Studying abroad requires financial planning in advance, so you will need to know your personal and family resources as well as how studying abroad will impact your financial aid eligibility for the time that you are abroad. For information on how your financial aid package and ̽̽ scholarships might apply to study abroad, please review the Student Financial Services website and contact them for details on your specific aid package.

You should research and confirm the applicability of the following types of financial resources to your intended study abroad program:

  • Federal aid
  • State aid
  • ̽̽ Scholarships
  • Private Scholarships
  • College Savings Plans (ex; 529)
  • Grants
  • Pell Grants
  • Private Loans

OIE staff are not able to answer questions specific to which types of programs would or would not work for 529 funding, but can help you better understand how the finances of different programs work if you need additional clarification before talking to your plan administrator.

Type of ProgramTuitionRoom & BoardStudy Abroad FeeCan ̽̽ Scholarships apply?Can Federal Financial Aid apply?
̽̽ Semester programsregular ̽̽ tuitionroom paid to ̽̽, board paid by student abroad$500yesyes
̽̽ Field Studies in Costa Ricaregular ̽̽ tuitionprogram fee paid to ̽̽ includes room and board$500yesyes
̽̽ Exchanges̽̽ tuition (in-state or "exchange rate" depending on residency)paid to host university, varies by location$500yes (adjusted for "exchange rate" of tuition if applicable)yes
̽̽ Travel Studyregular ̽̽ course tuitionprogram fee paid to ̽̽ includes room and boardnonecheck with ̽̽ Student Financial Servicescheck with ̽̽ Student Financial Services
ISEP Exchanges̽̽ tuition (in-state or "exchange rate" depending on residency)room and board paid to ̽̽$500yes (adjusted for "exchange rate" of tuition if applicable)yes
External Provider Programs, ISEP Direct, Direct-Enrollspaid directly to providerpaid directly to provider$500 for semester, $250 for summernoyes

Finances of Different Program Types

Finances of ̽̽ Semester programs

Students on ̽̽ Semester programs pay their usual ̽̽ tuition and fees, plus the ̽̽ traditional double room rate. There is no meal plan on ̽̽ Semester programs; students on these programs purchase groceries for themselves while abroad. ̽̽ grants and scholarships are eligible for use on these programs, as is federal financial aid. Once accepted, there is a $300 non-refundable deposit to secure a space in these programs.

Finances of ̽̽ Field Studies in Costa Rica

Students participating in the semester program semester programs pay their usual tuition to ̽̽, plus a program fee. ̽̽ grants and scholarships are eligible for use on these programs, as is federal financial aid. Once accepted, there is a non-refundable deposit to secure a space in this program.

Finances of Exchange Programs

Currently, Vermont resident students pay the ̽̽ in-state tuition rate, and out-of-state students pay tuition at the “exchange rate” which is equivalent to a 40% reduction on out-of-state tuition. Financial aid, including ̽̽ grants and scholarships, can apply to exchange programs. ̽̽ grants and scholarships are reduced for out-of-state students to account for the reduction in tuition. For more information, please see the Student Financial Services website.

Finances of ISEP Exchanges

ISEP Exchange students pay tuition, room (at the traditional double room rate), and board to ̽̽. Currently, Vermont resident students pay the ̽̽ in-state tuition rate, and out-of-state students pay tuition at the “exchange rate” which is equivalent to a 40% reduction on out-of-state tuition. Financial aid, including ̽̽ grants and scholarships, can apply to exchange programs. ̽̽ grants and scholarships are reduced for out-of-state students to account for the reduction in tuition. For more information, please see the Student Financial Services website. ISEP also charges ISEP Exchange students an application fee and a placement fee, see .

Finances of External, ISEP Direct, and Direct-Enroll Programs

Students participating in approved programs sponsored by other organizations or institutions will not qualify for ̽̽ grants and scholarships during their time abroad, but may continue to use federal and state aid to assist in financing their study abroad programs. Additional information is available from Student Financial Services. Outside of the ̽̽ study abroad fee, bills are paid directly to the outside organization or institution. Financial aid packages will be recalculated to reflect the costs of the study abroad program. Parent PLUS and alternative loans are available through federal and private loan providers to help finance external programs. Your financial aid eligibility will be reduced if your total program cost is less than the standard cost of enrolling for the same period at ̽̽. Notify Student Financial Services promptly of any changes to the costs or course load associated with your program. If you receive outside grants or scholarships, be sure to check with the sponsoring organization about how these benefits or scholarships might be applied to costs for your study abroad program. Federal financial aid will disburse to ̽̽ ten days before the ̽̽ semester begins or your study abroad program starts (whichever is later). That means that you may have already started classes before you receive your federal financial aid. Some external/direct enroll programs will require you to pay for tuition and/or housing upfront, before you receive your financial aid. There may be steps you can take to alleviate this to an extent (like completing payment deferral paperwork, or supplying a letter from SFS that details your financial aid), but not all programs may allow this. Make sure you know ahead of time what your program/host university requires.

Finances of ̽̽ Short-Term Travel Study

Travel Study and ̽̽ Field Studies programs are regarded as normal ̽̽ courses and as such, normal tuition and fees apply. Winter break and spring break course charges are applied to the Spring semester bill. For example, if your total number of credits for winter break + spring break + spring semester = 19 or fewer credits, there are no additional tuition and comprehensive fees charged for the travel study course. There is an exception to this: if you are enrolled in a spring semester-long study abroad program, you will be charged additionally for the credits from a winter break or spring break course, see the details here on Student Financial Services' website under "Taking Additional ̽̽ Courses While on a Semester Study Abroad Program".​ Summer course charges are applied to the Summer term bill. The program fee could include costs for room and board, in-country transportation, entrance fees and other fees attached to the course curriculum. Refer to the specific program’s GoAbroad brochure page to identify what is or is not included in the program fee for your program of interest. The cost of airfare is not included.

