Financial Aid

Study Abroad

Application Process
Awarding
Scholarships
Cost, Bill and Pay
Other

As you make your plans for studying at another college abroad, you will need to plan for your educational costs. Here are some tips as you are applying for financial aid programs.

Application Process Tips

Start the federal financial aid application process early. You can apply or reapply for financial aid through the FAFSA on the Web. If you will be out of the country after January 1st, remember to still reapply for financial aid for the upcoming year early using your federal PIN.

Know when you are leaving and have all paper work for financial aid done before you leave. Meet with an advisor in the Study Abroad Office. They will assist you in drawing up a budget for your Study Abroad Program.

Financial aid can only be received at one institution at a time in each term. Students can not receive financial aid from two different schools during the same term.

To receive financial aid at Western, you must be admitted and going towards receiving a degree (Bachelors, Specialist or Doctorate) at Western. You may not be eligible if you are not admitted into a degree granting program.

Award Tips

Meet with an advisor in the Study Abroad Office at least three months prior to the semester. After your program has been approved for university credit, they can assist you in drawing up a budget for your study abroad program.

After you have the completed budget from the Study Abroad Office, make an appointment with the financial aid office to determine your financial aid eligibility and receive assistance in coordination of your paperwork.

If you do not attend the courses, you are not eligible for the aid that was determined based on the costs and enrollment for the courses.

Also, while the amount of your aid can be increased due to the additional costs involved in studying abroad (flight, cost of living, etc.), do not assume you will be awarded 100% of the money needed to cover the costs of your program. Always seek additional or alternative sources of funding.

Scholarship Tips

Apply for scholarships through www.internationalscholarships.com

Also check with your college or academic department, and through WMU's Study Abroad Office.

Undergraduate study abroad students who have limited financial means may apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

Costs, Billing and Payment Tips

You must be enrolled at least half time for most financial aid programs with the exception of the Medallion scholarship. Enrollment less than full time may adjust your award amounts.

Scholarships may be paid to you prior to your departure. Special arrangements need to be made with the Financial Aid office to release the scholarship funds to you early.

All other financial aid is paid to your account through the normal disbursement and any refund will be mailed to your local or billing address on our system. Another option is to have your funds deposited directly into your bank account through Direct Deposit.

If the program is not a WMU program, you are responsible for paying the agency or school that is administering the program.

The cost of your airfare can be included in your financial aid package, but you will receive your airline bill from the travel agency/airlines before your financial aid funds are released. You will also be required to pay bill before your financial aid is disbursed. Therefore, you will need to make arrangements to pay these bills in advance. Students who foresee problems covering these payments should contact the Financial Aid office for short-term loan options

Other Tips

Continued financial aid eligibility requires you to make Satisfactory Academic Progress towards your degree. If you have not met the requirements after each Spring semester, your aid will be canceled and you will be notified in writing (with an option to appeal if you have extenuating circumstances).

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