Study Abroad and Financial Aid

Costs associated with study abroad programs 

• Faculty-led programs: Costs vary for short-term trips (summer, fall or spring break) but typically include accommodations, in-country transportation, activities, some meals and in some cases, airfare.
• Exchange programs: Pay BGSU tuition while studying at a partner university abroad; housing and meals vary by location. 
• Third-party programs: Costs vary greatly but typically include tuition and fees, accommodation, activities, international health and safety insurance, student support services and visa support. They may include a meal plan.
• Additional expenses: passport, visa, travel insurance and spending money

How to maximize current aid for education abroad 

You can apply most federal, state, and institutional financial aid to BGSU-approved education abroad programs. 

• Complete the FAFSA as usual.
• Meet with the Financial Aid Office to confirm how your aid will be applied. 
• Consider loan adjustments or payment plans for additional costs.
• Complete the BGSU general scholarship application and check your college or department for program-specific awards. Apply early. Deadlines vary by program and scholarship.

Timeline for billing and how aid is applied 

• Billing: Charges for study abroad are posted to your BGSU account before departure. 
• Aid disbursement: Aid cannot disburse until a least 10 days prior to the start of the semester or the start of the study abroad program, whichever is later.
• Plan ahead for upfront costs (like deposits and flights) before aid is released. Refunds will not be released until the first week of the semester, or the first week of the study abroad program, whichever is later.

Resources

Visit the Education Abroad Office website for program search tools, scholarship listings and more information.