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Funding Your Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your personal and professional growth—and it’s an unforgettable life experience!

It provides access to world-class education, cultural immersion, and global networking opportunities that enhance career prospects. Beyond academics, you’ll gain independence, adaptability, and a broader worldview—skills that make you stand out in an increasingly global job market. The experience is not just about earning a degree; it’s about transforming perspectives and unlocking future opportunities!

We’re all about offering no-frills study abroad, meaning we provide the essentials—affordable tuition, accommodation, and support—while still delivering the core benefits of an international education. You get to choose and customize the rest!

LEADING THE WAY WITH AFFORDABLE STUDY ABROAD

The average cost for a semester abroad with StudyAbroad.com is just $13,252 including tuition, housing, and more! The average cost of a semester elsewhere starts around $20,124.* Why are we so much less? We’ve cut out unnecessary add-ons so that you can get the same study experience, for oftentimes half the cost! Learn more.

Average Semester Tuition + Housing

StudyAbroad.com

$13,252

60%

Savings!

Other Semester Programs

$20,124

100%

*Price comparisons were created using publicly available information and may have discrepancies. All costs are based on a full semester program that includes tuition and housing.

What You Get with StudyAbroad.com

Tuition for a full time course load (amount of courses/credits depends on term and host university)
Academic transcript from Host University
Housing/Accommodations for the duration of your program
Airport transfer on arrival in-country (from specified airport or train station)
Comprehensive travel medical insurance
Dedicated Program Advisor who is accessible and experienced
Pre and post arrival orientation
Student services and support at Host Institution
Access to Host Institution facilities
24/7 emergency phone support
Visa guidance and support

What You'll Need

The following items are not included in our program fee and you should plan to cover these costs. Your StudyAbroad.com advisor will still be able to assist you and answer any questions!

Transportation (flights) to and from program destination
Visa fees and expenses
Housing security deposit (if applicable)
Textbooks or other course materials
Optional trips and excursions
Daily transportation
Any/all personal expenses

Costs, inclusions, and exclusions should be verified during your enrollment process and are subject to changes, updates, or clarification based on the program destination. Please wait until after acceptance and you have received the confirmed dates to book any flights!

READ MORE ABOUT THE THINGS YOU’LL NEED

How to Pay for Study Abroad

Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity, but financing it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are many ways to make it affordable, from scholarships and financial aid to part-time work and creative fundraising. With the right strategy and planning, studying abroad can be within reach—no matter your budget!

Here are the primary ways to pay for your international education:

Scholarships & Grants

Many universities, governments, and private organizations offer merit-based, need-based, or destination-specific funding that doesn’t need to be repaid.

LEARN MORE

Financial Aid

Federal and institutional aid, including FAFSA (for U.S. students), can often be applied to study abroad programs.

LEARN MORE

Study Abroad Loans

Private and government-backed student loans can help cover tuition, travel, and living expenses when other funding isn’t available.

Part-Time Work

Some countries allow students to work part-time on a student visa, helping cover daily expenses. Check local regulations for work restrictions and ask your advisor!

Crowdfunding & Fundraising

Platforms like FundMyTravel or community fundraisers can help students gather financial support from friends, family, and sponsors.

Savings & Family Support

Personal savings, summer jobs, or financial assistance from family can contribute to covering costs. Planning ahead can make study abroad more financially feasible!

queen margaret university scotland support image-259

Students at University of Waikato in New Zealand.

Scholarships

At StudyAbroad.com, we know that cost is one of the biggest concerns for students considering studying abroad. Fortunately, scholarships can help make your international education more affordable. Whether you’re looking for merit-based awards, need-based assistance, or funding for a specific destination, there are plenty of opportunities available!

What Are Study Abroad Scholarships?

Study abroad scholarships are financial awards that help cover the costs of international education. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid, making them an excellent way to reduce expenses. They may cover tuition, housing, travel, living costs, or a combination of these. Scholarships are offered by universities, government programs, nonprofit organizations, and study abroad providers like us!

StudyAbroad.com Scholarships & Discounts

StudyAbroad.com offers a variety of discounts and scholarships to participants of our study abroad programs. Applicants may not combine discounts (including promotions); only one discount or promotion may be applied for each study abroad program of at least 8 weeks in duration. Applicants must follow the application deadlines for the discount or scholarship to be valid.

