91ÊÓƵ

Paying for Study Abroad

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With the right planning, studying abroad can be as affordable as studying at CI - and sometimes, even cheaper! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about students curious to know how they can afford to study abroad.

How much does it cost to study abroad?

If you are studying abroad through a CSU IP, Exchange, or Faculty-led program, tuition is the same abroad as it is at 91ÊÓƵ. Other costs vary depending on the program and the cost of living in the host country. Each program has it's own budget sheet so you can compare the cost to that of 91ÊÓƵ. See the budgets under the "Program Costs" tab for each program. 

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How does the cost of study abroad compare to the cost of attending CI?

Compare the cost of the (CSU IP only) to the estimated cost of attendance at CI. Resources like are useful to help compare the cost of living in your host location to here in California.

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Can I use financial aid to study abroad?

Absolutely! All forms of financial aid (except federal work study) can be applied to your study abroad experience through CSUIP, Exchange, and Faculty-led programs including federal Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, State University Grants, Educational Opportunity Program Grants, Cal Grants, federal student loans, and Parent PLUS loans. For the types of aid available to you, visit the Financial Aid Office.

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Do I have to complete the FAFSA if I am planning on studying abroad?

Yes! We encourage all students who are planning on studying abroad to complete their FAFSA well before the FAFSA deadline to be able to apply financial aid to study abroad.

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What scholarships are available to study abroad students?

There are several scholarship opportunities for students looking to study abroad, especially for students traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. Other higher education scholarships may be applied to study abroad as well, so students should cast a wide net for funding opportunities. 

See a list of scholarships 91ÊÓƵ students have been awarded in the past:
  • (for students who receive the Federal Pell Grant)
  • (for programs in Asia)
  • 91ÊÓƵ Scholarships (including, but not limited to, the Daniel Lee Memorial Scholarship)
  • (for CSU IP Scholarships only)
  • (for students who are child or spousal dependents of active duty military)
  • (for Japan programs only)
  • (for Japan programs only)

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Outside of financial aid and scholarships, what are other ways to fund study abroad?

Personal savings, personal loans, family support (if possible) are other ways to help pay for study abroad. Don't be afraid to get creative! For instance, garage sales or crowdfunding could be other areas worth exploring.

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What are some "out-of-pocket" expenses that I should be aware of when thinking about budgeting for study abroad?

Outside of tuition and fees, student should plan to pay for flights, visa-related expenses (if applicable), housing, meals, mandatory insurance, public transportation, and other personal expenses. The more effectively you prepare for these expenses ahead of time, the more seamless your experience will be upon acceptance and while abroad.

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What other advice do you have for students budgeting for study abroad?

If you are planning on using financial aid to fund study abroad, be aware that financial aid will disburse on 91ÊÓƵ's semester calendar, which is not necessarily the same as the start date of your abroad program. Additionally, certain expenses (ie: visa fees, housing deposits, flights) will incur prior to aid being disbursed. Plan to cover these pre-trip expenses and have at least 1-2 months worth of living expenses while abroad from sources outside of financial aid.

Certain visa applications may require students to submit proof of financial support while abroad. Plan for this possibility. If you are curious whether your host country will require this type of financial support, reach out to the Study Abroad Advisor.

Finally, make sure to consider exchange rates while budgeting for your time abroad. Exhange rates vary over time. 

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If I receive a fee waiver now, can I still apply the fee waiver to a study abroad experience?

including some Veterans Fee Waivers (like the Cal Vet Fee Waiver) and the CSU Dependent Tuition Waiver may be applied to a 91ÊÓƵ-sanctioned study abroad experience. Please contact the Veterans Affairs Office and/or Financial Aid Office for specific guidance. 

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Resources for Financing Study Abroad

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