Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of studying abroad varies widely from program to program.
Possible costs include tuition and fees, room and board, travel expenses, passport and visa costs, local transportation abroad, books and materials, phone and Internet access abroad and personal expenses.
The earlier you decide to study abroad, the earlier you can start preparing and saving.
Funding Options
Learning abroad can be affordable, but like any educational investment, it requires planning and careful comparison. The international opportunities offered through the Learning Abroad Center vary widely in cost depending on the type of program, inclusions in the program (excursions, meal stipends, housing, and so on), length of stay and destination. When considering cost, it is important to remember a few things:
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Many scholarships are available. UMR students are eligible to apply for Learning Abroad Center scholarships.
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Most financial aid can be applied to study abroad.
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The costs of some programs are comparable to what you would pay here on campus.
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Selecting a program that fits academically keeps you on track to graduation and lessens your college expense.
There are two types of financial aid:
Need-based: This type of aid is based on an evaluation of your financial need and is processed by the University of Minnesota Office of Student Finance. It includes the Minnesota State Grant, Federal Pell Grant, Ford Federal Direct Subsidized Loan and assorted University of Minnesota Trust loans and grants.
Supplementary: These are loans and are not need-based. They are designed to supplement the parent/student contribution to your educational costs. They can be used alone or in conjunction with need-based financial aid to finance your study abroad costs. Supplementary loans involve a separate application process through the Office of Student Finance and include the Ford Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Student Educational Loan Fund (SELF) and Ford Federal Direct PLUS (i.e., loan for parents).
More Info on Financing Study Away
- Schedule a Financial Aid Preview Meeting for your study abroad program if you plan use use financial aid for your program.
- Check out the LAC's Comparing Program Costs information to learn more about financing study abroad.
- Attend a You CAN Afford to Study Abroad Info Session.
- Use a budget worksheet to estimate the cost of learning abroad programs.
