If you qualify for financial aid, you may use loan or grant awards for study abroad. Awards may be used to pay program fees, tuition, and/or personal expenses. Financial Aid Offices may consider the higher cost of study abroad programs when determining the award amount you may be eligible for. This may result in increased funding during the quarter you are abroad. Check with the Financial Aid Office of your home institution about eligibility requirements.
How to Apply
- Meet early on with your WCCCSA Campus Coordinator for details on the program costs and payment deadlines.
- Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Contact the Financial Aid Office at your home campus to see if other documentation is required to complete your file.
- It is very important to make sure you use the application for the correct academic year when applying for financial aid. The school year begins summer quarter for some campuses, and for others it begins fall quarter. Meet with a financial aid officer and let them know if you intend to study abroad summer quarter.
- If possible, complete your financial aid file by your institution’s priority deadline. The earlier you apply, potentially the more funds you might be eligible for and the earlier you’ll know how much financial aid you’ll receive.
- It may take several months or more for your financial aid application to be processed and for you to receive your funds. Study abroad program fees are due at least 70 days before departure, so start planning early.