TRAVEL CORRESPONDENT SCHOLARSHIP

As a StudyAbroad.com Travel Correspondent, you will submit videos and photos and written blogs documenting your experiences abroad.*

Amount: Up to $250 USD
Eligibility: Applicant must be participating in a StudyAbroad.com program.
Disbursement: Scholarship will be deducted from the final program fee payment.
Deadline to Apply: Scholarship application must be received by StudyAbroad.com within 10 business days of submitting a study abroad application.

How to Apply

Send an email to info@studyabroad.com with the following:
- Subject line: “Travel Correspondent Scholarship Application – FULL NAME”
- A 250-500 word statement about what you’re most looking forward to about studying abroad.
- A short form video of a recent experience or trip that you took.**
- Three (3) photos from a recent experience or trip that you took.**

*Submission requirements vary based on program duration.

**Feel free to be creative! This could be anything from a walk in the park or visit to a restaurant, to your latest road trip or weekend adventure.

ALUMNI DISCOUNT

If you have participated in a StudyAbroad.com program in the past, you are eligible to receive a $250 USD discount on a study abroad program of at least 8 weeks in duration. The discount will be deducted from the final program payment. Applicants must submit a completed application and application fee to qualify.

EARLY APPLICANT DISCOUNT

Applications for study abroad programs received by StudyAbroad.com 6 months or more prior to the applicant’s program start date are eligible to have their $95 USD application fee waived. Applicants must submit a completed application and tell their StudyAbroad.com advisor to apply the discount to qualify.

AFFILIATE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

Students and alumni from affiliate universities of StudyAbroad.com will automatically have the StudyAbroad.com Affiliate University Scholarship applied to their StudyAbroad.com program. Ask your advisor to find out if you are eligible!

U.S. Government Scholarships & Grant Programs for College Students

The U.S. Department of State offers a range of scholarship programs designed to support American college and university students in pursuing international education opportunities. These programs provide funding for study abroad, helping students gain global experience while developing cross-cultural and professional skills.

With opportunities available for students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines, these scholarships promote educational exchange and international engagement. By participating, students can expand their perspectives, enhance their resumes, and contribute to global understanding.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

Paying with Financial Aid

US Federal Student Aid for Studying Abroad

The U.S. Department of Education provides financial aid options that can help eligible students fund their study abroad experiences. Through federal grants, loans, and work-study programs, students may be able to apply existing financial aid toward an approved study abroad program.

How To Apply for US Federal Student Aid

If you don’t already complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year for college, it’s important to familiarize yourself with federal student aid programs and the FAFSA process. To receive federal financial aid for studying abroad, you must first submit a FAFSA form.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAFSA

Already have Federal Student Aid? How to Apply it to Your Study Abroad Program:

To find out which types of aid can be applied to your study abroad program, reach out to the financial aid office at your U.S. school (Home Institution). Start the process early to ensure all required paperwork is completed on time. Be sure to tell your StudyAbroad.com advisor if you will be using financial aid to pay for part or all of your program fee!

CROWDFUNDING GUIDE

If you’re looking for more financial assistance, crowdfunding can be an effective way to raise funds for your education abroad. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch a successful crowdfunding campaign for studying abroad!

There are several crowdfunding platforms available, each with different features and fee structures.

We highly recommend FundMyTravel, a platform created specifically for meaningful travelers!

Other popular platforms for education-related campaigns include:

GoFundMe – Ideal for personal fundraising with an easy-to-use interface.
Fundly – A flexible platform with no funding goal requirements.
Indiegogo – Offers both flexible and fixed funding options.
Kickstarter – Best for creative projects with structured campaigns.
ScholarshipOwl – Specifically designed for students seeking education funding.

Before launching your crowdfunding campaign, take time to strategize:

Set a realistic fundraising goal – Calculate tuition, living expenses, travel, and other costs.
Create a compelling story – Explain why studying abroad is important to you and how it aligns with your goals.
Set a deadline – Having a sense of urgency encourages donations.
Outline how the funds will be used – Transparency builds trust with donors.

Your crowdfunding page should be engaging and informative. Key elements include:

A captivating title – Make it personal and inspiring.
An engaging video – Videos significantly increase engagement and donations.
High-quality images – Show your personality and passion for studying abroad.
A clear and heartfelt description – Be specific about your financial needs and how this opportunity impacts your future.

