Study Abroad FAQs

Your financial aid award may change if you study abroad, and the cost of attendance for the program is one of the factors that contributes to this adjustment.

For programs that cost more than Northwestern, your financial aid may 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.

For programs that cost less than Northwestern, your financial need will be lower than usual, so your aid will be reduced: work-study will be reduced first, and Northwestern Scholarship may be reduced if necessary.

In rare cases, some students who receive financial aid for on-campus study may not be financially eligible for need-based aid on programs whose total cost of attendance is lower than at Northwestern. 

Your cost of attendance includes standard tuition, housing, meals, books, airfare, visas (if applicable), personal expenses, and required program fees. Review the GLO portal for details.

Financial aid covers required standard program costs but does not cover extra expenses such as passport fees, phone bills, supplemental course fees, optional program or housing upgrades, and your Evanston housing while abroad. Additional exclusions may apply.

Yes. However, international students receiving financial aid are not eligible to use their Northwestern aid to study in their home country or country of residence. Exceptions will only be granted upon receipt of a written appeal, which must include an academic rationale and a letter of support from an academic advisor. Exclusions apply. Visit the Global Learning Office (GLO) website for more information.

For questions about your study abroad program’s costs—including a cost breakdown, program charges, or other specific expenses—please contact GLO.

Billing arrangements vary by program.  You are responsible for confirming with your GLO program adviser and/or study abroad program your program’s billing arrangements.  

Any anticipated financial aid refund is intended to help cover your study abroad expenses, including invoices you receive directly from your study abroad program. Any remaining balance is your responsibility to pay, whether owed to Northwestern and/or directly to your study abroad program.

Be sure to review the GLO Portal and work closely with GLO for billing questions.

Financial aid timelines vary by quarter. For current notification timelines, please visit the Study Abroad webpage.

Financial aid and study abroad billing follow different timelines. Your financial aid may be available before your study abroad charges appear on your account.  Your account may not reflect your most up-to-date study abroad charges until Student Finance releases your billing statement. Billing statements are not updated in real time and are generally released around the 10th of each month. For information about when to expect study abroad billing updates, charges, and payment deadlines, please visit the GLO Billing & Payments. For questions regarding billing, please contact GLO.

Financial aid follows Northwestern’s academic calendar and is disbursed a few days before the Northwestern quarter begins—not your study abroad program start date. See the Academic Calendar for dates. Some program costs could be due before aid is released, so be sure to budget and plan accordingly.

Financial aid is typically disbursed a few days before the start of each Northwestern quarter, which may not align exactly with your study abroad program's schedule.

If your financial aid exceeds the amount due, you can request a refund at the start of the Northwestern quarter. This refund is intended to help cover study abroad program expenses. The Student Finance site has detailed instructions on how to request a refund.

If you plan to use your refund to cover program costs not billed directly by Northwestern, and the due date is before the anticipated disbursement date, check with your study abroad program about deferral options.

If your study abroad program payment is due before your financial aid is available, contact your study abroad program directly to ask about payment extensions, deferral options, or other available arrangements. Payment deadlines and deferral policies are determined by the study abroad program.

If your program begins significantly before the Northwestern quarter, you may be eligible to request an early release of funds by submitting the Study Abroad Release of Funds form.

Early release is not automatic and is subject to eligibility requirements; more details can be found on page one of the study abroad release of funds form including disbursement timeline. 

Some countries may require financial documentation to support visa applications and request proof of finances. If you receive financial aid and need proof for your visa, you can request a letter certifying your financial support by emailing our office at undergradaid@u.northwestern.edu.

Please allow up to three business days for processing, and plan ahead to meet any visa deadlines.

If your study abroad program requires a form to be completed or reviewed by the Financial Aid Office, email the form to our office. Be sure to complete all required student sections before submitting it. Please allow up to three business days for processing, especially during peak periods.

Some requests may require additional documentation, such as an Information Release Form. If required, be sure to include the name of your study abroad program or organization on the form. An Information Release Form must be on file before we can complete or submit documents on your behalf.

Eligible students may apply for assistance with certain up-front study abroad expenses. Bridge Builder is not additional financial aid; it may allow eligible students to access anticipated financial aid earlier or defer eligible costs by billing them to their student account. No appointment is required before submitting an application.

Application fees, passport fees, housing deposits, flight refund requests, and other ineligible expenses are not covered. For eligibility and application information, visit the Bridge Builder website.

For questions about flights, bookings, or travel arrangements using Bridge Builder, contact the Global Learning Office (GLO).

Financial aid does not cover application fees or program deposits. These are typically out-of-pocket expenses.

Depending on the program, a deposit may be credited toward tuition or housing. Confirm the deposit amount and credit policy with GLO and/or your study abroad program.

You may be eligible to borrow loans, which can help cover your study abroad costs—especially if you do not receive financial aid or scholarships. You are encouraged to consider your budget before borrowing. To be eligible for federal loans, you must be enrolled in at least 2.0 units for the quarter.

Find more information about loan options.

Financial aid may be recalculated if you do not participate in the full program or if enrollment changes occur. Review the GLO Portal regarding Withdrawal and Refund policies.