Financial Aid And Scholarships
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How much will it cost?
Many programs are comparable to living on campus for a semester at FSU, but some can be significantly higher.
Direct enrollment in foreign universities can be less expensive than attending through an American third-party provider; but the third-party providers may offer financial assistance (awards typically range from $500 to $1500) through merit- or need-based scholarships.
Keep in mind that major cities around the world, such as London, Paris, Rome and Sydney are usually more expensive than smaller cities in the same country.
Scholarships and Aid Resources:
Framingham State University supports students with dedicated scholarships for study abroad and there are a number of other sources for scholarships. Please see the current list. Be sure to apply for the scholarships funded through the Office of International Education.
Be sure to check out the Financial Aid Office resources and how to apply for aid. You may wish to consider an alternative loan to supplement your regular financial aid.
Of special note are the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go by offering awards to U.S. undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints. Any student who receives a Pell Grant is eligible to apply. Awards are up to $5000 and the average award is $4000 for a semester abroad and $3000 for a summer program of 4 weeks or longer. FSU students have been awarded nearly $40,000 in scholarships so far!
Things to keep in mind:
Fees published when you start researching your options may rise by the time you plan to attend the program. If you are applying directly to a foreign university, the exchange rate may go up or down by the time you need to pay your bill, resulting in a slight change in your cost.
- Read your program's materials closely to find out whether costs such as airfare, meals, and vacation housing are included.
- How many of your daily meals are covered in your meal plan?
- Will you have additional food and housing expenses during breaks?
- Are organized excursions included in your fee, or are they an additional cost?
- Does the program estimate personal costs that are not covered by the fees?
Travel during breaks, eating out, and other entertainment need to be budgeted for also, as they can change your overall cost. Visa regulations make it unlikely that you will be able to earn money while you are away. Your academic workload and desire to see something of the country beyond your program probably make it inadvisable to take on more than a very few hours employment each week, if allowed.
How to pay:
You are responsible for paying program bills directly to the program or foreign university. Make sure that you understand your program's billing procedure.
Many programs and universities will require that you send a deposit to secure your place. Deposits can range up to $2,000.00 and will be credited against your total due. Due dates for both deposits and fees may differ significantly from those to which you are accustomed at FSU.
Some institutions require full payment before you can register for classes, and confirmation of payment is often necessary for a visa application.
If you are enrolling directly in a foreign university, you will need to make arrangements to pay the bill in the currency of that country.
Note that some universities bill for tuition and accommodation on separate invoices.
How to afford study abroad:
Financial aid resources are available to students who study abroad, including school loans and grants, private organization funds, scholarships, and more.
Start early in planning to go abroad, so you will have plenty of time to apply for scholarships by the published deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it possible to receive financial aid for study abroad?
Yes! Even if you have never received financial aid in the past, you should still consider applying since studying abroad will require international airfare and more spending money than usual as you incorporate some travel into your abroad experience. You may be eligible for federal loans, grants, and additional forms of assistance.
How do I apply for financial aid?
In order to apply for financial assistance, all applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application can be obtained in the Office of Financial Aid at Framingham State University, or online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
When should I apply for financial aid?
It is a good idea to apply as early as you can. By applying early, the financial aid office will be able to process and review your application and complete all paperwork in a timely manner.
Are there any special procedures to follow in order to receive financial assistance for study abroad?
Yes. You need to meet with a financial aid office adviser, who will guide you through the process of applying for financial assistance.
What happens to my Federal Work-Study award if I study abroad?
If you receive Federal Work-Study as part of your financial aid package, this may be replaced by another form of assistance, most likely as an increased loan during your time abroad.
Will my scholarships that are not affiliated with Framingham State transfer over?
Students find that most of the time these scholarships (private scholarships, private loans, etc) will transfer. To be sure, you should check with the organization that provides you with the scholarship.
How much of my study abroad cost will financial aid cover?
This depends on a few things: the cost of your program, your individual financial need, and the length of time (semester, or year) you plan to study abroad.
In determining how much assistance you will receive, both direct costs (tuition, rent) and indirect costs (airfare, books, personal spending, etc.) will all be taken into consideration.
Where can I find financial assistance outside Framingham State University?
In addition to receiving financial aid through Framingham, past study abroad students have also received assistance from resources outside of FSU. This may include private scholarship funds, funding from your local church or community center, and Rotary and American Legion Clubs.