Financing your study abroad experience is an important component to plan for. In comparing programs, take care to note the cost of the program as well as any expenses that are not included. You may discover programs that are less expensive than attending UVA, and conversely you may discover programs than are more expensive than UVA.
UVA is committed to assisting students participate in an international education experience. As a full-time study abroad student, you are eligible to utilize your financial aid (loans, grants, scholarships) to pay for the program. The University of Virginia and the International Studies Office also offer scholarship opportunities.
PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL PLANNING
1. Calculate your on-grounds costs Calculate all of your current on-grounds costs. To determine your annual budget, add up your rent, meals, tuition and fees, travel expenses, entertainment, books, supplies, etc. The Student Financial Services Office determines the average cost of attendance for UVA students, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses and travel. Use this as a baseline for comparison of costs abroad, but keep in mind the cost of living at the study abroad location could be more or less than what you're presently spending. Don't plan with the idea that you will find work while abroad.
2. Review Program Costs Check the program webpages for costs and expense estimates. For UVA programs, these items are located in the program's budget sheet.
3. Financial Aid for Study Abroad: UVA financial aid (Federal and university) can be applied toward your study abroad program. Students studying abroad on approved programs are eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships, depending on their need.
To apply for financial aid:
You must have a current FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on file with Student Financial Services (SFS). The FAFSA is available beginning each January and must be submitted by March 1. If you are unsure your FAFSA is current, contact SFS.
You must complete and submit the on-line UVA University Financial Aid Application (UFAA).
Within your Study Abroad program application respond "Yes" to the questionnaire "UVA Study Abroad Financial Aid Application".
If participating in Exchanges and Outside Programs, submit an official copy of the study abroad program costs to Student Financial Services via the Study Abroad Expense Form. This document is to include: program fee, UVA administrative fees, and cost of accommodations, meals, books, passport, visas, immunizations, airfare, local transportation, and personal expenses.
Set up Direct Deposit to enable your refund to be deposited directly into your bank account. Important: Awarded funds will be available only after you have been registered for study abroad in the SIS. Awards are disbursed on the first day of the corresponding term in Charlottesville.
Please contact Student Financial Services (faid@virginia.edu) with any questions related to your financial aid.
NOTE: Students must be registered for study abroad (ZFOR 3558) in the SIS in order to receive their financial aid award. Awards are disbursed on the first day of the corresponding term in Charlottesville.
SUMMER PARTICIPANTS: Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits during the summer to be eligible for federal or private loans.
STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS
ISO Scholarship The International Studies Office wishes to support those students who demonstrate the interest and inclination to become global citizens. Students can apply online by clicking the "Find a Program" link and selecting "Scholarships".
The ISO Scholarship Committee reviews applications thoroughly and makes awards based on a number of factors, including financial need, the quality of the application, and academic merit. Scholarship award amounts vary and depend upon the qualifications of the applicant pool. Students may receive a total of up to $4,000 of ISO Scholarship support within 2 years.
Universitas 21 Scholarship In support of Universitas 21 (U21), its mission and goals, the University of Virginia now offers a unique scholarship opportunity for U21 exchange participants. Recipients are expected to promote the exchange while abroad and upon return to UVA. Applicants for 1 semester may receive one $2000 U21 Scholarship award. Applicants for 2 semesters may receive one $5000 U21 Scholarship award. Students can apply online by clicking the "Find a Program" link and selecting "Scholarships".
Atlantic Coast Conference International Academic Collaborative In 2004, the presidents of the universities comprising the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) agreed to provide funds to support high acheiving students in pursuit of an international experience. As a result, UVA students participating in UVA or ACC sponsored study abroad programs are eligible to apply for an ACC International Academic Collaborative Scholarship.
Eligibility:
Participate in a UVA or ACC sponsored study abroad program
Complete the ISO Scholarship Application
Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters Scholarship Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters generously sponsors one $500 scholarship per semester to a University of Virginia undergraduate student participating in a UVA program or exchange. Preference will be given to students studying in a non-traditional location. Apply online.
Lyon Program Scholarship Scholarship awards range in size from $250 to $2000 and are determined by both financial need and academic merit. The Lyon Program Scholarship Application for Spring 2010 is due by October 20, 2009.
Francis Lazenby Travelling Fellowship The Francis Lazenby Travelling Fellowship of about $3000 is awarded each year to one Classics major for study abroad either during either term or the summer.
