Financial Planning for Study Abroad
It's important to have a clear financial plan when you're considering study abroad. There are hundreds of study abroad programs available to UB students. The program fee depends on the type of program, the program duration, and the location of the program abroad.
Given these factors, there is not a simple answer to "How much does it cost?". That is why all programs have an itemized budget sheet to show what is included in the program fee, as well as estimates for additional expenses for which students will need to budget.
In addition to the many scholarships offered by the Office of International Education, students are strongly encouraged to meet with their Financial Aid advisor to discuss other funding resources.
Depending on the type of program a student chooses, the program fee will likely include the following things:
- Tuition (UB)
- College Fees (UB)
- Program Fee - May include the tuition of the institution overseas, if NOT an exchange program. May also include housing, administration and instruction, possibly some meals, program related activities, etc.
- Travel Expenses
- Personal Expenses
- International Health Insurance
Itemized program budgets are available for all UB and SUNY programs.
• Amount of financial aid available to students depends on the cost of the program
• Budgets may be increased by completing a Budget increase request form through the Office of Financial Aid along with supporting documentation (cost sheet)
• Only loan eligibility may be affected
Financial Aid Information for Study Abroad Students
Complete the FAFSA Online Application at fafsa.gov
Parent Plus loan
- Parent must complete online application and eMPN at studentloans.gov
- Alternative Loans
- Private loans based on credit check
- More information can be found at financialaid.buffalo.edu/aid/loans/alternative
Summer Aid Disbursement:
- Loan disbursements will begin on the first day of classes for the session in which you are enrolled
- Summer Pell will disburse in July
Fall/Spring Aid Disbursement:
- Federal aid disbursements (Pell, federal student loans) take place in September/February
- NYS TAP disbursements begin in October/March
- Sign up for Direct Deposit in HUB for faster refunding
There is NOT a separate aid disbursement for winter session.
Consult Academic and Financial Aid Advisors!
Be sure to meet with both your academic advisor and your financial aid advisor if you are a TAP recipient to determine how going abroad will affect your eligibility.