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 tuition, housing, meals, books, airfare, visas, personal expenses, and required program fees. See your program brochure for details.

Billing arrangements vary. Some reflect Tuition and the NU Study Abroad fee; others may include a Program Fee. You may also receive a separate invoice from the program. Students are responsible for reviewing all billing information, budgeting for these costs, making timely payments (if required), and confirming due dates and any available deferral options with the program. Be sure to review your program brochure for billing details.

Financial aid covers required 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.

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.

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.

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 (as outlined in your program brochure)—not for personal use. The Student Finance site has detailed instructions on how to request a refund.

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 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.

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

Some expenses—like application fees, deposits, visas, and other costs—may arise before you depart and before aid is disbursed. Early planning is essential! Work closely with the Global Learning Office (GLO), review your program brochure, and, if you haven't already, submit a Study Abroad Estimate Request Form.

The Bridge Builder program helps eligible students with certain up-front study abroad costs —such as program deposits, visa fees, or airfare —that may arise before financial aid is disbursed. It is not additional aid; rather, it allows you to access your anticipated aid early for certain pre-departure expenses or defer them by billing the costs to your account. Find additional information and apply for the Bridge Builder Program.

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.