Financing Semester and Year-Long Programs
Can I use my financial aid for semester or year-long study abroad?
St. Thomas generally allows the financial aid you normally receive (grants, loans, and scholarships)to be applied to study abroad program costs. Funds may be adjusted if the tuition for your program is less than the cost of full time tuition on campus. Student employment and tuition remission are not applied toward study abroad program costs, although tuition remission may be used on St. Thomas institutional exchange programs. Students not currently receiving financial aid may be eligible for student loans.
For financial aid to apply to your study abroad costs you must be approved to study abroad by International Education and you must enroll in at least 12 credits abroad. Some grants, such as the Minnesota State Grant, require you take at least 15 credits per semester to avoid a potential reduction of your grant amount.
Costs
At St. Thomas, you will pay the program fees, any additional costs not included in the program fee, plus the St. Thomas Off-Campus Study Fee: $450 for a semester program and $250 for a second consecutive semester.
Many factors influence program costs: country, local cost of living, length and type of program, and currency exchange rates. Determine your needs and interests, then compare the features and costs of programs to find the best match.
How do I apply for financial aid for study abroad?
Apply for financial aid as early as possible--preferably during January or early February of the year before your academic term(s) abroad. Prepare your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as if you were going to be on campus at St. Thomas. Then, once you have decided on a program, meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to discuss your financing options.
What scholarships are available for study abroad?
St. Thomas offers several scholarships specifically for studying abroad on semester and year-long programs. Many co-sponsored programs offer their own merit and need-based scholarships. Start with our web site's list of Scholarships applicable to St. Thomas students.
Keep in mind that many scholarships often require very early application.
Program Budgets:
Up-to-date budget information for all UST-sponsored and co-sponsored programs can be found at the International Education Center library and from Student Financial Services.
