Study Abroad
Need-based financial assistance is available to students who wish to study abroad on affiliated and Northwestern-sponsored programs during the academic year.
Students attending unaffiliated programs are not eligible for any type of financial assistance or loans, and may not use Northwestern University financing options such as the 9-Pay.
Application & Deadlines
The required financial aid application materials are the same as those for on-campus study, but fall and full-year study abroad students are strongly encouraged to apply early, especially for programs with mid-summer start dates. See the New & Returning Applicant page for a list of required materials.
| Program Term | Application Deadline | Aid Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Quarter or Full-Year programs with July or August start dates | April 1 | Late May |
| Winter and/or Spring* programs | May 1 | Late June |
| Summer | Rolling deadline beginning in early spring | 10-14 business days |
*Students studying abroad during winter and/or spring will initially be awarded aid based on a full year on campus. Revised awards for study abroad during the winter, winter/spring, or spring will be calculated later in the year.
Students receiving a renewable outside scholarship should check with the donor to make sure it can be used for study abroad. If so, you are responsible for making arrangements to ensure the scholarship check is sent to our office.
Financial aid cannot cover the cost of housing in Evanston while you are studying abroad. You are responsible for canceling your on-campus housing contract or subletting your off-campus apartment for the quarter(s) you will be abroad.
International students receiving financial aid are not eligible to use their Northwestern aid to "study abroad" in their home country or country of residence. Please visit the Study Abroad website for more information.
Study Abroad Aid Package
Study abroad program costs will not change your expected family contribution (EFC). When you study abroad, as in any other quarter or year, your EFC will be calculated based on your family's financial circumstances, as reported on your aid application materials.
Your financial aid is typically based on the cost of attendance in Evanston. When awarding financial aid for study abroad, your aid will be based on the cost of attendance for your specific program, which includes the exchange rate and a reasonable cost of living for the area in which you will be studying. Your aid award will be adjusted for your quarter(s) abroad; typically:
- For programs that cost more than Northwestern, your Northwestern Scholarship assistance will be increased to cover your higher financial need. Because you cannot participate in Federal Work-Study while abroad, your work-study allotment (if any) will be offered as a subsidized loan for your quarter(s) abroad. Loans awarded for study abroad or to replace work-study earnings are not eligible for Northwestern's Debt Cap.
- For programs that cost less than Northwestern, your financial need will be lower than usual, so your aid would be reduced: work-study and need-based loans (if any) will be reduced first, and Northwestern Scholarship may be reduced if necessary.
Each study abroad program page includes estimated total costs, including tuition, room and board, transportation, books, personal expenses, required health insurance, student visa, and the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, as applicable.
For additional information about study abroad billing and budgeting, see the Money Matters section on the Study Abroad website.
Summer Study Abroad
Students attending Northwestern-sponsored or affiliated summer programs are eligible to apply for NU financial aid. If you are awarded summer scholarship assistance from the financial aid office, it will count toward your 12 quarters of aid eligibility.
Students are encouraged to explore the many other summer scholarships that are available from other offices at Northwestern and outside organizations. Visit the Summer Aid & Scholarships page for additional information.
Students attending unaffiliated summer programs are not eligible for any form of financial assistance through Northwestern, but may apply directly for other study abroad scholarships.