Study Abroad
Overview & Eligibility
Need-based financial assistance is available to eligible students participating in Northwestern programs, Northwestern exchange programs, and approved partner programs.
Students participating in independent study abroad programs are not eligible to receive Northwestern financial aid or loans for their program. They also may not use Northwestern financing options, such as the prepayment plan, for the study abroad term.
Applying for Financial Aid
The financial aid materials and deadlines are the same as those for on-campus study - no additional applications are required.
If you plan to study abroad during the academic year, review the New & Returning Applicant page for detailed instructions. For summer study abroad programs, visit the Summer Aid page.
Study Abroad Financial Aid Award
Studying abroad does not change your family contribution. This amount is always calculated based on your family's financial circumstances, as reported on your aid application materials.
Your aid is first calculated as if you were staying at Northwestern. Once the Global Learning Office (GLO) notifies us that you will be studying abroad, we will update your aid based on your specific program and quarter(s) abroad. Because program costs can vary widely, your aid will reflect the cost of attendance for your specific study abroad program, including the exchange rate and a reasonable estimate of living expenses at your study location.
Please note that initial study abroad costs and financial aid estimates are based on the information available at the time of packaging. Final program invoices, billing schedules, and aid disbursement timelines may not align with the initial estimates. If final costs differ from the original estimates, your financial aid may be adjusted to reflect the updated program expenses.
How Aid Is Calculated
- 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.
- 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.
Outside Scholarships and Funding
Any outside scholarship or funding you receive may affect your financial aid. Students must notify our office of all outside awards, including those paid directly to you. For more information please visit here.
Multi-Quarter Study Abroad Programs
For programs that span multiple quarters, program charges and financial aid are divided evenly across each quarter. You will receive a separate bill and financial aid disbursement for each Northwestern quarter.
Please note that financial aid is disbursed a few days before the start of each Northwestern quarter, which may not align with your program’s schedule or payment deadlines. If your program requires payment before financial aid is available, plan accordingly and check with your program provider about available payment deferral options.
When Will I Receive My Study Abroad Financial Aid Notification?
| Program Term | Aid Notification Beginning |
|---|---|
| Fall Quarter, Fall-Winter Quarters, or Full-Year programs |
August 1 (submit required documents by May 1) |
| Winter Quarter or Winter-Spring Quarters programs | November 30 |
| Spring Quarter programs | March 1 |
| Summer Quarter (Northwestern & GESI programs) | May 10 |
| Summer Quarter (Partner Programs) | June 10 |
Financial Aid and Billing Timelines
Your financial aid may be available before your study abroad charges and fees are reflected on your account, as these updates follow different timelines. Please visit the Global Learning Office (GLO) Billing and Payments webpage for information about when to expect these updates.
Questions about Study Abroad Billing?
Study abroad costs, billing arrangements, and payment requirements vary by program. Please review the information below to determine the appropriate office or resource for assistance.
Questions about:
- Program billing, payments, invoices, or payment deadlines → Contact your study abroad program directly and/or the Global Learning Office (GLO), as applicable.
- Program specific costs, fees, or other program details → Review your program information in the GLO portal and/or contact the Global Learning Office (GLO) for additional details.
- Study abroad health insurance → Contact the Global Learning Office (GLO) or review the Study Abroad Health Insurance webpage for additional information.
- Payment required before financial aid is disbursed → Contact your study abroad program directly to ask about available payment deferral options, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
-
Programs that begin significantly before the Northwestern quarter → You may be eligible to request an early release of financial aid funds by uploading the Study Abroad Release of Funds form available here.
Additional information is available through the GLO portal, Billing and Payments webpage, and Study Abroad Health Insurance webpage.
Forms Requiring Financial Aid Review or Completion
If your study abroad program requires a form to be completed by the Financial Aid Office, please complete all required student sections before submitting the form to our office. Please allow up to three business days for processing.
Some requests may also require additional documentation, such as an Information Release Form. If an Information Release Form is required, please be sure to include the name of the study abroad program or organization on the form. This authorization is required before Financial Aid can complete or submit documents on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What expenses are considered in my study abroad cost of attendance?
Your cost of attendance includes tuition, housing, meals, books, airfare, visas (if applicable), personal expenses, and required program fees.
What will my bill look like while studying abroad?
