Study Abroad Aid
Financial assistance is available to students who wish to study abroad and who demonstrate need. However, depending on the type of study abroad program, a student may not be eligible to receive all forms of aid.
Who receives Study Abroad Aid?
Students participating in Northwestern affiliated programs will be considered for all types of financial aid, except Federal Work-Study because students cannot hold jobs while abroad. Students attending what are classified as unaffiliated programs are not eligible for any type of financial assistance, nor may they use Northwestern University financing options such as the 9-Pay or NU Loan programs for terms during which the student is abroad.
How will the package compare to on-campus aid?
The Office of Financial Aid uses the same criteria to determine a student's institutional need: It is the difference between the cost of attendance and the expected family contribution. Since the expected family contribution will not differ from what it would be if the student were remaining on campus, the aid package depends on the program costs:
- If the program costs are greater than the cost of studying on campus, the student's total financial aid award will be greater.
- If the program costs are less, the award will be less.
- Work-study is unavailable to students while abroad, so loan amounts offered to these students are usually higher. Additional loan assistance may also be offered to compensate for the schedules of some programs, which limit opportunities for summer employment.
- The ratio of scholarship to self-help (loan and work-study) will not change.
How to apply
Application Materials
Financial aid application materials for study abroad are no different than for on-campus study. See the web page, Reapplication Instructions for Current Students for instructions on this process.
A complete financial aid application consists of:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Complete this online at the FAFSA web site.
- Northwestern's Department of Education code is 001739.
- College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Profile (CSS Profile)
- Complete this online at the College Board web site.
- Northwestern's College Scholarship code for the Profile is 1565.
- Northwestern University Aid Application (UAPP)
Complete this online via CAESAR. - Parents' Federal Income Tax Return and W-2s
Submit these to the College Board's IDOC service. - Student's Federal Income Tax Return and W-2s
Submit these to the College Board's IDOC service. - Federal Verification Worksheet
Submit these to the College Board's IDOC service.
Application Deadlines
Students studying abroad must meet earlier financial aid application deadlines than for those remaining on campus. This is so that they can receive their aid decisions before finalizing study abroad plans.
Deadlines for Study Abroad Programs 2009-10:
| Program's Term Abroad | Application Deadline | Aid Decision Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Full academic year or fall quarter program with July or August start dates | April 1, 2009 | May 21, 2009 |
| All other programs | May 1, 2009 | June 15, 2009 |
