Study at college in Georgia, USA, for a year. Since 1946 the Rotary clubs in Georgia have awarded around 80 scholarships each year to students from other countries.
- The scholarships cover tuition fees, course materials, room and board on campus, plus a small expense allowance
- Sponsored by the Rotary clubs in Georgia, USA
- Listen to Johanna in a clip on YouTube – she describes what her exchange gave her
The application for the 2027/2028 school year is open. Apply by 15 August 2026.
What is the Georgia Scholarship?
Each year the Rotarians in the U.S. state of Georgia award around eighty scholarships to students from other countries for one year of study at a university or college in Georgia. The aim of the scholarships is to create goodwill and understanding across national borders.
The program has run continuously since 1946 and has so far included about 2,400 students, three quarters of whom have come from European countries. This school year, eleven Swedish young people have received a scholarship.
The scholarships cover all education costs such as tuition fees, course materials, accommodation and meals on campus, plus a small expense allowance of USD 400. Costs for travel to and from the USA and insurance are not included. More information is available at grsp.org.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be born no earlier than 1 August 2002 and no later than 31 July 2009 to be eligible for a scholarship for the 2027–2028 school year – that is, at least 18 and at most 24 years old when the study year begins on 1 August (no exceptions!). Unlike most other Rotary scholarships, the Georgia scholarships are also open to children of Rotarians.
There are a couple of restrictions: applicants may not be married or engaged and may not have previously studied in the USA for more than four months. Good academic results from upper-secondary school are required.
At the most recent selection, a grade-point average above 18 on the final certificate was required, and above 19 for those applying on their second-year grades. In the old grading system this corresponded to just over 4.5.
What can the scholarship holders study?
Many of the schools that offer scholarships are small colleges where studies are at a basic academic level. It is usually not possible to count the study year towards a Swedish academic degree.
The purpose of the studies is best seen as broadening language and general competence, and of course as a way to build new connections. Studies in medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry cannot be offered, nor can studies at Master’s level.
The Rotary club’s role
Applicants must be recommended by a Rotary club. The club takes on no financial responsibility but must, after an interview, certify that the applicant is “a person of high ideals, good moral character, superior academic ability, outstanding leadership qualities, and will represent to the Rotarians of the State of Georgia the ideals of Rotary”.