Financial Aid for Study Abroad

Many students who study abroad do so with the assistance of various forms of financial aid. Students who qualify for federal, state or institutional aid in the form of grants, loans, or scholarships through the University of Kansas may apply these awards from the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) toward study abroad provided that they are enrolled in a study abroad program through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) at the University of Kansas. Students are urged to educate themselves about their own particular situation and their eligibility for minimum/maximum awards while choosing a study abroad program.

Any student who wishes to receive financial aid to study abroad must meet with a Student Services Coordinator in the Office of Study Abroad in order to make proper arrangements for budget approval and receipt of funds.

Types of Aid Available

The following types of aid are awarded by the Office of Student Financial Aid (check with the OSFA for eligibility):

  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
  • Federal Perkins Loans
  • Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
  • Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students(PLUS)
  • KU Endowment

Other types of aid available:

  • OSA Scholarships
  • Departmental Scholarships
  • Private scholarships, grants, loans from outside sources - check into resources available in the OSA scholarship handbook, Watson Library, the University Scholarship Center, and the OSA Resource Library.
  • IIE Passport has also created a clearinghouse of funding opportunities for studying abroad. You can search their listings at www.StudyAbroadFunding.org.

Using Federal Financial Aid for Study Abroad

  1. As soon as possible, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the academic year that you will study abroad. Applications are available at the KU Office of Student Financial Aid, 50 Strong Hall. Or apply online at http://www.fafsa.gov.

    The FAFSA requires personal financial information and takes 2 - 6 weeks to process (a paper form takes longer to process than filing electronically). Financial aid cannot be awarded until the KU Office of Student Financial Aid has received FAFSA results.

    If you wish to be considered for an Office of Study Abroad (OSA) Scholarship you must complete an OSA Scholarship Application form, available from the OSA.

    If your FAFSA has already been processed, skip to step 3.

  2. When the Office of Student Financial Aid receives your FAFSA results, you will receive an initial "Financial Aid Award Letter" based on the cost of attending the KU campus.
  3. Once you are accepted into a Study Abroad program, the OSA will provide you with a "Confirmation of Acceptance Financial Planning Form" for your program (this form will be in your acceptance packet). This form provides the total estimated program cost, which will be used to calculate your financial aid for study abroad.

    If a "Financial Planning Form" was not included in your acceptance packet, visit the OSA in 108 Lippincott.

  4. Turn in your "Confirmation of Acceptance Financial Planning Form" to the Office of Student Financial Aid, 50 Strong Hall. The Office of Student Financial Aid will send a revised Financial Aid Award Letter to you based on the cost of your program and eligibility.

    If you have questions regarding financial aid eligibility or would like to discuss financial aid options and procedures, make an appointment with an Assistant Director at the Office of Student Financial Aid, 50 Strong Hall (phone: 785-864-4700).

  5. Once you receive your revised Financial Aid Award Letter, call the OSA at 785-864-3742 and make an appointment with the Student Services Coordinator for the Office of Study Abroad. Bring a copy of the Award letter to your appointment so that you can complete the "Worksheet for Disbursement of Financial Aid." Without disbursement instructions OSA cannot assist you with accessing your aid!! You cannot be enrolled and may be assessed stiff late fees if you do not complete this step by the date your first program payment is due.

    Federal aid is typically available on the first day of on-campus classes, and cannot be disbursed earlier, regardless of the study abroad program dates. If you depart before aid is disbursed, you will need to plan accordingly. We highly recommend Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The request form is available at the OSA and the Bursar's Office (Room 20, Carruth-O'Leary Hall). It is also available online at www.bursar.ku.edu.

  6. Don't forget to check that you have completed all necessary paperwork with the Office of Study Abroad and the Office of Student Financial Aid before you depart!!

Financial Aid for Summer Study Abroad

The financial aid procedures are the same for summer study abroad as for the year or semester programs. In addition, there is a one-page summer financial aid application which must also be completed and is available in the Office of Student Financial Aid in mid-February. Accepted students should attach the "Confirmation of Acceptance Financial Planning Form" that they receive in their acceptance packets to the summer financial aid application and submit both to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Follow the steps for disbursement as outlined above in steps 5-6.

Financial Aid for the Year Following Study Abroad

Students who want to receive financial aid for the academic year following study abroad may be required to apply while they are overseas. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed every year, even if you received Financial Aid during the previous year. The applications are available at the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA), 50 Strong Hall, or online at www.fafsa.gov. More information as well as downloadable forms can be found at the OSFA website, www.ku.edu/~osfa.

The information on this page is directed towards students at the University of Kansas. Non-KU students should contact the study abroad personnel on their campus for their school's policies concerning financial planning for study abroad. Students may also contact the KU Office of Study Abroad with any questions.