Study Abroad Aid

Connect with the Global Learning Office (GLO)

The Global Learning Office (GLO) is responsible for all program-specific information related to studying abroad. Contacting GLO is the first step in the process, and they will guide you through the process of applying for your study abroad program and advise you on the program costs and billing. Before proceeding with the below Financial Aid requirements or contacting our office, contact GLO and your Academic Adviser to get the process started.

Review the Study Abroad Financial Aid website

The financial aid Study Abroad website contains a wealth of information regarding the study abroad process and how financial aid works. This should be your first stop in the financial aid process prior to contacting our office or requesting an estimate. Any questions you have will likely be answered here. 

If you have any specific questions, review the detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for study abroad that contains the most commonly asked student questions and is updated regularly.

Request a Study Abroad Estimate

For students receiving need-based financial aid, your study abroad estimate is your primary planning resource for understanding your potential financial aid and anticipated program costs.

Your estimate includes:

• An estimate of your potential financial aid based on current information
• An estimated cost breakdown to help you plan and budget for your anticipated study abroad program 
• Guidance and live links to resources that address common study abroad questions

Your estimate is intended to serve as a guide from application through departure. Review it first and continue to refer to it for questions about your financial aid, study abroad costs, account balances, refunds, deadlines, and next steps.

Remember: Your estimate is a planning tool. It is not a final financial aid award, bill, or cost sheet. 

STUDY ABROAD ESTIMATE REQUEST FORM

Summer Study Abroad: Summer estimates are not currently available. Please revisit this page toward the end of winter quarter.

Additional Study Abroad Forms

Your study abroad program may require additional documentation, such as a visa financial support letter, payment deferral form, or scholarship request form. Some forms may require verification from the Financial Aid Office.

Follow these steps:

1. Confirm what you need. Check with GLO and/or your study abroad program to determine which forms are required and when they are due.

2. Complete your portion of the form. Fill in all required student information before sending it to our office. Incomplete forms will be returned to you, which may delay processing.

3. Email your completed form or request for a visa financial support letter to Financial Aid. Email undergradaid@u.northwestern.edu and attach your completed form, if applicable. Be sure to include the quarter(s) you plan to study abroad and the name of your program so we can process your request.

Plan ahead: Processing may take up to three business days during peak periods. Submit your form as early as possible. Expedited processing may not be available to meet your program’s deadline.

Please note: These forms are separate from Northwestern’s standard financial aid application requirements.

Complete all Current And Returning student application requirements

If you plan to study abroad during the academic year, make sure to have all current and returning student application requirements completed no later than May 1st of every year. Any delays in completing these requirements may delay your aid package for your term(s) abroad. A detailed list of required applications can be found on the Current and Returning Students application page, as well as in your Financial aid to-do list in CAESAR.

CURRENT AND RETURNING STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

The requirements that all domestic returning students need to complete are:

1. Submit your University Aid Application in CAESAR.
2. Submit your FAFSA (Domestic students only).
3. Submit additional documentation as requested by our office.

International students are not required to complete the above requirements and are reviewed separately. 

A note about studying abroad in your final term

Students planning to study abroad in their final term at Northwestern are generally not eligible for Financial Aid. Students who have questions about this requirement or would like to request an appeal are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss their options. 

Review Aid Package

Students who complete all financial aid application requirements by May 1st will have their aid reviewed for their study abroad program before departure. Financial aid notification timing varies depending on the program’s start date and term(s) abroad, and students may receive their award notice after their program begins.

If you have questions regarding your aid package for going abroad, please review the Study Abroad website and the Study Abroad FAQs prior to contacting our office as your question is most likely answered there.

Go Abroad

Return to campus

When you return to campus, your on-campus aid package will resume. If your study abroad program is in the spring or summer term, you will need to ensure you complete the Current and Returning Student application requirements for the next academic year, if applicable.