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Campus Location: AD 201F
Phone: (619) 594-2200
Email: ksabol@mail.sdsu.edu
Step Four: Apply for Financial Aid
& Scholarships
Financial Aid for Study Abroad
You may be eligible to receive financial aid for study abroad even if you do not currently receive aid. ALL students going abroad should apply for financial aid. Click here for more information.
Can I qualify for financial aid to study abroad?
The International Student Center (ISC) can assist you in choosing a study abroad program that is eligible for financial aid consideration. You can contact the ISC at: studyabroad@sdsu.edu or call 619-594-1982.
How do I apply my financial aid with my study abroad costs?
Applying for financial aid for study abroad is the same as applying for aid as a regular student. You must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as indicated on the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website. By filing the FAFSA, you are applying for federal grants and student loans. We encourage you to apply early in the calendar year for assistance in the upcoming academic year.
Do I get extra financial aid to assist with study abroad costs?
For most programs, your eligibility is based on SDSU's standard cost of attendance for living in off-campus housing. In some circumstances, the ISC program coordinator can provide the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships with documented proof of higher expected costs for your specific program abroad. This could possibly increase your loan eligibility if you weren't originally awarded your yearly maximum. If your income will decrease from the past tax year due to not being able to work while studying abroad, you may file a Students Request for Review with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. We will consider you for higher need based aid or possibly increase the amount of aid you've already been awarded.
Jessica Daniels
Following the Great Ocean Road in Australia
How will I receive my financial aid while studying abroad?
After the SDSU semester begins and University Disbursements has received confirmation of your enrollment from the school you are attending abroad, your aid will be released. Your SDSU registration fees will be deducted and the remainder will be disbursed to you by direct deposit or mail. 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 from University Disbursements. It is strongly recommended that you sign up for direct deposit before you leave so that your remaining funds will be sent directly to your bank account for easier access while abroad.
Study Abroad Scholarships
Here are a couple of excellent local scholarship opportunities to get you started:
Associated Students (AS) Study Abroad Scholarship: $500-$1,000 awards for SDSU students; hundreds of scholarships will be awarded each year.
Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) Study Abroad Incentive Scholarship: Awards of $500-2,000 for students in the University Honors Program, the Compact Scholars Program, and the Liberal Studies major
Additional resources:
- The International Student Center has put together some good tips on funding your study abroad experience.
- The SDSU Office of Academic Scholarships provides a listing of nationally competitive study abroad scholarships, and can provide assistance in putting together a competitive application.
- Search for scholarships on www.studyabroadfunding.org.
- Remember than almost any academic scholarship can be used to fund study abroad as part of your education, so try applying for other (non-study-abroad-specific) scholarships though SDSU’s scholarship search site.