To maximize your reach, actively promote your campaign through various channels:

Social Media – Share your story on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Email Outreach – Send personalized emails to family, friends, and mentors.
Community Engagement – Reach out to local businesses, schools, and community groups.
Press and Blogs – Pitch your story to local newspapers or education bloggers.

Maintaining engagement with your supporters is crucial:

Regular Updates – Post updates on your progress and milestones.
Thank Your Donors – Express gratitude through personalized messages, shoutouts, or small tokens of appreciation.
Showcase Your Journey – Share photos and experiences from your study abroad journey to keep donors involved.

Consider providing incentives for different donation tiers, such as:

Personalized thank-you notes
Exclusive travel blogs or vlogs
Small souvenirs from your study destination
Virtual Q&A sessions about your experiences

Your personal connections are your biggest asset. Encourage your supporters to:

Share your campaign with their networks.
Introduce you to potential donors.
Offer guidance or additional resources for funding your education.

There are several crowdfunding platforms available, each with different features and fee structures.

We highly recommend FundMyTravel, a platform created specifically for meaningful travelers!

Other popular platforms for education-related campaigns include:

GoFundMe – Ideal for personal fundraising with an easy-to-use interface.
Fundly – A flexible platform with no funding goal requirements.
Indiegogo – Offers both flexible and fixed funding options.
Kickstarter – Best for creative projects with structured campaigns.
ScholarshipOwl – Specifically designed for students seeking education funding.

Before launching your crowdfunding campaign, take time to strategize:

Set a realistic fundraising goal – Calculate tuition, living expenses, travel, and other costs.
Create a compelling story – Explain why studying abroad is important to you and how it aligns with your goals.
Set a deadline – Having a sense of urgency encourages donations.
Outline how the funds will be used – Transparency builds trust with donors.

Your crowdfunding page should be engaging and informative. Key elements include:

A captivating title – Make it personal and inspiring.
An engaging video – Videos significantly increase engagement and donations.
High-quality images – Show your personality and passion for studying abroad.
A clear and heartfelt description – Be specific about your financial needs and how this opportunity impacts your future.

To maximize your reach, actively promote your campaign through various channels:

Social Media – Share your story on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Email Outreach – Send personalized emails to family, friends, and mentors.
Community Engagement – Reach out to local businesses, schools, and community groups.
Press and Blogs – Pitch your story to local newspapers or education bloggers.

Maintaining engagement with your supporters is crucial:

Regular Updates – Post updates on your progress and milestones.
Thank Your Donors – Express gratitude through personalized messages, shoutouts, or small tokens of appreciation.
Showcase Your Journey – Share photos and experiences from your study abroad journey to keep donors involved.

Consider providing incentives for different donation tiers, such as:

Personalized thank-you notes
Exclusive travel blogs or vlogs
Small souvenirs from your study destination
Virtual Q&A sessions about your experiences

Your personal connections are your biggest asset. Encourage your supporters to:

Share your campaign with their networks.
Introduce you to potential donors.
Offer guidance or additional resources for funding your education.

Crowdfunding for studying abroad will require planning, effort, and consistent promotion. By crafting a compelling story, engaging your network, and keeping donors updated, you can successfully raise funds for your dream experience abroad. Start your campaign today and turn your study abroad aspirations into reality!

We highly recommend FundMyTravel, a platform created specifically for meaningful travelers!

Funding Your Program

LEADING THE WAY WITH AFFORDABLE STUDY ABROAD

Average Semester Tuition + Housing

What You Get with StudyAbroad.com

What You'll Need

How to Pay for Study Abroad

Scholarships & Grants

LEARN MORE

Financial Aid

LEARN MORE

Study Abroad Loans

Part-Time Work

Crowdfunding & Fundraising

Savings & Family Support

Scholarships

What Are Study Abroad Scholarships?

StudyAbroad.com Scholarships & Discounts

TRAVEL CORRESPONDENT SCHOLARSHIP

ALUMNI DISCOUNT

EARLY APPLICANT DISCOUNT

AFFILIATE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

U.S. Government Scholarships & Grant Programs for College Students

LEARN MORE ABOUT US SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

Paying with Financial Aid

US Federal Student Aid for Studying Abroad

READ MORE ABOUT USING FEDERAL AID FOR STUDY ABROAD

How To Apply for US Federal Student Aid

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAFSA

Already have Federal Student Aid? How to Apply it to Your Study Abroad Program:

CROWDFUNDING GUIDE

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