Budget Sheets

Once you are in the post-decision phase of your GoAbroad application. You may need to take steps to transfer any eligible financial aid or scholarships to your study abroad program. Student Financial Services (SFS) reviews each student's Financial Aid Award during the post-decision to determine your requirements to transfer your current scholarships/financial aid for your term abroad.

If your program is:
̽̽ Exchange, ̽̽ Semester, ISEP (Exchange & Direct), ̽̽ Field Studies in Costa Rica, Direct Enroll The Office of International Education (OIE) will create a budget sheet and send it directly to SFS. Once the budget sheet is completed by OIE/SFS, your award will be revised and you will receive a copy of the budget sheet via email for your reference.
You do not need to take action to initiate this but will receive email communication from SFS that you should respond to immediately upon receipt.

If your program is:
APPROVED EXTERNAL Study Abroad Program, you will need to create your own budget sheet if you wish to use loans or scholarships. ALL supporting documentation is required.
Budget sheet templates and guidance can be found here: /oie/budget-sheet-guidance-students-studying-abroad-program-providers
Start working on your budget sheet at least 6 weeks prior to deadline.
Email studyabroad@uvm.edu if you need assistance with identifying costs for your budget sheet or attend a drop-in advising session.
Once your budget sheet is ready, schedule an appointment with SFS to review your budget sheet and finalize your Cost of Attendance abroad.

Budgeting

Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing an international experience. Not only should you understand the costs of your program but you should also anticipate the other costs that will be associated with your travel. It is important that you understand all of the items and services that will and will not be included in your program. If your support system is involved in supporting your education, you should discuss budgeting, costs, and other financial considerations as part of your study abroad application process.

Cost Planning (we have suggested items to consider as part of a budget determination):

  • Pre-Departure Expenses
    • Airfare
    • Application fees & deposits
    • Passport application fee
    • Student Visa/Residence Permit Application
    • Other possible student visa or immigration costs, such as medical visits, travel to consular office, photographs, FBI background check, express mail fees, etc.
    • Travel, health, or personal property insurance
    • Medical insurance
    • Immunizations, if applicable
    • Housing security deposit (refundable)

  • Costs While Abroad (verify what may be included in program cost)
    • Tuition/Program Fees
    • Housing
    • Food/meals (if your program includes a meal plan)
    • Communication (phone, SIM cards, internet, postage)
    • Local transit (bus, subway, trains)
    • Bedding, linens, and kitchenware
    • Gym membership or other fees related to extracurricular activities
    • Optional excursions offered by the program for an additional cost
    • Entertainment and personal travel (this is often the biggest expense for study abroad students)
    • Course fees
    • Books and other supplies
    • Personal expenses (toiletries, laundry, souvenirs/gifts, etc.)
    • Start-up costs, such as bedding, kitchenware, towels, bathroom items, room decor, surge protectors, power adapters, etc.
    • Souvenirs and gifts
    • Emergency cash
    • Medical expenses, such as prescriptions, doctor visits, etc.
    • Other personal expenses

Study Abroad Fee

Students who study abroad for a semester or any non-̽̽ summer program pay a study abroad fee. The fee is $500 for a semester or full-year program and $250 for summer programs not run by ̽̽. Students pay the fee through their my̽̽ billing account, payment is due on standard ̽̽ billing dates. Students will receive their billing notifications by email when they are ready. The fee primarily covers the expenses associated with having personnel available to provide study abroad advising services up to and beyond the point of departure. When the fee is paid, these additional items are triggered administratively:

  • Allows you to remain enrolled as a full-time̽̽student, ensuring continued student status for health insurance coverage and, when applicable, financial aid.
  • Allows you to register for the following semester's classes at̽̽at the same time as on-campus students.
  • Facilitates your credits to transfer back to̽̽upon successful completion and review of course material.
  • Provides̽̽administrative support services while abroad including access to Study Abroad Advisors, Transfer Affairs advisors, and Student Financial Services advisors, as well as access to the̽̽library.
  • Enrolls you with ̽̽'s Travel and Medical Assistance provider.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

To assist you in funding your study abroad experience,OIEhas compiled a list of scholarships and grants available for study abroad. This list is meant to be a starting point for you and is not comprehensive. Check with individual organizations and programs to find the most up-to-date, complete, and accurate information.

̽̽ Funding:

  • Buckham Overseas Program Travel Scholarship
    • Contact the English department for more information.

Government and Non-Profit Funding:

  • : Open to US Citizens with Pell Grants who are planning to study abroad. Applications are due early October for Spring programs, and early March for Summer/Fall programs. About 1/4 of students who apply receive a scholarship of some amount (up to $5,000). If you are studying a "critical need language" you can earn an additional $3,000. Ask OIE for help applying, and see our Calendar of Events for upcoming Gilman Scholarship information sessions and workshops.
  • Open to US citizens who are spouses or dependent children of an active-duty US military servicemember, and receive any type of federal financial aid.
  • (for ISEP students only)
  • (for study in Canada)
  • (for LGBTQ+ students)
  • (mostly but not exclusively for graduate level research)

Visit the̽̽National Scholarships & Fellowships Advising websitefor additional guidance regarding the government and non-profit scholarships above.

External Funding:

Many of our approved external study abroad programs offer scholarships to their participants. Be sure to research scholarship opportunities available through the programs you are considering.

Shanghai, China

“There is very little holding you back from making a study abroad trip a reality. This as an excellent opportunity to enjoy a uniquely rich and fulfilling experience and it should not be let go of lightly.”

--Daniel Gehan, Brno, Czech Republic