Leslie Anne Baltz Fellowship The fellowship was created to assist a third or fourth-year major in art history or studio art who plans to spend a year, semester, summer, or January Term studying in Italy. To apply, please contact Lawrence O. Goedde, McIntire Department of Art.
Lidner Center Fellowships for Study Abroad The Lindner Center for Art History offers fellowships for art history majors studying abroad in the summer, semester, year, and January Term. The declaration of major must be made by the date of application. To apply, please contact Lawrence O. Goedde, McIntire Department of Art.
Harrison Undergraduate Research Award The Center for Undergraduate Excellence is home to the Harrison Undergraduate Research Award. The program funds outstanding undergraduate research projects carried out in the summer or academic year. Forty awards of up to $3000 each will be granted on a competitive basis to current first, second, and third-year undergraduate students. Applicants must be full time undergraduates at UVa and must remain enrolled at the University through the completion of their project.
Community Based Research Grant Community Based Research Awards for Undergraduates will provide opportunities for students to develop research projects that apply their academic skills, experiences, and ideas to real world problems. The grants are not limited to a single academic field. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged. Student researchers, under the guidance of a faculty advisor and in collaboration with a community organization, will identify a project that addresses a documented public need or issue. *Student researchers will design a research project, adopt and deploy a research methodology embedded in an academic field(s), create a research product (paper, presentation, etc.) that benefits the community organization and meets expectations of academic rigor as agreed on by the faculty advisor and the student researcher(s).
UVA Alumni Association Ridley Scholarship The Ravenell (Ricky) Keller III Scholarship Award was established to perpetuate the memory of Ricky and all that he meant to so many of us. Ricky believed quite fervently in the value of travel to broaden one's perspective. He felt strongly that foreign experiences are integral and would have wanted to provide financially deserving, talented African-American students with the opportunity to participate in international exchange programs at the University of Virginia. The Keller Scholarship will be awarded, in the amount of $3,500, to two students interested in studying abroad.
Deborah J Kane Scholarship The Deborah J. Kane Scholarhship for 3rd-year college students in the humanities and social sciences will provide money for travel overseas to pursue an educational experience with preference given to "untravelled" students wishing to study in Mexico, Central America, or South America.
Murphy Fund for International Study The Murphy Scholarship was developed to assist College of Arts and Sciences students pursue an international study experience.
Whitaker International Fellows and Scholars Program Under the guidance of the Institute of International Education, the Whitaker International Fellows and Scholars Program is designed to bring international experience and insight to the field of biomedical engineering.
Gilman International Scholarship The Gilman International Scholarship Program was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. During the 2006-2007 academic year, 25 Critical Need Language Supplements will be offered to Gilman Scholarship recipients. Apply at: Gilman Scholarship homepage
Fulbright Established in 1946 and sponsored by the US Department of State, the Fulbright Program offers opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to participate in international education programs. Application information is available through the Center for Undergraduate Excellence.
Freeman-Asia The primary goal of Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) is to increase the number of U.S. undergraduates who study in East and Southeast Asia, by providing them with the information and financial assistance they will need. Award recipients are expected to share their experiences with their home campuses to encourage study abroad in East and Southeast Asia by others, and to spread greater understanding of Asian peoples and cultures within their home communities.
Bridging Scholarship The Association of Teachers of Japanese Bridging Project offers scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. Funding from private foundations and major U.S. corporations has made it possible for ATJ to award 100 scholarships annually to assist students with the travel and living expenses they will incur while studying abroad in Japan for a semester or an academic year.
DAAD The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a publicly-funded independent organization of higher education institutions in Germany. Our 14 international offices provide information as well as financial support to over 50,000 highly-qualified students and faculty per year for international research and study.
Rotary International Rotary International sponsors a number of funding programs to "foster peace by building understanding through person-to-person contact, friendship, study, and cross-cultural exchange. Interested students should also contact the Center for Undergraduate Excellence for local contact information.
United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation UNCFSP offers several funding opportunities for minority students participating in a variety of programs.
Other Scholarship Opportunities Students are encouraged to research other scholarship opportunities. Resources are available in the Study Abroad Library (Minor Hall 216) as well as online:
www.studyabroadfunding.org: Worldwide database of study abroad scholarships, grants, and fellowships searchable by Country or Subject.
