Funding Your Study Abroad Experience

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Last Updated: Sep 18, 2025, 02:44 PM

You've got options — and we're here to help you find them.

Most students pay for study abroad using a mix of financial aid, scholarships, personal savings, and creativity. With a little planning, you can make it work — and we're with you every step of the way.

What You Need to Know Up Front

  • Most financial aid applies. Federal, state, and SIU aid can often be used abroad.

  • You must have a FAFSA on file for the right term — even if you don't think you'll use aid.

  • You must be registered for a study abroad course to receive aid.

  • You'll get a budget letter from SIU or your provider to submit to Financial Aid once you're accepted into a program.

  • Planning a summer program? Ask for a preliminary aid estimate early — before the summer aid app opens.

TIP: Don’t indicate “study abroad” on your FAFSA — just list SIU Carbondale as your school.

How to Apply for Aid

  1. Meet with the Study Abroad team. We’ll help you explore programs and funding options.
  2. Apply and get accepted into a program.
  3. Get your program budget letter (we’ll help with that).
  4. Submit everything to the Financial Aid Office.

Reminder: There’s a separate summer aid application due April 1.

Students studying and socializing outdoors with laptops open, enjoying a sunny day at Southern Illinois University.

Pre-Departure Costs to Plan For

Some expenses are due before your aid arrives. These might include:

  • Program deposits or application fees
  • Passport or visa costs
  • Flights
  • Housing deposits
  • Required vaccinations or medical checks
  • Start-up costs at your host site

Financial Aid offers short-term loans if your aid is pending.

Learn more about short-term loans

Disbursement & Billing

  • Aid is usually released 10 business days before the semester starts.
  • You must be enrolled in at least:
    • 12 credits in fall/spring or 6 credits in summer (undergrads)
  • Aid is applied to your SIU Bursar account.
  • Some providers offer deferred billing if aid hasn’t been disbursed yet.
  • Global Seminar costs are billed through Study Abroad Programs. Semester programs may be billed by either SIU or the provider.

Set up a proxy user if someone else (like a parent) will help manage your account.

Scholarships for Study Abroad

There's a wide range of scholarships to help fund your global experience — from SIU and national organizations to your specific program provider.

SIU Scholarships

  • Salukis Abroad Scholarship
  • Departmental or merit-based awards that may apply
  • Check with Academic Scholarships and your donors

National & External Scholarships

Here are some major scholarships worth checking out:

Gilman

Pell Grant recipients studying abroad for 4+ weeks.

Bridging (Japan)

Students studying in Japan for a term or year.

BUTEX (UK)

U.S. students studying at UK partner universities.

DAAD

Study in Germany.

Boren

Study in less-traveled locations + language focus.

Fund for Education Abroad

Students with high financial need.

Diversity Abroad

Focused on underrepresented students.

Phi Kappa Phi

Study abroad grants for undergrads.

ThinkSwiss

Short-term research in Switzerland.

Affiliate Program Scholarships

Many of our partner organizations — like CIEE, AIFS, ISA, ISEP, CEA, GlobaLinks — offer their own scholarships and grants. These are listed on each provider’s website or in our program brochures.

Study abroad student sitting at desk

Veteran Benefits

If you’re using VA benefits, they can apply to study abroad in some cases. Contact the SIU Veterans Center early, and check VA’s Study Abroad Info Sheet.

Loan Deferment

Studying abroad but not taking new loans? You may still need a loan deferment form from your host institution to avoid triggering repayment. We can help you get the right paperwork — just don’t wait until the last minute.

Questions?

Meet with our Study Abroad team early in your planning process — we’ll help you figure out what funding works best for you.