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. Contact GLO or review the GLO portal for details.
What expenses are not covered by financial aid while studying abroad?
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.
I need financial documentation for my visa application. How can I obtain this?
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.
I am thinking about borrowing loans for my study abroad quarter(s). Where can I learn more?
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. You can find more information about loan options on our webpage here. To be eligible for federal loans, you must be enrolled in at least 2.0 units for the quarter.
I am anticipating a refund for my quarter(s) abroad. How can I access this?
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 —not for personal use. For detailed instructions on how to request a refund, please visit this page.
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.
What if I change my enrollment or withdraw from the study abroad program?
Financial aid may be recalculated if you do not participate in the full program or if enrollment changes occur. Review the GLO portal for details regarding Withdraw & Refund policies.
Are there any tips for budgeting for study abroad?
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 the GLO portal , and, if you haven't already, submit a Study Abroad Estimate Request Form.
How can I apply for assistance with upfront costs such as my program deposit, visa fee, and/or flight booking support?
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. For additional information or to apply, please visit here.
Students who are not eligible for the Bridge Builder program should plan to cover these expenses out of pocket.
Summer Study Abroad
Financial aid may be available for eligible students planning to study abroad during the summer quarter, whether through Northwestern or a partner program. Aid may be available to help cover costs beyond tuition and required fees, such as room and board associated with your study abroad program, travel expenses, and other program-related expenses. Students must be enrolled in least 2 Northwestern credits (or the equivalent).
Unlike summer coursework taken directly through Northwestern, study abroad aid is coordinated in partnership with Global Learning Office (GLO) and is based on the approved cost structure of your program.
Students attending independent summer programs are not eligible for any form of assistance through Northwestern, but may apply directly for other study abroad scholarships.
Eligibility for Summer Quarter
Northwestern financial aid is limited to one aided summer study abroad experience, if eligible. Students who have already used 12 quarters of financial aid are not eligible for additional aid for a summer study abroad program. Students who are considering a summer study abroad program are strongly encouraged to work closely with their program's GLO adviser.
It’s important to note that summer program costs are generally lower than those of a standard quarter, so the amount of potential aid awarded is typically smaller. As a result, some students who receive financial aid during the academic year may not qualify for need-based aid in the summer.
Here’s an example of how summer program costs can affect potential aid:
| Quarter | Cost of Attendance | Expected Family Contribution | Potential Aid for Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Quarter | $32,623 | $5,000 | $27,623 |
| Summer Quarter – Example 1 | $9,500 | $5,000 | $4,500 |
| Summer Quarter – Example 2 | $4,500 | $5,000 | $0 |
Next Steps
If you haven’t already requested a financial aid estimate for your summer study abroad program, we strongly encourage you to do so to learn more about your potential aid eligibility. We also recommend reviewing our Frequently Asked Questions below for additional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out if I am eligible for financial aid for a summer study abroad experience?
We encourage you to submit a Study Abroad Estimate Request Form for a review.
I am a senior – can I receive aid for a summer study abroad experience?
Students who have used 12 quarters of institutional financial aid during Fall, Winter, and Spring are generally not eligible for additional institutional aid for a summer study abroad experience. If you have questions about how this policy applies to your situation, please contact our office. Loan options may be available, depending on your enrollment and remaining annual loan eligibility.
I receive financial aid during the academic year – why does my financial aid seem lower in the summer?
Summer programs often cost less than the regular academic year, so some students may receive reduced aid or may not qualify for summer financial aid. We encourage you to explore outside scholarships. Summer scholarship deadlines tend to range from November to March - so start early! Loan options may also be available, depending on your enrollment and remaining annual loan eligibility. You are encouraged to consider your budget before borrowing.
I’m studying abroad back-to-back (Summer and then Fall). Am I eligible for financial aid for the Fall quarter?
If you receive financial aid for the Summer quarter and plan to study abroad in the Fall quarter, your summer aid will not affect your Fall eligibility. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can still receive financial aid for Fall quarter. Please note that you are not eligible for an additional aided Summer quarter abroad.
For Fall quarter, please submit all required 2026-27 financial aid application materials by May 1,2026.
I have outside scholarship/funding for my summer study abroad experience - how does this affect my aid?
