Financial Considerations for Study Abroad

Students planning to study abroad should, early in preparation, consider all aspects of study abroad opportunities, including your personal financial situation. The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) encourages students to accurately and objectively look at various financial considerations while choosing a program. What is the total estimated cost for a program? How much does it cost to study at KU in Lawrence? What resources are available to help pay for study abroad?

Estimated Costs for Studying Abroad

Individual program costs vary based on a variety of factors, such as program structure, hours of credit, length of program, number of excursions or other group activities, and location. The University of Kansas Office of Study Abroad strives to keep costs down while maintaining high-quality programs that are available to as many students as possible. For instance, KU exchange agreements with universities in Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, France, Hong Kong, and with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) provide study abroad opportunities of great value at tuition, room and board costs close to those of staying on the Lawrence campus.

For KU Study Abroad programs, sample budgets are available in the OSA for your use in planning. It is important to keep the "other" costs in mind. How much traveling will you do while abroad (if you are studying in England, are you planning to go to Italy for a long weekend trip, for instance)? How long before or after your program do you want to stay? Do you have any special dietary/health needs requiring extra funds?

If you have financial questions at any time during your process of choosing a study abroad program, please contact the OSA and make an appointment to speak with the Student Services Coordinator about your personal situation.

Compare the cost of study abroad to the cost of studying on campus.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

KU students who qualify for financial aid in the form of Stafford and/or other loans, Pell or SEOG Grants, and scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a Study Abroad Program. Learn more about using financial aid for study abroad.

Limited supplemental scholarships are available to KU undergraduates through the Office of Study Abroad. Learn more about scholarships for study abroad.

Non-KU students should check into the financial aid and scholarship resources available to them at their home institution.

Important Offices at KU

Office of Study Abroad
785-864-3742
FAX: 785-864-5040
E-mail: osa@ku.edu

Office of Student Financial Aid
785-864-4700
FAX: 785-864-5469

Bursar's Office
785-864-3322

Office of the University Registrar
785-864-4422

Transcripts
785-864-8927

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.