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Center for Education Abroad
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Financial Aid

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Each student’s financial situation is unique. Schedule an appointment with your financial aid counselor while planning your study abroad. Explore additional details about financial aid application requirements and eligibility below.

Financial aid eligibility while studying abroad

Partner programs

  • If you currently receive financial aid, you can still get it while studying abroad.
  • If the cost of your program is lower than studying at Rochester, your need-based aid will go down accordingly but merit awards won’t change.
  • Talk to your financial aid counselor to understand how this applies to you.

Non-partner programs

If you decide to study abroad with a program that isn’t partnered with us, you won’t get the same financial help. This means you won’t be eligible for any financial aid from the University of Rochester. A small number of study abroad programs have their own financial aid available, so you can ask them for more information.

It’s really important to talk with your financial aid counselor before you go so you can figure out what types of aid you can get while you’re abroad—and to make sure you can continue to get aid when you return.

Federal grants and loans

Federal Direct Loans and Federal Pell Grants can be used if you’re on a program not sponsored by Rochester, but you need to complete an agreement with us first. The Financial Aid Office needs to confirm if the program sponsor is eligible. If you’re from New York State, you might be able to use TAP awards—but only if the program is sponsored by a New York college or university.

To get these funds (or a Parent PLUS or alternative loan(s)) for the semester you’re abroad, you have to fill out a consortium/contractual agreement. You can get it from the Financial Aid Office or online at FAOnline. It’s important to not wait on this requirement. The consortium/contractual agreement involves multiple steps and requires several signatures. Your courses need approval before it can be signed by the appropriate University of Rochester dean.

Financial aid application requirements

All undergraduate students applying for financial aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Students (FAFSA). Select students will also be notified by email from the Financial Aid Office and the College Board to provide institutional forms and relevant tax information to the College Board’s IDOC program before the April 15 deadline. You can track the status of your financial aid application at FAOnline.

Keep deadlines in mind

If you don’t turn in your financial aid application with all the needed documents by the April 15 deadline, you might not get full help based on their need. Your aid may be less because there’s only a certain amount of money available.

Get additional support

Financial Aid Office at Rochester

Be sure to meet with your financial aid counselor when making your study abroad plans. They’ll ensure that your unique questions and circumstances are addressed.

Visit the Financial Aid Office