What does it cost to study abroad?
Study abroad costs depend on a number of factors, such as the duration and type of program, the cost of living in the program’s destination, and when you go abroad. Below are resources that can help you feel more prepared while planning your finances.
We understand that budgeting and paying for a program can be complex, and we are here to support you. We have advisers available to answer questions, and we also offer a Let’s Talk Money: How to Afford Your Study Abroad information session throughout the year. These info sessions are available online.
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FAQs
Many students use financial aid to help pay for study abroad. Depending on the program, you may be able to apply federal, state, and institutional aid toward your study abroad costs. Program eligibility varies based on factors such as term dates and alignment with the UW academic calendar. To verify eligibility, go to the Finances tab on your program brochure and view financial aid eligibility. If your program costs exceed your standard student budget, you can request additional aid through a Financial Aid Revision Request. The steps for filling out a Revision Request form can be found in your acceptance email.
Summer quarter financial aid is separate from the aid package you receive for autumn, winter, and spring quarters. If you have submitted your FAFSA or WASFA for the upcoming academic year and are enrolled in an eligible summer study abroad program, the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) will automatically prepare a summer aid offer for you. Because summer aid is limited and awarded differently than aid during the academic year, we recommend reviewing your options with OSFA as early as possible.
In many cases, yes. The Purple & Gold Scholarship is awarded through the University of Washington and is generally considered institutional aid. Because individual situations can vary, we recommend checking with the Office of Student Financial Aid for guidance on how your specific scholarship package will apply to your program.
Many students use 529 College Savings Plans or Washington GET funds to help pay for eligible study abroad expenses. Whether these funds can be used depends on the type of program and the specific rules of your savings plan. Because requirements vary by plan administrator, we recommend contacting your 529 or GET provider directly to confirm what expenses are eligible and what documentation may be required.
When you complete a study abroad application, you will have the opportunity to indicate whether you would like to be considered for a UW Study Abroad Scholarship. There is no separate scholarship application. To be eligible, you must complete the scholarship eligibility questionnaire in your study abroad application, be accepted to a program, and have a FAFSA or WASFA on file with the Office of Student Financial Aid. Scholarships are awarded based primarily on financial need, with priority given to Washington state undergraduate students who demonstrate the greatest need. Students selected for a scholarship will be notified through their UW email account. If you do not receive a scholarship in your first cycle, you will be automatically considered for the next cycle if you are not departing that term.
Many students fund their study abroad experience through a combination of resources, and our scholarship is just one funding source. If you were not selected for a UW Study Abroad Scholarship and receive financial aid, you can still use financial aid for your study abroad program, as long as the program is aid eligible. We also encourage you to explore other scholarship opportunities, including national scholarships, departmental scholarships, program-specific scholarships, and scholarships offered by external organizations. The Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA) can help you with your search.
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers these loans to help cover expenses that may be due before financial aid is disbursed, such as airfare, program deposits, visa fees, or other pre-departure costs. These are particularly useful for students going on Early Fall programs, which end before receiving financial aid packages in Autumn quarter. Short-term loans are available to currently enrolled UW students who meet eligibility requirements. Undergraduate students may borrow up to $2,500, and graduate/professional students may borrow up to $3,200. There is no interest charged, but a $30 service fee is added to the repayment amount. Repayment is generally due by the following quarter or when financial aid is received, whichever comes first. Applications are submitted through MyUW.
Costs vary widely depending on program type, location, housing arrangements, and length. Faculty-led programs are often equivalent to taking 15 credits on campus with housing included. However, affordability depends on your individual circumstances, including financial aid eligibility, scholarship opportunities, and cost of living in the host country. Rather than focusing solely on the program fee, we encourage students to consider the total estimated cost sheet, including housing, meals, transportation, airfare, and personal expenses. These cost sheets can be found in the Finances tab of each program brochure.
Many veterans and military-connected students can use VA education benefits for approved study abroad programs. Eligibility depends on the specific program and the type of VA benefits you receive. Because VA regulations can be complex and may vary by program, students should work closely with both the UW Veterans Education Benefits Office and UW Study Abroad while planning. We recommend starting the conversation early to ensure you understand your benefits, required documentation, and any additional steps needed before departure.
No. Students participating in a UW study abroad program can terminate their HFS housing agreement and have their housing and dining charges waived for the quarter(s) they are abroad. Be sure to complete the HFS Agreement Termination process by the applicable deadline. If your study abroad program includes housing, you will typically pay for housing through your program fee or directly to the provider. Students planning to return to campus housing after their program should contact HFS about Priority Retention and future housing options.
Contact the study abroad office and the financial aid office before signing any payment contract. Ask whether the program has a payment deadline, whether an estimated aid offer is available, and whether short-term loan or deposit options apply.
Early Fall program fees are billed at the beginning of autumn quarter, although exceptions occur with partner programs, which may be billed directly by the program provider and due before the financial aid disburses. If you need to delay payment until your autumn quarter financial aid is available, contact the partner program provider to inquire about a deferral form or any other payment options they may offer.