HomeStudy Abroad Programs: An Overview
Study Abroad Programs enable you to attend a university in another country for one semester and, for some programs, an academic year.
In most cases, SDSU has a cooperative agreement with the university abroad ensuring that the classes you take are transferable to your SDSU permanent academic record.
You maintain enrollment status at SDSU while attending a college outside the United States.
Most of the programs require that you pay SDSU full-time basic tuition and fees for each semester abroad.
Eligibility for Financial Aid
The International Student Center (ISC) can help you choose a study abroad program that has a cooperative agreement in place between SDSU and the foreign school or with another United States university. It takes time to set up an agreement if one is needed.
As you plan, check with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to make sure that everything is approved for the program you are considering.
Semesters you can Receive Funding is Limited
Financial aid for most study abroad programs is limited to—
- An undergraduate student not having attended more than two semesters abroad
- A graduate student not having attended more than one semester abroad in a graduate course of study
Apply for Financial Aid
Apply for aid the same way you apply for on-campus study: by completing the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.
Check with a financial aid counselor well in advance of your trip to make sure you have taken the necessary steps to receive financial aid while participating in your study abroad program.
Notify us of any assistance you anticipate receiving such as outside scholarships, private education loans (alternative loans), a fellowship, a stipend, or a research or teaching assistantship. We need to know about other sources of assistance you receive to determine that you have the right amount of financial aid. A financial aid counselor can explain the interaction between costs and resources so you can maximize your financial aid.
Extra Costs of Study Abroad
For most programs, the amount of your aid eligibility is based on SDSU's standard cost of attendance for living off campus.
However, you may be able to increase the amount of funds you receive.
- Increase loan eligibility: if you have not been awarded the maximum annual loan amount, you may be eligible for an increase.
- The ISC program coordinator provides the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships with documented proof of extra costs for certain programs.
- If you are participating in an SDSU approved study abroad program during winter break, spring break, or summer term, you may submit a Study Abroad Budget Increase form.
- Higher need-based aid: If because you are unable to work while studying abroad, you may request a re-evaluation of your eligibility for aid by submitting a Student Request for Review form.
Disbursement of Financial Aid Funds While Studying Abroad
After the SDSU semester begins and Student Account Services has received confirmation of your enrollment from the school you are attending abroad, your aid will be released.
Your SDSU tuition and fees will be deducted and the remainder will be disbursed to you by direct deposit.
If you participate in the CSU International Program, your money will be forwarded to the CSU Chancellor's Office to cover your costs. Any remaining funds will be released to you by direct deposit.
