationally recognized component of a WPI education that immerses student teams in local communities to make a tangible, long-term impact in the world.
In 2026, the Global Scholarship was updated to more purposefully direct the available funds to support undergraduate students with demonstrated need. However, students who started prior to fall of 2026, before this change, will still receive a one-time global scholarship not to exceed $5,000 based on the billable charges of their project center.
As of fall 2026, WPI awards a Global Scholarship to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (i.e., students with need-based WPI grants). The one-time Global Scholarship of up to $5,000 can be applied to any one of WPI’s signature off-campus project experiences, including the Humanities & Arts Requirement (HUA), Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), and Major Qualifying Project (MQP) that are credit-bearing and part of the Global Projects Program. Eligible students may receive a global scholarship once during their time at WPI.
The Office of Financial Aid will determine award amounts for students who meet the scholarship criteria using program rosters and fees provided by the Global Experience Office. Awards will be determined when the billable program fee is posted, but students can consult with the Office of Financial Aid before travel to understand how much aid to expect.
Students who receive a WPI need-based grant are eligible for consideration for the Global Scholarship. Students who do not receive a WPI need-based grant are not eligible for the Global Scholarship. For eligible students, the scholarship will cover one-third, two-thirds, or up to 100% of the student’s billable costs, based on their individual financial need, with a maximum award of $5,000.
Please contact Financial Aid at finaid@wpi.edu or 508-831-5469 with questions.
Supplemental Global Scholarship
Supplemental Global Scholarship
Beginning with students entering WPI in fall 2026 or later, WPI may award Supplemental Global Scholarships to undergraduate students participating in an approved, credit-bearing Global Projects Program project.
Students do not need to be eligible for the Global Scholarship to apply for a Supplemental Global Scholarship. However, applicants must demonstrate financial need resulting from financial hardship or unforeseen circumstances. Documentation of the circumstances may be required as part of the application.
Eligible students may apply for funding to help offset non-billable costs associated with their Project Center experience, such as airfare, other travel-related expenses, and food.
Funding is limited and not guaranteed. Students should not make Project Center selections based on the expectation that they will receive a Supplemental Global Scholarship. Scholarships will be one-time and will not exceed $4,000. Scholarship dollar amounts will vary, depending upon the request and documentation.
Students may apply for this scholarship by clicking here. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students should apply for the Supplemental Global Scholarship no earlier than one semester before the semester in which they plan to travel. Applications submitted earlier than this timeframe will not be considered. Students will be notified if they are approved or denied, as well as what the next steps are to receive their direct deposit if approved.
Please contact Financial Aid at finaid@wpi.edu or 508-831-5469 with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WPI eliminating the Global Scholarship?
No. The university is allocating funding in a different way: focusing on need-based criteria to make global projects affordable for students with financial need.
How are the scholarships funded?
Generous donors created some funds to support the program, but the majority of funding has come from WPI’s general operating budget.
I’m a student who started at WPI prior to Fall 2026; does this affect me?
No; students who enrolled at WPI prior to Fall 2026 remain eligible for a one-time global scholarship of up to $5,000, which can be applied toward billable charges related to a credit bearing off-campus project experience and approved by the Global School, including the Humanities & Arts Requirement (HUA), Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), and Major Qualifying Project (MQP).
Who will be eligible for Global Scholarship funding?
New and transfer students entering in the fall of 2026 or later who have financial need may be eligible for a global scholarship of up to $5,000. Award amounts will be determined based on a student’s demonstrated financial need and the direct billable costs associated with their specific project center.
Will all eligible students receive the same amount of scholarship money?
Scholarship amounts vary based on financial need and the billable costs of the project center. Because some project centers are more expensive than others, the total scholarship amount a student receives may differ depending on the location and associated billable costs.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
To qualify, you must receive a Federal Pell Grant, be a U.S. citizen, and be studying abroad. The Office of Financial Aid will notify you if you are eligible to apply for this scholarship. To learn more visit: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/applicants/application-overview/
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has been recognized for its success in making international study and internships more accessible and inclusive for American students of all backgrounds through the Gilman Program. Read more here: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/program/program-overview/
To learn more about the Global Experience Office and projects, please visit their website.