Study Abroad Guide
To discuss study abroad program options, please visit the Office of Global Opportunities . The Office of Global Opportunities provides a list of study abroad specific scholarships.
In many cases, your financial aid can be used to assist with the costs of your study abroad program. The types of aid you are eligible to receive varies. Eligibility depends on the type of study abroad in which program you participate, the term you study abroad and the number of credit hours you will earn for your program. If you study abroad through a third party, you must provide Verification of Overseas enrollment when you arrive at your destination. Enrollment verification is required before any pending aid can be disbursed.
To discuss your upcoming study abroad plans and how your financial aid can be used, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Can I use my financial aid for my global program?
In most cases, all or part of your financial aid can be used for a global experience. The types and amounts you can receive depend on the type of study abroad program in which you plan to participate. Ohio University offers several types of global experience programs. Visit the Office of Global Opportunities (OGO) for more information:
Ohio University-Sponsored Global Programs
All financial aid can be used for these programs. You must meet with a financial aid advisor if you apply to an Exchange program. These programs require a financial aid advisor's signature on the Foreign Study Checklist.
Ohio International Consortium (OIC) and Affiliate Programs
All financial aid and Ohio University scholarships should apply to OIC and affiliated study abroad programs. You must complete a Foreign Study Checklist and meet with a financial aid advisor. Please include a program expense estimate at this meeting.
Other Non-OHIO Programs
There are requirements for using financial aid for other NON-OHIO programs. This applies to programs run through other U.S. agencies, foreign institutions, or non-affiliated third party providers. Federal financial aid can be applied to these programs if Undergraduate Admissions confirms you will receive credit. Ohio University scholarships cannot be applied. You must complete a Foreign Study Checklist and meet with your financial aid advisor. Please include a program expense estimate at this meeting.
*If you received a scholarship to attend Ohio University from an outside agency or organization, the agency will decide if you can use the scholarship for study abroad.
What steps do I take for a global program offered through a Non-OHIO Provider?
- Complete Foreign Study Checklist (FSC). The FSC is available at the Office of Global Opportunities in Walter International Education Center.
- Use the FSC to obtain written permission. Meet with Undergraduate Admissions, your academic advisor, and the college in which you are enrolled. Ensure that courses taken while in the third party program will transfer back to Ohio University and apply toward your Ohio University degree.
- If you receive financial aid, you must meet with your financial aid advisor to discuss requirements for using financial aid. Provide an expense estimate for the Non-OHIO provider program. Obtain this from the program provider. It must be approved by the Office of Global Opportunities prior to meeting with your financial aid advisor. Your financial aid advisor will determine who will take responsibility for offering financial aid. Often, Ohio University will process your aid.
- Once abroad, you must submit a signed Verification of Overseas Enrollment (VOE) form to the Office of Global Opportunities. This ensures you are attending classes on your study abroad. This form is required each term you are abroad. Your financial aid will not be released until OGO receives this form. The VOE is included in the Foreign Study Checklist.
My program costs more than my regular semester charges. Can I get additional financial aid?
You must document tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, airfare, passport fees, program fees, and miscellaneous expenses. The program coordinator or faculty director at Ohio University or the non-OHIO program provider can give you these details.
Your financial aid advisor can increase your cost of attendance by the increased costs of your program. However, your federal financial aid, including student loans, is limited by your year in school. Parents can apply for the Federal PLUS Loan to cover these costs. Also, you can apply for a private loan.
Are there special scholarships and grants for study abroad?
The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships does not have additional funds available to offer to students who study abroad. There are some scholarships for study abroad awarded bi-annually on a competitive basis through the Office of Global Opportunities.
I've never applied for financial aid before. How do I apply?
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://fafsa.ed.gov/ for the correct year. At Ohio University, the financial aid year starts with summer and ends with spring semester. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible once it is available on October 1. Apply early to be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid offered.
You will need tax information for both you and your parent(s) to complete the FAFSA. Both you and your parent(s) will need to sign the FAFSA online. Allow 4 weeks for the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to receive the results of your FAFSA. More information and documents may be requested to complete the processing of your FAFSA. Make sure to check your Ohio University e-mail. You must also complete the Ohio University online scholarship application by February 1.
Some OGO study abroad scholarship and grant applications require that you complete a FAFSA. If you complete a FAFSA, but do not wish to receive financial aid, you can decline your aid online. The Office of Global Opportunities' need-based Travel Grant requires you complete a FAFSA to apply for the grant.
If I'm abroad, how will I receive my financial aid?
Your financial aid will be paid after your departure. It is critical that all requirements are met before you leave. If you owe charges to Ohio University, your aid will be applied to your student account, first. Please be sure to enroll in direct deposit if you hope to utilize any excess aid while you are abroad. If your aid exceeds your charges, your refund will be issued to you in the form of a check or direct deposit. You can enroll in direct deposit through My OHIO Student Center. For more information please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
What if I have other questions?
You should schedule an appointment with your financial aid advisor once you know in which program you plan to participate. Prior to your appointment, you should gather the following information:
- Estimated program cost information
- Contact information for the foreign school you plan to attend
- Complete the Foreign Study Checklist if you are participating in an exchange or other NON-Ohio University program
- Complete FAFSA and accept financial aid