Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding using financial aid for an Education Abroad program. Questions not addressed below should be directed to a Financial Aid Officer. Enrollment in an Education Abroad program that has been approved by UConn Education Abroad may be considered enrollment at UConn for the purpose of applying for federal student aid. All participants should complete a FAFSA by March 1 to ensure that they are considered for any financial aid for which they may be eligible. Sources of aid and procedures vary depending on the type of program. Financial Aid eligibility criteria are the same when going abroad or studying at UConn.
How much does it cost to participate in an Education Abroad program?
How do I know if my program charges UConn tuition?
The budget item for Program Fees is not the same as tuition, and certain types of financial aid cannot be used.
Can I use my financial aid to go abroad?
First, you will need to determine if your program is charging UConn tuition or program fees (not tuition) by referencing the appropriate budget sheet available on the UConn Education Abroad website. The following grants and scholarships can only be used towards exchange programs, which charge UConn tuition: Nutmeg, Day of Pride, Leadership, Presidential, Academic Excellence, UConn Award, STEM Scholarships, University Grant. Additionally, no tuition waivers will apply towards programs that charge only program fees. If you are a Nutmeg or Day of Pride scholar, your scholarship will cover tuition and fees billed by UConn. You will be billed for room and board by your Host Institution and your Nutmeg or Day of Pride Scholarship will not apply.
*If you are participating in an Affliated Program (ex: API, CIEE, etc) A Consortium Agreement For Study Abroad can be found here and must be submitted before any financial aid request can be processed or disbursed.
You are not eligible to use financial aid if you are participating in a program not offered through or approved by UConn Education Abroad.
What are the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy parameters?
I have received a letter from the Office of Student Financial Aid Services regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress. What are my next steps?
Is financial aid available for Summer Education Abroad programs?
The only funds available for summer programs are Federal Direct Stafford Loans (if the student meets eligibility requirements), Federal PLUS loans (if you are a dependent student and your parents meet credit requirements), and alternative financing options. Further information regarding these programs is available here. In mid-March, the Office of Student Financial Aid Services will begin reviewing and updating cost of attendance budgets and financial aid awards for students participating in eligible Education Abroad programs during the summer. NOTE: Students must be enrolled for at least six credits during the summer to be eligible for most forms of summer financial aid.
If You Are Participating In | You May Use | You May Not Use |
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Exchange Program for which UConn charges tuition. |
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UConn Program for which UConn charges program fees, NOT tuition) |
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Affiliated Program (ex: API, CIEE, ) that has been approved by Education Abroad |
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External Program not approved by Education Abroad | N/A | No financial aid eligibility |
Can I receive additional funding to participate in an Education Abroad Program?
I have not applied for Financial Aid – What are my options?
What happens to my Work-Study if I participate in an Education Abroad program?
If you go abroad in the fall, you should request via email (studentjobs@uconn.edu) that the Student Employment Office hold your spring Work-Study amount. If you do not contact the Student Employment Office by the established deadline, your Work-Study for the academic year will be cancelled.
If you go abroad in the spring, you may use only your fall portion of Work-Study during the fall semester. Your spring Work-Study will be cancelled.
How do I defer my University fee bill for a UConn and Exchange programs?
How do I defer my bill for an Affliated program?
How will I receive my financial aid?
How will I receive my refund?
The earliest date a refund will be available is the first day of classes at UConn each semester. You must complete the entire financial aid process to receive a refund. Refund checks can be requested online.
Sign up for direct deposit! Direct Deposit (or “e-refund”) allows you to have your excess funds from financial aid or other sources deposited directly into your checking account instead of receiving a paper check! (Note: excludes Parent PLUS loans unless the parent has designated funds to go to the student; U.S. bank accounts only.) You may sign up for Direct Deposit by logging into your Student Administration account and navigating to the ‘Finances’ section. You must then select “Enroll or Edit Direct Deposit Information” and follow the steps provided.