In most cases, outside scholarships do not increase institutional summer aid. Your total aid typically remains the same, but the funding source may change, with the scholarship replacing some or all institutional aid (depending on your eligibility). For details visit here. Questions should be directed to the awarding organization, as some scholarships may not cover the full program cost, and you may be responsible for any remaining fees. We also strongly recommend submitting a Study Abroad Estimate Request Form with as much information as possible so we can review your situation accordingly.
Understanding Study Abroad Costs & Billing
Study abroad costs vary by program. Estimated costs are intended to reflect typical student expenses, including tuition, room and board, airfare, books, living expenses, international health insurance, student visa, and the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, as applicable. Estimated costs may be based on program-provided figures, cost-of-living data, or a combination of both. Northwestern may adjust estimates to reflect typical student expenses and support equitable budgeting.
Avoid Billing Surprises!
- What will be billed through Northwestern University
- What will be billed directly by the study abroad program
- Payment schedules and due dates (for both Northwestern University and/or the study abroad program)
- Deposit requirements
- Refund/withdrawal policies
- Any available deferral or payment options offered by the program
For more information on billing and budgeting, visit the Program Costs & Financial Aid or the GLO portal. If you have further questions about your program's billing arrangement, please contact the Global Learning Office (GLO) and/or your study abroad program, as applicable.
Costs Not Covered by Financial Aid
Financial aid cannot cover the cost of housing in Evanston while you are studying abroad. You are responsible for either canceling your on-campus housing contract or subletting your off-campus apartment.
Financial aid also does not cover:
- Application Fees
- Bank, currency exchange, or international transaction fees
- Passport or student visa related expenses (shipping, expediting, travel, parking, etc.)
- Shipping, storage, or refundable security/damage deposits
- Flight-related costs, including change fees, missed connections, or additional flight seats/upgrades
- Luggage, baggage fees, lost luggage, or plug/power adapters
- Personal travel, vacation, or optional exclusions
- Optional program fees, such as course fees, housing upgrades, orientations, pre-sessions, or pre-program language courses
- Expenses related to optional internships
- Cancellation fees or other costs associated with program withdrawal or dismissal
Additional exclusions may apply. For additional details, please visit here. For answers to frequently asked questions, see Finances & Funding FAQs.
International Student Eligibility
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.
Credits Transfer Requirement
If you receive financial aid for study abroad, you are required to transfer your credits back to Northwestern, regardless of whether you "need" the credits to graduate or intend to petition for specific departmental credit. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of aid.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
Request Your Estimate
Planning your study abroad budget starts with understanding your estimated costs and potential financial aid eligibility. Submit a Study Abroad Estimate Request Form to receive an estimated cost breakdown. This allows our office to review your program details and provide an estimate tailored to you.
What Is a Study Abroad Estimate?
A study abroad estimate is a preliminary review of your anticipated program costs and potential financial aid eligibility. It provides an early snapshot to help you plan, budget, and prepare for upcoming expenses.
Your estimate includes:
- An overview of your study abroad program costs and billing details
- An estimate of your potential financial aid eligibility based on current aid-year information
- A general cost breakdown to support planning and budgeting
- Guidance and resources, with direct links, to help you plan for key deadlines and next steps
Please note: Your estimate is not a final financial aid award. It is a planning tool designed to help you understand your potential study abroad costs and estimated financial aid eligibility. Your actual financial aid package may change once your financial aid application has been reviewed and final program costs, enrollment details, and any outside funding or scholarships have been confirmed.
Schedule An Appointment
Before scheduling an appointment, we encourage you to review the resources below. Many questions about study abroad costs, financial aid, and planning can be answered through these resources:
If you still have questions after reviewing these resources, you may schedule an appointment with our office.
To schedule an appointment, please visit our scheduling link here.
Please note: Study abroad financial aid appointments are available by Zoom only. We do not offer walk-in appointments.
Bridge Builder Applicants
If you are applying for the Bridge Builder program, an appointment is not required before submitting your application. Eligible students may apply for assistance with certain upfront study abroad expenses, including:
- Program deposits
- Visa-related expenses
- Flight booking assistance
Please note that application fees and flight refund requests are not eligible expenses for Bridge Builder assistance.
For questions about Bridge Builder eligibility or the application process, please visit the Bridge Builder website. For questions related to flights, flight bookings, or travel arrangements, please contact the Global Learning Office (GLO).