Study Abroad
Need-based financial assistance is available to students who wish to study abroad in Northwestern programs, Northwestern exchange programs, or partner programs.
Students attending independent programs are not eligible for any type of financial assistance or loans through Northwestern, and may not use Northwestern financing options such as the prepayment plan for the term abroad.
Application & Eligibility
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.
Studying abroad will not change your family contribution. This amount is always calculated based on your family's financial circumstances, as reported on your aid application materials. Most students initially receive a financial aid notice based on the cost of a full year of on-campus study. If you decide to study abroad, your aid will be updated later in the year - once program costs for your quarter abroad become available.
| Program Term | Study Abroad Aid Notification by |
|---|---|
| Fall Quarter, Fall-Winter Quarters, or Full-Year programs | July 15 (apply by May 1, 2026) |
| Winter Quarter or Winter-Spring Quarters programs | November 30 |
| Spring Quarter programs | March 1 |
| Summer Quarter | June 1 |
Study Abroad Aid Award
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.
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.
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.
For programs that span more than one quarter, your charges and financial aid will be divided evenly across the relevant quarters. You will receive a separate bill each quarter, and your aid will be disbursed each quarter as well. 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. Because some program costs may be due before your aid is released, and if you plan to use any eligible refunds to help cover costs, we encourage you to plan ahead, budget accordingly, and confirm with your program whether a deferral option is available. If the program requires any confirmation from our office, please email the form to our office.
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, personal expenses, and required program fees. See your program brochure for details.
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. Be sure to review your program brochure for billing 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 (as outlined in your program brochure)—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 your program brochure 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 your program brochure, and, if you haven't already, submit a Study Abroad Estimate Request Form.
What is the Bridge Builder program?
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.
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.
Program Brochure
Each study abroad program brochure includes estimated total costs, including tuition, room and board, airfare, books, living expenses, international health insurance, student visa, and the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, as applicable. Estimated living costs may be provided by each program or determined from cost of living calculators, or some combination thereof. To ensure access and equity for all students, Northwestern may adjust program cost estimates that are higher or lower than average.
It is important that you review your program brochure carefully. Some expenses – such as housing, health insurance, or other fees – may be billed separately by the program depending on the billing arrangement. Students are responsible for reviewing these details, budgeting for these costs, making payments on time, and confirming due dates and any available deferral options with the program.
For more information on billing and budgeting, visit the Program Costs & Financial Aid. If you have questions about your program's billing arrangement, please contact your program's GLO adviser.
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
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.
Please submit only one request per program and term. Duplicate submissions will not be reviewed.
What is an Estimate and How Should I Use My Estimate?
An estimate is a preliminary review of your study abroad program costs and potential financial aid eligibility. While it is not a final award, it provides a general idea to help you plan and budget for your study abroad experience.
The estimate provides:
- 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
The estimate serves as a planning guide, with helpful links and answers to commonly asked questions to support you throughout your study abroad planning process. Estimates are for planning purposes only and are not final.
Summer Estimates
As of February 23, 2026, summer financial aid estimates have already been sent to the Northwestern email accounts of students accepted to a Northwestern University Summer Study Abroad program who received need-based aid during the 2025–26 academic year. If program details change, GLO will notify our office and we will issue an updated estimate automatically.
Students participating in a partner summer study abroad program should submit a Study Abroad Estimate Request form. Please note that some program costs may still be pending. Estimates may reflect Summer 2025 costs for planning purposes and will be updated once Summer 2026 costs are finalized.
2026–27 Academic Year Estimates (Starting Fall 2026)
Estimate requests for the 2026–27 academic year are based on your current financial aid eligibility and the most up-to-date program information. Final amounts may change after your 2026-27 financial aid application has been reviewed and program costs are finalized.
We strongly encourage submitting all 2026-27 financial aid application materials by May 1, 2026, as delays may affect the review and processing of your aid.
Schedule An Appointment
Most questions are answered by your estimate, this webpage, or the resources below:
If these resources do not answer your question, you can schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Financial Aid Counselor here. All appointments are held via Zoom.
Appointments scheduled through the Undergraduate Financial Aid Office will be cancelled.
For questions about your program (deposits, due dates, etc.), please contact the Global Learning Office (GLO) or your program directly.