Study Abroad and Your Financial Aid
Are you thinking about participating in a study abroad program or have already been accepted into such a program? If so, take a look at the following for additional information as to how to finance your education and experience abroad.
After You Have Been Accepted to a Study Abroad Program
To be considered for financial aid, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credit hours, as well as be matriculated in a degree program. You are expected to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). All credits earned in the study abroad program must be applied toward degree requirements. You may have your financial aid money, excluding Work-Study, applied to the cost of the study abroad program.
You may participate in a study abroad program in the following ways:
- Participate through a University at Buffalo sponsored program, registered at UB. (Tuition, fees and program costs billed by UB.)
- Participate through a SUNY sponsored program, registered at UB. (Tuition & fees billed by UB, program costs billed by the sponsoring SUNY institution.)
How Much Money Will I Need?
When you participate in a study abroad program, you are able to utilize financial aid money toward program costs. Costs are divided into the following categories:
- Tuition charges
- Program fee (please note: program fees vary greatly from program to program, depending on what expenses are included in the fee)
- Travel expenses
- Personal expenses and other miscellaneous needs
- Health insurance fees
- Other costs associated with program participation
Although your financial aid budget may be increased, typically only loan eligibility will be affected and must conform to Federal established loan limits. The amount of grants you are eligible to receive are not typically affected by additional costs incurred. If you are interested in increasing your financial aid budget, you must complete the Budget Increase Request form from the Forms Page and submit to the Financial Aid office through the Documentation Upload Center with the appropriate documentation.
The Financial Aid Office is unable to authorize aid to disburse prior to the start of your program. You may need to make arrangements to use personal funds to pay for travel and other expenses that you may incur prior to the start of your program.
Information is subject to change without notice due to changes in federal, state and/or institutional rules and regulations. Students must complete a FAFSA every year. Students must be making satisfactory academic progress to continue to receive financial aid.